The Pueblo – Part 9

As I’ve noted before, the widening of U. S. Route 6 west of Lorain in the 1950s created fragments of bypassed highway both east and west of the undercut. But by the early 1960s, the businesses and residences located on these short road segments still had their West Lake Road addresses.

Apparently, the decision was made to give these access roads new names to avoid confusion with the main highway. Unlike similar road fragments west of Vermilion, however, they were not called ‘Old Lake Road.'

The short road on which the Pueblo had been located for decades was named Pueblo Drive as a tribute, first appearing in the 1963 edition of the Lorain City Directory. The old numerical addresses for the businesses and residences located there (such as 4015 for the Hialeah Tourist Court) were simply retained for their new Pueblo Drive designation.

Today, Charles Akers Construction, Inc. sits at the western end of Pueblo Drive, approximately where the restaurant was located.

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Unlike many other iconic Lorain businesses (such as the Castle, or Heilman’s), apparently there are no postcards of the Pueblo that have turned up on Ebay. Matchbooks (such as those from Paula Shorf’s collection that I posted on Parts 4 & 5) have shown up from time to time.

A vintage Pueblo Barbecue menu (below) appeared on the Lorain, Ohio By Photos Facebook page in the last few years.

Al Doane’s archives at the Lorain Public Library included what appeared to be a later Pueblo menu (below).

Today, the Pueblo is remembered only by those Lorain Countians old enough to have enjoyed a fine meal or night out there. It remains a colorful piece of local lore that deserves to be remembered not only for the good times experienced there, but for the bold vision of F. J. McFadden in creating something so unique. It’s a shame that it met a fiery demise like so many other Lorain businesses through the years.

The Pueblo – Part 8

The headline above the masthead of the Lorain Journal on September 4, 1962 proclaimed the sad news: "Old Landmark Destroyed As Fire Levels Gypsy Fiddle Inn”

Here’s the tragic story as it appeared in the paper that day. Strangely, the Journal’s coverage didn’t mention that for thirty years the building had been home to the Pueblo.

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Gypsy Fiddle Inn Hit By Fire Early Monday
Damage $30,000 In Second Big Fire In 10 Days
By HARDY CRIST

A two-alarm blaze, Lorain’s second in 10 days, raced through the Gypsy Fiddle Inn early Monday, causing damage expected to reach into the $30,000 figures and sending seven firemen into the hospital.

Firemen battled the blazing structure for more than two hours, using three pumper trucks, plus an aerial ladder truck from three stations – No. 1, No. 2 and No. 8.

It was the second time within a year that firemen were called to the West Side restaurant. In 1961 they extinguished a blaze in the office and living quarters of the building.

A South Lorain apartment building was destroyed by fire Aug. 24. It was located at 2931 Pearl Ave.

Thirty-six off-duty firemen were called to man equipment and man empty stations shortly after the first alarm was sounded at 1:09 a.m. Monday.

Immediately after arriving at the restaurant, 4205 W. Erie Ave., a second alarm was sounded for additional equipment from the No. 2 and 8 stations.

While the investigation continues, no definite fire loss or cause has been determined yet. But it is believed that it may have been ignited in the kitchen, and damage to the $30,000 - valued structure may reach in excess of that figure.

Owner of the building is Olimpio Giannini.

When the fire broke out, the building was closed with no one reported to be inside.

The blaze, according to firemen, had a head-start on firefighting activities as although scores of spectators were lining W. Erie Ave. to watch it, no alarm was turned in until a passing motorist stopped at the police station with a report that he had seen a lot of smoke in the area.

Police immediately notified the fire department, but by the time they arrived the rear of the building was engulfed in flames.

A fire department official said the passing motorist was the only person to sound the alarm, and they have not determined how long the building might have been afire before they were notified.

The spectators, plus an inadequate water supply from the two nearest hydrants, added to the firemen’s woes as they attempted to extinguish the blaze.

Police, who were directing traffic on W. Erie Ave., had to arrest one Sheffield Lake man who shunned orders and drove his car onto an access road leading to the Gypsy Fiddle. Arrested was Tommy Bandagski, 28, of 762 W. Shore Blvd., who, according to police reports, entered the access road against police orders and drove his car across a fire hose that just had been laid.

