The Biz Review reports that L-Ken's Drive-In -- the old ice cream stand on Central Ave -- is scheduled to be demolished for new development (possibly a bank or chain restaurant). We'll miss that sign when it eventually comes down. (Thanks, Alex)
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Comments
At least the developer says he'll leave the sign standing- for the time being. That's a good candidate for the State Museum at least.
... said Eric Stott on Jan 5, 2011 at 1:09 PM | link
The article also mentions that they are tearing down the small house on the corner there. I LOVE that house! It is only one of two I have seen in this area with that funky brick work. (The other is near 378 and 9) Does anyone know the story behind that house and the original mason?
... said Jessica R on Jan 5, 2011 at 1:25 PM | link
Hey guys, thanks for linking to my picture of the old L-Ken's sign! I took some more shots of L-Ken's last weekend, but they're on my rolls of Kodachrome and have not yet come back from the developers.
... said Chuck Miller on Jan 5, 2011 at 2:06 PM | link
@Chuck, I hope it's not ACTUALLY Kodachrome considering the last place developing the film did its last roll last week ;-)
http://www.newsweek.com/2011/01/04/kodachrome-comes-to-an-end.html
... said Go Phish on Jan 5, 2011 at 2:45 PM | link
@Go Phish:
My last four rolls, which were taken around Christmas Weekend, arrived at Dwayne's Photo on the 28th, meaning they made it to Kansas before the noon December 30th final deadline. So they're developed; now I just have to wait for the slides to be sleeved and boxed (I ordered Kodak processing, so all the sleeves will say "Kodak" on them) and shipped back to me. So right now I'm just playing a waiting game, waiting for my slides to come back home to me. :)
... said Chuck Miller on Jan 5, 2011 at 3:24 PM | link
I love the brick work on that house, too! It'll be a shame to see it go. It should have some sort of historic designation.
... said Amy on Jan 5, 2011 at 4:06 PM | link
I do miss L-Kens, and I'll miss the great retro sign, but there are other good local fast-food-and-ice-cream places. I'm more disappointed that the amazing brick building that was mentioned by other commenters above will be demo'ed :( I specifically remember going to L-Ken's as a kid, sitting in the car or at a picnic table and studying the interesting brick patterns (or, lack of patterns - they are placed randomly, some halved, with the rough side facing out).
... said Paul on Jan 5, 2011 at 7:47 PM | link
Sounds like that house deserves it's own AOA story, or at least some pictures by Chuck!
... said Jessica R on Jan 6, 2011 at 10:34 AM | link
@Jessica R:
Let me see what I can put together. No promises, but I may have some ideas on this... :)
... said Chuck Miller on Jan 10, 2011 at 12:30 PM | link