THE BLUE BIRD HAS FLOWN

THE BLUE BIRD HAS FLOWN

BY

JACK GOUDSWARD

    It is with great regret that in late November 2013 the “Blue Bird Inn” was demolished and removed. Old time residents have fond memories of the Inn. From lavish meals to outstanding holiday decoration that thrilled all ages.  The building stood at the corner of Franklin Ave heading toward Oakland.

   The Inn went through a number of changes throughout the years.  It started out as the “Blue Bird Grove Stand”. Later renovations turned it into the Inn we remember. After the Inn closed it stood vacant until “Country Side Mirror” relocated into the building. They stayed for a number of years then relocated out of town.  The Inn again stood vacant until the “Wyckoff Peddler” mover in. After a short time they moved out and the building again went vacant. Hey were the last to occupy the building before it’s’ destruction.  But this not the first time the building faced destruction.

    This happened in March of 1938. The Inn then known as the “Blue Bird Grove Stand” was hit by fire. At that time the building was much smaller and was occupied by Mr. Frank Brown and his cat. The fire was well advanced before it was discovered by Charles Morris who was passing by the stand.  The fire had already gutted the inside of the stand and was now breaking through the roof. Mr. Morris hurried to the office of Chief William Pulis to inform him of the fire. The fire Company was called out and arrived at the blaze in short order. They first fought the fire with extinguishers until the pumper could be connected to the well of Mike Cook on the next property. They pumped his well dry but the fire was put out.

   Mr. Brown lost all his possessions along with his beloved pet cat who died in the fire. The building was owned by Mr. J.J. Thomas who rebuilt and expanded the building to what we knew today. Sadly the  “ Blue Bird Inn” has flown into memory.