Big Boy or Fish Fare – March 1966

Well, it's finally Friday. For many of us, that means it's time to start thinking about maybe fish for dinner. I'm not Catholic, but I still like fish on Friday. I haven't been to Slovak Home in recent years, but I've carried out from Chris' a few times this Lent season, as well as once or twice from Long John Silver's.

Sixty years ago, you might have decided to stop at Manners and try their Fish Fare, as promoted in the Journal ad above from March 31, 1966. While Lake Erie perch is usually the popular local choice, Manners was offering a special deal of twelve ocean perch and a pound of French Fries, plus a pint of cole slaw for only $1.95.

Back then, there was only the Manners on Henderson Drive (the former Hoop Drive-in). But within a few years, there would also be restaurants on West Erie Avenue, Oberlin Avenue and near the intersection of Rts. 254 and 57. We would carry out from the one on Oberlin Avenue.

I don't know, but I would have had a tough time back then (or now) walking into Manners and not buying a Big Boy. It's a good thing I'm not Catholic after all.

It's still interesting to me that there were two versions of the Big Boy mascot, the "West Coast" version (the fat one) and the "East Coast" version, which is the one that was used by Manners). (I wrote about them here). 

I always liked the Manners version of Big Boy. He's running away with his namesake sandwich and he already took a bite out of it! He's armed with a slingshot, perhaps in case anyone tried to stop him. 

If you look on eBay, there are a lot of "East Coast" Big Boy items for sale.

Anyway, I happened to be in Fremont last weekend. When it was dinner time, a Frisch's Big Boy conveniently loomed into view on State Street and solved the problem of where to eat.

 

Consequently a fine meal of – what else? – Big Boys was enjoyed. 

The restaurant manager mentioned that she had been forced to find a new supplier for the trademark Big Boy white sauce. I think she said it was due to some issues caused by the ongoing lawsuit.

Nevertheless, I always look forward to my next Big Boy sandwich, whether it happens to be in Port Clinton, Cleveland, or wherever.