Old Bridge, NJ – Sept. 23, 2019 – Author and NJ native Michael Gabriele will discuss the state’s iconic diners as he introduces his latest book, “Stories from New Jersey Diners – Monuments to Community” at the Old Bridge Library on Thursday, Oct. 3rd at 7:30pm.
The book, which contains over 80 photos, documents stories gathered throughout the state, known as the Diner Capital of the World. Diners and lunch wagons have been part of New Jersey life for 125 years, serving as beloved meeting places for their respective communities.
These are stories that have shaped lives, families, careers, businesses, and communities. Many tales are snapshots of the immigrant experience. The narrative includes diverse, heartfelt diner tales from a fire department chief, a cowboy, a rock musician, truck drivers and a former NJ state trooper. Stories in the book feature memories of late-night eats during Wildwood’s wild rock-and-roll days of the 1950s; an entrepreneur who traveled 8,000 miles from India and opened a diner in the Pine Barrens; and a frantic, impromptu midnight wedding ceremony held in an Elizabeth lunch wagon in 1906. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing after the presentation.
This is Gabriele’s fourth book on New Jersey history; previous titles are: “The Golden Age of Bicycle Racing in New Jersey;” “The History of Diners in New Jersey;” and New Jersey Folk Revival Music—History and Tradition.” A lifelong Garden State resident, Gabriele is a graduate of Montclair State University and has worked as a journalist, freelance writer and author for more than 40 years.
The Old Bridge Public Library has consistently been voted one of the three Best Public Libraries in Middlesex County by the readers of the Home News Tribune. The Library is open seven-days-a-week and is located at 1 Old Bridge Plaza at the corner of Rt. 516 and Cottrell Road in the Municipal Center. More information about this and other Library programs is available at www.oldbridgelibrary.org or by calling 732-721-5600 x5033. The satellite Laurence Harbor branch is located at 277 Shoreland Circle; phone: 732-566-2227.
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