In 1872, in Providence, Rhode Island, Walter Scott began selling takeout food from a horse-drawn wagon at dusk. He attracted late-shift workers, theatergoers, and others who were out and about after dark. Based upon his success, a factory soon began building “lunch wagons.” These were followed, in turn, by converted railway dining cars. After that, during the 1920s to 1940s, came modest buildings featuring art deco and streamline moderne elements that copied the appearance of those cars.
After World War II and the opening of the interstate highway system, these diners saw a boom in business. The typical establishment had stainless-steel siding and nostalgic, retro-style touches.
