The "Lunchtime Memories" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Just got my latest edition of the Millersville University Magazine titled "review".  Features a photo of the new president of the University John Anderson and his wife Vivien on the cover of the 52 page newsletter.  Read all about the past 13 past presidents of the school from which I graduated 47 years ago.  When I was a student it was referred to as Millersville State Teacher's College after being known first as Lancaster County Normal School and then as Millersville State Normal School.  This dates the whole way back back to 1855 when the school was founded in Lancaster County, PA.  

The Sugar Bowl, 9 Normal Ave. in Millersville, PA.

But, as I continued to leaf through the publication, I came to an article titled 
"The Sugar Bowl" and boy did that bring back the memories from an era long, long ago.  The Sugar Bowl was one of the two places that I spent lunch for the better part of four years of my life.  Don't let the name of the place lead you astray, for the corner restaurant near the part of the college where most of my classes were held, is not known for anything sweet.  To this day, the place still looks as it did when I had classes at nearby Osborn Hall which is the main building for those majoring in Industrial Arts. Many days I grabbed a table with a friend or two after our 10:00-Noon shop class and ordered a cheeseburger and vanilla milkshake.  Some times I was able to find space around the table where my childhood friend was stationed with his friends.  Bill lived about a block from me until third grade when his mother moved her family to another town.  We kept in touch and when we both came to Millersville it was great to be able to have lunch with him when I could.  

The owners of the Sugar Bowl, Pat and Edith Rylee.  

Back then the burgers were 30 cents and shakes were 15 cents.  And, I know you won't believe this, but it wasn't that long ago, at least to me.  There was also a jukebox to take your money as well as a couple of pinball machines.  On days that I didn't eat at the Sugar Bowl I would have my lunch at the "Joint" which was located farther west of the Sugar Bowl, but closer to some of my academic courses that I would have in the afternoon.  It was here that I met Bobby, Bill and Sue who all were students at Millersville.  The three of them had graduated from high school together, but they made me a part of their lunchtime table on many occasions.  After eating lunch we would either play a game of pool or play a game of darts before heading to my afternoon classes.  Memories abound from my college days when lunch time with friends was a big part of the college experience.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.