Police said the man parked his car in such a manner that it was blocking a pumper truck that was in the process of laying hose, with that truck waiting for the car to be moved so additional hose could be laid. In addition, traffic was holding up an emergency vehicle trying to enter the access road. Bandagski was due for a Municipal Court appearance today.

Another hindrance was low water pressure from hydrants, which are fed through a “single-flow” pattern in that particular area instead of the usual “grid-type” feeding system. Fire Chief Alfred Nickley asked the Water Works to give increased pressure and provide an emergency tie-in for firefighting purposes.

Fire officials today said that most of the roof was destroyed, as well as considerable damage to the rear and west side of the two-story frame, stucco-covered restaurant and tavern. They said both the first and second floor remained intact, however.

Although accidents were not serious, seven firemen were sent to St. Joseph Hospital for treatment of injuries received while fighting the blaze. All released after treatment, the injured firemen were:

Daniel McNutt, 34, of 109 Waverly Pl., who suffered a cut of the left thumb.

Paul Linna, 32, of 1328 Maine Ave., who had a scratch of the right foot after stepping on a nail.

Ronald Stephanchick, 27, of 1709 W. 26th St., who had a muscle strain of the back.

Henry Pierce, 49, of 2815 Brookview Dr., who had a puncture wound of the right foot after stepping on a nail.

Bruno Rositano, 31, of 3009 Brookview Dr., who had a bruise of the head and back after being hit by fallling plaster.

Stanley Yourkivitch, 30, of 322 Seventh St., who had a first degree burn of the face and second degree burn of the fingers on his left hand.

Thomas Bickle, 30, of 1302 W. 38th St., who suffered a bruise of the neck when someone apparently fell on him.

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The fire was also covered in the Cleveland Plain Dealer and Elyria Chronicle-Telegram. Both newspapers found it amusing that the upstairs dining room at the Gypsy Fiddle Inn was called the Flame Room.

Here are the photos and captions that accompanied their coverage.

From the Plain Dealer of Sept. 4, 1962

From the Chronicle-Telegram of Sept. 4, 1962

Both papers noted in their articles that the inn was formerly known as the Pueblo, and that the current owner Olympio Giannini was in the process of selling it on land contract to the operator of the tavern, Paul Czubak.

Next: the Wrap-up

The Pueblo – Part 7

Photo from the July 11, 1958 Lorain Journal of the new cloverleaf looking west; the red arrow points to the Pueblo

With the roadwork done, and Lake Road traffic moving in both directions through the immediate area, 1958 would appear to be the year that things went back to normal for the Pueblo.

But as the year unfolded, change was the name of the game.

A huge ad (below) ran in the April 19, 1958 Lorain Journal announcing the Grand Opening of the “beautiful, new" El Pueblo under the new management of Florian Kovacs. Rudy Ziga and his Hungarian Gypsy Orchestra were to provide the musical entertainment.

About a week later on Friday, April 25, 1958 another ad in the Journal announced that Rudy Ziga and his orchestra were now appearing nitely. Hungarian Style Home-Cooked dinners were now the specialty.

A May 2, 1958 ad (below) reinforced the fact that the restaurant had evolved from its original American Southwest Pueblo theme to that of Hungarian cooking and gypsy entertainment.

Perhaps it’s not surprising that by early July of 1958, the restaurant had a new name: Gypsy Fiddle Inn. 

Here are a few ads from the Grand Opening.

Chronicle-Telegram ad of July 11, 1958

And here are a few ads from later in the year (below).

Ad from November 1958 Lorain Journal

Gypsy Fiddle Inn ads were fairly commonplace on the nightclub pages of the local newspapers in the late 1950s. Here are a few samples from 1959.

April 10, 1959 Chronicle-Telegram ad

May 22, 1959 Lorain Journal ad

Here's a June 10, 1960 ad announcing the opening of the Flame Bar and Dining Room.

