EAT

This is a good example - maybe a fair example - that there are intersting things "Around the Corner". With this post, I added the back story, that I hoped occured.

Just past Wakefield, Virginia on Route 460, there’s a sign outside a defunct restaurant that simply says EAT in big red, formerly-lit letters, each one a good two to three feet high. I first saw the sign while driving back and forth to Hampden-Sydney College back in the early 80s. Even then, the business had been long closed. However, the sign is there today as constant reminder to all who pass to EAT. It doesn’t offer any particular suggestions on cuisine, when or where; it just reminds you to EAT.

Somebody somewhere made a conscious decision to order that sign. I can’t help but wonder about the thought process and the discussions that may have transpired during that process. I envision a 1940’s era husband and wife sitting in a kitchen around a red Formica table strewn with sketches, budget sheets and price quotes for the sign that would one day appear outside their burgeoning restaurant as a beacon for all who travel through south central Virginia.

“Honey,” the husband says in a soft southern drawl, “I’ve been workin’ the numbers and there ain’t no way we can afford the word DINER out front. D…I…N…E…R. It’s just too many letters, just too expensive.” So with sharpened pencils and plenty of paper, the couple set out on jotting down alternatives. “Let’s see…FOOD. That’s four letters, but still too expensive,” the husband says.” “DINE. Still four letters and a little too fancy for this part of Virginia” After a few minutes the wife has an epiphany that would alter the cuisine scene for the entire area. EAT. Simple. Succinct. And best of all, within budget. Their eyes meet. She beams with pride at providing the solution, and he is reminded why he loves her so much. They hug, and a sheet of paper with the word EAT scrawled across it is taped to the Frigidaire. An era has begun.

Shortly thereafter, the couple stands in the parking lot -- arm in arm as each letter is hoisted in place. E. The excitement builds. A. Now, we’re talking. T. They kiss. The sign is finally in place and people from all around drop in to EAT. Just like the sign says. One day, I’m sure the couple received a bill from a sign company that said something along the lines of “Construction and Installation of E—A—T. Three red, lit letters at $50/ea. Total $150.” Please remit within 30 days.” I find this quite amusing. I wish I had a copy of the bill.

Next time you’re on 460 heading west, make sure you bring along a candy bar, pack of crackers or something. When you drive by, slow down and pay homage. Do what the sign says. EAT. And, somewhere a couple will be smiling knowing that their sign is still working today.