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Detroit circa 1912. "Edelweiss Cafe -- The Grill Room." There may be a slight wait. 8x10 inch glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. View full size.
Does anyone know the exact address?
There are two fans in the "middle" of the room near the tops of their columns. Each fan is partially blocked by ferns. I know I didn't see them at first.
How about a table for five?
Hardly my concept of a "cafe." The extensive linen creates an elegant atmosphere, but must have been an expensive operating cost. The chairs don't look comfortable. Dancing in cafes is the least of Detroit's problems today. When one sees such a genteel scene, one is left to wonder if we are progressing as a culture.
"Would you like a regular table or the deluxe option that includes silverware?"
I wonder if those 4 wall mounted oscillating fans really solved their hot weather problems?
The Edelweiss Cafe was previously seen in this exterior shot.
The interior picture could have been taken this morning. As strange as every aspect of life in 1910 would seem to us today, I think restaurants would be the one place the average modern person would see little difference, allowing for the prices and a few out of fashion foods like sardine sandwiches.
I was hoping to find a menu, but the only old article I could find is behind a Detroit Free Press paywall. Looks like the owner was planning some civil disobedience.
CAFE OWNERS PLAN TEST OF DANCE EDICT
Mar 10, 1914: Determined to test the right of the police department to order dancing stopped in cafes. Manager Charles Glaser, of the Edelweiss cafe, will ignore the police order of Saturday night.
When I look at this, all I can see is the Colorado Lounge.
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