June 10, 1960 Lorain Journal ad

As the 1960s began, a different kind of music began to edge out the gypsy violins, according to these newspaper ads from 1961 (below). Buddy Tingler’s Rock ’N Billy Band were featured regulars at the Gypsy Fiddle.

September 1, 1961 ad from the Lorain Journal

Next: Disaster

The Pueblo – Part 6

In 1955, El Pueblo Bar & Restaurant had a ringside seat for US Highway 6 construction.

It was all explained in an article on the front page of the Lorain Journal on January 31, 1955 under the heading, "Four Lane 52 Foot Highway.” The article stated, "Three hundred parcels of land will be sliced this year and many buildings moved when the state highway department widens Lake Rd., extending 8.9 miles between Lorain and Vermilion.

"The extensive slicing of properties, including some buildings, became known today when state highway officials revealed the highway will be widened from the existing 30 feet to 52 feet.

"The 52 feet will include four 12-foot lanes. There will be a four foot divider between the four lanes said Raymond Stull, design engineer at the state highway division headquarters in Ashland.

"One section of the job extends 7.7 miles from Vermilion east to the Nickel Plate railroad underpass. Cost is estimated at $2 million.

"The second section includes the underpass improvement and road widening from 30 to 52 feet from the underpass east to Lorain, 1.2 miles at an estimated cost of $2.2 million."

It didn't take long for there to be a reaction to the state highway department's announcement. Even John Giannini, El Pueblo's owner, had a comment to make in the article below, which appeared on the front page of the Lorain Journal the very next day on February 1, 1955.

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Road Job Opposition Flares Up
Lake Rd. Land Owners Upset

A poll of Lake road property owners affected by proposed widening of the Lorain-Vermilion highway today, showed reactions from mild approval to violent opposition. In some cases, impressions gained by property owners from state appraisers and surveyors are in direct contrast to official state announcements made yesterday.

The state highway department announced the highway would be widened from its present width of 30 feet to 52 feet for the 8.9 miles, with four 12-foot lanes and a four foot divider.

Kelly Sees Loss
Frank Kelly, owner and manager of Kelly's Trailer Court, one wile west of Lorain, feels he will lose money no matter how much compensation he receives from the state for his property. He said:

"The plan of taking 11 feet from my side of the highway will cut into my trailer camp just enough so I will lose at least three trailer sites. At my present rate of income I will lose more than $100 per month.

"I can't make a living unless I can fill this area with 40 trailers and I don't have that many now. When the state takes away three spaces worth about $35 per month, is it going to compensate me for that loss in income?"

Cheerful Comments
A more cheerful point of view is that of John Giannini, manager of the Pueblo Inn. He feels he can't lose no matter what the state does. "But it is my understanding," he said, "that I won't be affected at all. They aren't supposed to take anything from my side."

Giannini, whose inn is on the left going to Vermilion, received the impression from state men the highway would be expanded on the opposite side and none of his property would be needed.

Sees More Business
"If they change their minds," said Giannini, "and move to my side, the highway would cut across the front of my building. I would have to remodel, but it would give me a better building and I would be compensated by the state. So I can't lose either way. Besides, the new highway will bring me more business."

He set the cost of remodeling at a minimum of $30,000.

John Clotz, manager of the Texaco Station, also on the left side of the highway, said, "I don't believe we will be hurt at all. When we built this station we checked to make sure we would be all right if the highway were widened in the future and we were assured everything was in order. Of course, we won't know anything until the state tells us definitely."

Can't Determine State's Plan
Gordon Wheeler, manager of the Cities Service Station on the right side of the highway, said, "If they take too much of the front of my property I'm out of business. The state men tell me very little will be needed from the rest of my place and that most will come from the other side of the road. I have just enough space to handle cars on either side of my pumps and if I have to move them closer to my building I will lost hundreds of customers. I can't find out what the state is going to do, so I don't know what I'm going to do."

Robert Burke, owner of the Sohio Service Station, Vermilion-on-the-Lake, is both worried and puzzled at the various stories he had received from state officials. He said"

"The state men told me they would need a distance from the highway that would cut at least eight feet from my present building.

