To anyone my age, Horn and Hardart’s line of Automats /was/ New York City. Part of what did them in was the rise in prices; it’s not so convenient to buy a sandwich with fifty dimes. So there’s really no point to bring it up to date. The Automats are gone, like dramatic and comedy radio, typewriters, rumble seats, world’s fairs, liveried elevator operators, and double features.
It wasn’t all machinery. The back opened up directly to a real, live kitchen, and the food was kept fresh—New York is kinda particular about its restaurants, especially the ones that are popular with tourists, reporters, and businessmen.
Those were the days my friend. We’d thought they’d never end. We’d sing and dance forever and a day. We’d live the life we choose. We’d fight and never lose. Those were the days. Oh, yes those were the days.
Rod Gonzalez over 10 years ago
Oh that Jeff . . .
Simon_Jester over 10 years ago
How about a little dinner music, Jeff?I suggest Concerto For Horn and Hardart by PDQ Bach
Bill D. Kat Premium Member over 10 years ago
A dime for a sandwich? I am surprised they didn’t update that to a more current price such as five bucks.
Sherlock Watson over 10 years ago
Today’s background music: “Eat It” by Weird Al Yankovic.
Number Three over 10 years ago
I agree with Jeff! Although who knows how long the sandwiches have been in there? Unless they are replaced every day.
xxx
brklnbern over 10 years ago
Yes there really was a time when it was a nickel. Just call him slot machine Jeff.
John W Kennedy Premium Member over 10 years ago
To anyone my age, Horn and Hardart’s line of Automats /was/ New York City. Part of what did them in was the rise in prices; it’s not so convenient to buy a sandwich with fifty dimes. So there’s really no point to bring it up to date. The Automats are gone, like dramatic and comedy radio, typewriters, rumble seats, world’s fairs, liveried elevator operators, and double features.
It wasn’t all machinery. The back opened up directly to a real, live kitchen, and the food was kept fresh—New York is kinda particular about its restaurants, especially the ones that are popular with tourists, reporters, and businessmen.
Jim Kerner over 10 years ago
Those were the days my friend. We’d thought they’d never end. We’d sing and dance forever and a day. We’d live the life we choose. We’d fight and never lose. Those were the days. Oh, yes those were the days.
John W Kennedy Premium Member over 10 years ago
If you can actually remember silver half-dimes, you belong in the cast of “Gasoline Alley” as Walt’s grandfather.