Dear Editor:

Thanks for the interesting article on the closing of French's Diner.  I almost got a lump in my throat when I saw the photo and read the headlines.  I have many precious memories of that restaurant and its first owners.  I worked there  in those early days and loved French and Amy.  Working alongside them and B.J., I learned skills that made it possible to later obtain restaurant work in Nashville while I was in college at Trevecca.  That B.J. - I can still remember how he would take a raw oyster, open his mouth wide and swallow something that I didn't like, even when we prepared them well for the eating public.

I remember well the time when French sent me to the building out back for some eggs, sometime later to come looking for me.  He found me sitting there with the crates of eggs taking a nap.
How well I remember the "FABulous milkshake" I made for some unwary coworker.  I saw a coke bottle almost full, put it into the milk shake container, threw in some FAB washing powder, and mixed it up.  Then I set it down in the little kitchen and waited to see what would happen.  Someone was sure to take a drink.  It was Mayona who fell for the trick, then headed out the back door, foaming at the mouth.

Working at French's Diner was my first real job, and one that I loved.  Even when it meant getting out of bed so early!  I recall opening the diner at five, long before daylight, to accommodate the hunters who wanted a good breakfast before heading out into the woods.

You wrote: "The oldest restaurant in Marlinton has seen better days."  Yes, I was there and was a part of it in those "better days."  It is sad to hear that the restaurant will be closing this month.  I wish I were able to come back one more time and have some of that gravy and biscuits, eggs and sausage.  I'll just have to imagine that it is happening.  My heartfelt best wishes go out to the Armstrong family and the staff who have been serving the community so well.

I am now 76 and don't get back home often, but the next time I am in Marlinton, I will not be happy to see that my old stamping ground is gone.

Arlo J. Alderman
Lynchburg, TN 37352