I read this is to be a four lane highway, but they told me the highway will have six lanes through this area. If they need only 11 feet, why come clear into my building, over 40 feet from the present highway? I can't figure it out and I can't decide whether to rebuild or what do do until they make up their minds."

Gloomy Outlook
A. B. Zeigman, owner of Zeigman's Garage, in Brownhelm Township on the outskirts of Vermilion, said:

“I might as well go out of business if the state does what I’ve heard they are going to do. Even if they move me back only 11 feet, I will have to remodel or rebuild and then I run into a local ordinance which says I have to be 75 feet back from the highway. And what good is a garage back that distance from the road?”

Also affected by the Brownhelm Township ordinance, in addition to worrying over the state’s plans are Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Sobiech, owners of the Elberta Grocery, next to Zeigman’s.

“We’ve heard so many different rumors and stories that we are completely up in the air and, frankly, sick about the whole thing,” said Mrs. Sobiech.

No Room For Parking
“As we understand the plans, our grocery will be only nine feet away from the new highway. That is much too close and leaves no room for parking. Nobody seems to know where the new highway is going to go, least of all the state men we have talked to and we just don’t know what plans to make.

“We can’t move our store back any more as our house is right behind it. But I can tell you one thing. We will protest darn loud if they stick to the plans that only leave us nine feet in front.”

The calmest reaction of all the persons interviewed was that of George W. Hess, manager of Elberta Inn, also of the right side of the highway and near Vermilion. Said Hess:

“If they come 11 feet our way we will have only one foot in front of our building. We may have to remodel but I can make no definite statement until we know exactly what the State highway department is going to do. The men we have talked to tell us they don’t know any more than we do, we will just have to wait and see.”

Visited By Appraisers
All of the property owners interviewed reported they had not as yet been contacted as to actual purchase of their lands and buildings, but had been visited by appraisers or surveyors.

The state announced the project will be divided into two parts, costing a total of $4.2 million. The first section extends from Vermilion east to Nickel Plate Railroad underpass for a distance of 7.7 miles. The second section will include an underpass improvement and widening of the road from the underpass 1.2 miles east to Lorain.

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Work on the highway project began in March 1956.

Here’s a great construction photo (below) that ran in the Lorain Journal in August 1956.

The view is looking east; beyond the railroad undercut, the approximate location of the Pueblo is indicated by the red arrow. At the very bottom of the photo is the Ed Blahay Transportation Company property.

West Lake Road west from Leavitt Road to the underpass was closed to through traffic on October 4, 1956. However, the road was still open to El Pueblo.

The restaurant placed a special ad (below) thanking their customers for their patronage during the year in the December 24, 1956 Lorain Journal.

An ad (below) that ran in the Journal on February 1, 1957 reminded the public that the highway was indeed open to the Pueblo.

On October 3, 1957, West Lake Road was opened to through traffic again for the first time in almost a year. And with construction completed, El Pueblo was now sitting at the end of a short, bypassed and unnamed section of the highway known as Pueblo Drive today.

Next: More changes for the Pueblo

The Pueblo – Part 5

May 2, 1953 Lorain Journal ad

Although the Pueblo was not to be found in the city directories of the late 1940s and early 1950s, it continued to appear in the phone book with the same 63-596 phone number it had for years.

But a Lorain Journal ad for the Pueblo from Friday, May 2, 1953 (above), shows that changes were taking place. Rather than emphasizing fine dining and elegant surroundings, the Pueblo ad focused on the acts that were appearing: Jerri Kaye (TV Singing Star), Mickey Collis (Tap Dancing Star) and Margie Lee (Exotic Dancer). Red McClellen and his Famous Music Makers provided music for dancing.

The Pueblo continued to evolve.

 As the matchbook below shows, the restaurant’s name was changed slightly to El Pueblo.

Courtesy Paula Shorf

This ad (below) that ran in the ‘Restaurants’ listings in the back of the November 1953 Lorain Telephone Company directory confirmed that the name was now El Pueblo. The restaurant also had a brand new 56-517 phone number.

The ad seems to indicate an attempt to return to the emphasis on fine dining and the catering of special events such as parties, weddings and banquets.

