Just read in the local paper here in Phoenixville that the vintage Paramount diner up on blocks around the corner from us, the former Vale Rio Diner, is on sale on eBay. (for $225,000 yowza!) (10/8/10 update – The Val went on eBay again this week for $175,000 but there were no takers)
(this is what it looked like prior to moving, I’ll walk the dog over later to take a photo of it up on blocks today)
It was a sad day in Phoenixville when the diner was moved to make way for a Walgreen’s, and the historic building next door to it was closed to make way for a Starbucks that never appeared.
Here’s what the diner looks like today:
(literally today, I just came back from a dog walk where I snapped this photo not 20 minutes ago!)
The fact that the people of Phoenixville cared enough to keep a diner going, as well as a historic movie house and a number of other independent businesses, was one of the deciding factors when Retro Roadhusband and I made the leap to move up here. The existence now of a Walgreens within 200 yards of a Rite Aid within 50 feet of a CVS here in Pville makes me more embarrassed than anything to live here. Luckily we live near and go to the Gateway Pharmacy, locally owned and operated, and I will never spend a cent in any of those chain stores. Harrumph!
Here’s a link to a great writeup about the Vale Rio from local blogger and all around good guy Rich Wilhelm on his blog Dichotomy of the Dog with some cool photos of the diner too.
Not sure what will happen if it doesn’t sell, but I’ll keep you posted.
Lizzie
July 11, 2010 at 7:02 pmThat really is sad. I hope it finds a loving owner soon.
Mod Betty / Retro Roadmap
July 12, 2010 at 9:37 amme too!
wendyvee
July 11, 2010 at 7:08 pmOh, so sad to see the diner that way. It almost seems undignified to see “her” like that.
Hope she finds a new home soon.
Mod Betty / Retro Roadmap
July 12, 2010 at 9:38 amI agree! I drive past her every day, and all I can think is “at least it wasn’t junked” – I’m wondering what will happen if it doesn’t sell on eBay? I can’t imagine they will get that kind of money. Will keep you posted!
wendyvee
July 11, 2010 at 7:09 pmIf those walls could talk ….
beth
July 11, 2010 at 8:38 pmSad all around. I miss the days of Lazy Dog drinking and 2am Vale breakfasts. And you know how I feel about those damn drugstores…gah.
Mod Betty / Retro Roadmap
July 12, 2010 at 8:01 amI hear you Bethaloo, and you have a lot more history in the ‘Ville than us newcomers, but it just must be equally as embarrassing for you folks who grew up here!
Mod Betty / Retro Roadmap
July 12, 2010 at 9:39 amGah. Exactly!
Chris
July 12, 2010 at 9:33 amSo sad! I was lucky enough to eat there on their last day in business. I almost choked when the waitress told me it was going to be replaced by a CVS.
Paul G
July 17, 2010 at 6:43 amIt’s heartbreaking that Phoenixville has lost a wonderful landmark and gathering place. Throughout my life, the Val was the place to go for a good breakfast after a date, a great meal with the family, or a good cup of coffee. Sadly, so much of our P’ville heritage and history is being lost. The wonderful mural on the side of Steel City, at Main and Bridge, that describes so much about our town is going to be replaced by a rediculous, stylized painting of a phoenix in various shades of grey! I have always hoped that the Val would be resurrected somewhere in Phoenixville, but I suspect she’ll be bought and shipped far away. I hope whoever gets to visit our grand chrome lady, can feel the warmth of all the memories left behind by the people of Phoenixville.
Mod Betty / Retro Roadmap
July 17, 2010 at 7:45 amPaul- I couldn’t agree with you more about the state of some of the great stuff in Phoenixville -including the Vale and the mural. We can only hope for the best, and be able to do what we can to work towards a town that appreciates its history while moving forward as well.
wendyvee
October 15, 2018 at 8:57 pmOh, so sad to see the diner that way. It almost seems undignified to see “her” like that.
Hope she finds a new home soon.
Lizzie
October 15, 2018 at 8:57 pmThat really is sad. I hope it finds a loving owner soon.
Chris
October 15, 2018 at 8:57 pmSo sad! I was lucky enough to eat there on their last day in business. I almost choked when the waitress told me it was going to be replaced by a CVS.
wendyvee
October 15, 2018 at 8:57 pmIf those walls could talk ….
beth
October 15, 2018 at 8:57 pmSad all around. I miss the days of Lazy Dog drinking and 2am Vale breakfasts. And you know how I feel about those damn drugstores…gah.
Paul G
October 15, 2018 at 8:57 pmIt’s heartbreaking that Phoenixville has lost a wonderful landmark and gathering place. Throughout my life, the Val was the place to go for a good breakfast after a date, a great meal with the family, or a good cup of coffee. Sadly, so much of our P’ville heritage and history is being lost. The wonderful mural on the side of Steel City, at Main and Bridge, that describes so much about our town is going to be replaced by a rediculous, stylized painting of a phoenix in various shades of grey! I have always hoped that the Val would be resurrected somewhere in Phoenixville, but I suspect she’ll be bought and shipped far away. I hope whoever gets to visit our grand chrome lady, can feel the warmth of all the memories left behind by the people of Phoenixville.
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