The name of a new owner – John Giannini – was revealed in a Lorain Sunday News ad from July 1954 (below).

Here’s a copy of El Pueblo’s listing in the 1954 Lorain Country Farm & Rural Directory.

It’s unclear whether the new marketing strategy of stressing fine cuisine was successful. But by 1955, ads were once again promoting the Pueblo mainly as a nightclub. A February 26, 1955 Journal ad (below) announced an appearance by The Hillbilly Band.

Another ad that ran in the Lorain Journal on March 5, 1955 (below) promoted the “Way Down Yonder Music” of Jimmie Armstrong and His Western Ramblers. 

Meanwhile, something else was about to have an effect on El Pueblo’s fortunes: the widening of U.S. Route 6 (Lake Road).

Next: Road Work

The Pueblo – Part 4

For a while, the Pueblo even had a small nine hole golf course
as advertised in this newspaper ad that ran on May 29, 1931

It’s a little difficult compiling a history of the Pueblo. It was outside the Lorain City Limits, so it didn’t appear in the city directories with any regularity until the 1940s. The Lorain Public Library’s collection of directories is incomplete as well, making it even harder.

But the books that are available provide some information about the management and ownership of the restaurant. And advertisements for the Pueblo in the directories themselves, as well as local newspapers, also help to add to the story.

The 1931 edition has no listing of the Pueblo, but does list F. J. McFadden, the Pueblo’s owner, living at Stop 109, the address for the restaurant. McFadden continued to be listed as living at Stop 109 until the 1938 edition, when the McFaddens’ address was 442 Oberlin Avenue.

The 1937 City Directory includes an entry for the Pueblo with William Ceresa listed as the manager and also residing at Stop 109.

Here's an ad that ran in the Lorain Journal on June 4, 1937.

Here's the ad for the Pueblo that ran in the 1938 Lorain Telephone Company directory (below).

In the 1939-40 directory, Edward Moresi was the name associated with the restaurant. The listings by location shows that the Pueblo was the very last one for W. Erie Avenue heading west out of Lorain.

Although the 1940 directory had no listing for the Pueblo, newspaper ads show that it was still in business. Here’s a cute April 1941 newspaper ad (below).

In the 1942 City Directory, Edward Moresi was still listed with the Pueblo, although he did not live there (a family member did). The restaurant listing boasted, “Dine and Dance, Chicken, Steak, Fish, Frog Leg and Italian Spaghetti Dinners, Complete Bar and Table Service, We Cater to Weddings and Private Parties.”

Curiously, the 1945 listing for the Pueblo again had W. Ceresa’s name listed.

Here’s the ad that ran in the in that 1945 edition. Note how the Pueblo had come a long way from being a mere "barbecue sandwich shoppe."

Although the Pueblo was not listed in the rest of the 1940s city directories, it continued to be listed in the Lorain Telephone Company book with the same phone number.

Courtesy Paula Shorf

Next: the 1950s and change

The Pueblo – Part 3

Lorain Times-Herald ad from October 15, 1929

The Pueblo may have started out as a sandwich shop and barbecue, but it soon evolved into a dance resort and nightclub.

About a year and a half after the Pueblo opened for business, the restaurant added the Navajo Room. It’s described in the article below, which ran in the Lorain Times-Herald on October 15, 1929.

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NEW TYPE DANCE RESORT TO OPEN HERE TOMORROW
Navajo Room at Pueblo Carries Out Indian Decoration Design

The Navajo Room, Lorain’s newest dance spot, opens tomorrow night at the Pueblo Barbecue on the Lake-rd, opposite the Lorain Country Club.

The room is a new addition to the main building which was built over a year ago and was designed to conform exactly with it in every detail by the architect-owner, F. J. McFadden.

Here in a modern setting is a bit of old world architecture – faithful reproduction of Mexican and Navajo Indian architecture.

The new Navajo Room harmonizes with the interior decorations of the Pueblo, which is the main building and which houses the barbecue and dining room.

Navajo Design
The almost extinct architecture of the Aztec and Navajo Indians has been restored here. Heavy cross beams brace the ceilings, the walls are of a contrasting fawn colored stucco and dark walnut wood work.

Intricate bits of hand painted Indian designs give a touch of color to the dark wood work. In the Navajo Room around the walls and at the top near the ceilings there is a continuous panel of hand paintings that depict the life of the Navajo Indian.

These paintings are done in contrasting blues and whites and terminate into one large panel at the far end of the room over the orchestra platform.

This last panel is done in brilliant reds and whites and adds the necessary color to break the continuous panel.

Colorful Entrance
Queer paintings are to be found everywhere. They also are all hand painted and exact reproductions of the Indians. Small bits of Indian bric-a-brac as well as Indian rugs, shawls and pieces of woven ware stand or hand in vantage points about the rooms.

The entrance to the Navajo Room is typically in keeping with the architecture. A small porch with tiled floor leads from the large parking area at the side of the building. From the porch one steps into the large main room.

At the right of the entrance is the check room while at the far end and opposite the door is the orchestra platform. A doorway to the right of the entrance also leads into the main dining room.

Built into the walls and all around the room are benches finished in dark walnut to match the wood work of the walls and overhead beams. The orchestra platform had been designed in such a way as to eliminate all overtones or blares. Heavy drapes and Navajo Indian rugs and shawls further aid in perfecting the acoustics.

“We have tried to built the Navajo in such a way as to make it a pleasure for those who dance here to come again and again,” said McFadden.

Unique Lighting
A special feature of the Navajo Room is its unique lighting system. Practically any color or color combination can be obtained by the electrician.

The main lights will be shaded with parchment shades all hand made and hand  painted with the figure of an Indian horseman.

The orchestra will be lighted invisibly with varied lights and a specially constructed dance floor has been laid and planned carefully.

The Navajo Room will be open Wednesday and Sunday nights for dancing at present altho it is planned to open it also on Friday nights. The Campus Owls orchestra will play at the Navajo Room exclusively.

“It has been our desire to build something that was distinctively different,” says McFadden. “Every detail has been faithfully carried out to conform with the architecture and the decoration of Navajo and Aztec Indian buildings of years ago.”

The Pueblo is open every day and night to the public as well as catering to special parties.

The Navajo Room will be used for special gatherings and parties when not in use for dancing, McFadden stated.

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Standing, left to right, are: “Shorty” Chamberlain,
Kent Richardson, Walt Hines; Seated are: Frank Billings,
Dick Kuss, Harrison Baumbaugh and Ted Metzger

On the same page of the Times-Herald as the above article, another article focused on the appearance of the Campus Owls Orchestra and their opening of their regular winter dance season at the new Navajo Room.

The article provided some background of the group. It stated, “The Campus Owls known to practically everybody in Lorain-co and to many outside of the county have played several seasons at Vermilion-on-the-Lake in the summer time and the Antlers Hotel in the winter.

“The personnel of the orchestra remains the same as during the summer. “Shorty” Chamberlain, Ted Metzger, Harrison Baumbaugh, Frank Billings, Walt Hines, Dick Kuss and Kent Richardson.

“For many years the Campus Owls have been noted for their diversity. They developed a practically new type of presentation which has caused comment even by some of the critics on large metropolitan papers.”

Courtesy collectorsfrenzy.com

The Pueblo – Part 2

Half-page ad from the May 23, 1928 Lorain Times-Herald

The Pueblo opened on May 23, 1928 to great fanfare. In fact, the Lorain Times-Herald devoted several pages that day to the grand opening. After all, a new barbecue restaurant designed to look exactly like an old Spanish mission – and located near Lorain, Ohio – was news.

Mr. and Mrs. F. J. McFadden designed, built and owned the restaurant. The article below, which appeared on the first page of the May 23, 1928 special section, tells the whole story behind the business, and how they came to open it.

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PUBLIC INVITED TO INSPECT NEW SANDWICH SHOP
Spanish Style Structure Opposite Lorain Country Club One of Most Magnificent in Ohio; 10-Piece Band to Play for Three-Day Opening

After seven months of thorough construction, "The Pueblo," most magnificent barbecue sandwich shoppe in Lorain county and one of the most beautiful in Ohio, opens Wednesday evening and will continue its formal opening through Thursday and Friday.

"The Pueblo" is situated just opposite the Lorain country club at Stop 109, one mile west of Lorain on the Lake-rd. Mr. and Mrs. F. J. McFadden are the proprietors and have taken up their residence on the second floor of the structure.

The building was designed by McFadden, one of Lorain's leading architects for the past nine years. The idea was born in his mind during a trip through the south west last winter. While down in the southern extremity of California, Mr. and Mrs. McFadden stayed at a pueblo hotel for a week and from there came the majority of ideas which are incorporated in "The Pueblo."

Barbecue sandwiches, salads, hot and cold sandwiches and fountain service will be rendered at all hours according to McFadden. Special music will be presented on the three opening nights. A ten piece orchestra will entertain guests. Throughout the remainder of the year entertainment will be furnished by radio and orthophonic victrola.

One of the features of the cuisine is barbecue chicken. The chickens are roasted over the barbecue coals and may be taken home by the purchaser. The barbecue building is situated 30 feet from "The Pueblo." This is most modern in design and one of the most efficient on the market. The machinery is electrically operated and the barbecue is self-basting. The grease is dripped onto a pan which rotates and pours its contents over the meat continuously to keep the roast fresh, juicy and tender.

Ten or twelve girls and young men will be in "The Pueblo" to serve patrons constantly. Girls will be dressed in the bright colored garments of sunny Spain. An experienced caterer will be in charge of the kitchen.

"The Pueblo" has a capacity of 70 persons. Booths, capable of seating from four to six persons, line the west walls of the interior with several tables along the east side. There is also counter service. The kitchen is at the rear of the barbecue shoppe.

In the front to either side are situated ladies and gentlemen's rest rooms.

The building was completed at a cost of more than $25,000 according to McFadden and all architectural work was done by the owner. It was started in October, 1927. McFadden maintains offices at the Black River Lumber company, 28th-st and Fulton-rd.

The building is of two-story type with full basement. It has dimensions of 32 feet by 56 feet. The outer walls are constructed of gyplap or fireproof material covered with three coats of California stucco, the outer coat of which is in three colors, blue, brown and ivory. The entire first floor is devoted to the dining room and kitchen while the upper story comprises living quarters for the McFadden family.

The heating plant, an American radiator vapor system, is in the basement. The most modern plumbing and electrical work is installed in "The Pueblo."

Two highpowered flood lights of 4,000 watt are on two poles in front of the establishment. When lighted at night they give the barbecue a daylight appearance. They also light the surrounding parking space which can handle an unlimited number of automobiles.

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Another page of the Times-Herald that day included a photo of the Pueblo’s owners.

Next: The Navajo Room

The Pueblo – Part 1

Have you ever headed west out of Lorain on West Erie Avenue (U.S. Route 6) and noticed a short stretch bit of bypassed roadway on the south side of the street, parallel to the highway, just before the undercut? That's Pueblo Drive, currently home to West Side Tractor & Marine and Charles Akers Construction.

But decades ago, that same bit of pavement was part of Lake Road, which was then the main east-west highway through Lorain. And the spot where the bypassed pavement dead-ends at the railroad undercut was home to its namesake restaurant: The Pueblo.

If you're under 50, I'm guessing that you've probably never heard of it.

I first heard of it from my father. When he was a young man, he was on a bowling team whose sponsor was a South Lorain tavern. When the team won the championship, the tavern owner treated them all to a nice dinner at the Pueblo, which then was one of the swankiest places in town.

Anyway, the Pueblo was truly an original, and a Lorain landmark for many years. It was designed to mimic the traditional adobe construction style of the old Spanish missions and the Pueblo Indians of the American Southwest.

It’s hard to imagine such a building at that location today, overlooking the highway.

The Pueblo's story spans from the late 1920s right into the 1960s, through a variety of changes in ownership and names. It’s an interesting story that has been waiting to be told on this blog for more than five years!

Pueblo Drive looking west; the Pueblo was located on the left near the end of this short road,
which is a bypassed segment of U.S. Route 6. 

Another view of Pueblo Drive from Route 6