I must admit I was somewhat disappointed that your recent article detailing the history of The Hard Times Café ended abruptly in 1980 when it was purchased by Scott Thompson.
Having NO experience whatsoever in the restaurant business, my parents, Drew and Gloria Webster, packed up and moved here lock, stock, and barrel when they purchased The Hard Times from Scott in 1986.
In addition to the many property improvements and building upgrades, they added breakfast to the offering. Now operating morning, noon and night—AND late night.
Being very “hands on” it was not unusual to find them there from 7 a.m. until midnight.
In between EVERYTHING else, if there was a little lull and a stranger happened in and commented on the beautiful old player piano, Dad could easily be persuaded into putting in roll after roll and playing for their (and our) enjoyment. Tired legs be damned.
Over the course of 15 years my parents built up an extremely successful business and very popular gathering place.
To this day we maintain and treasure friendships that were formed during those years.
Hard Time Café was a big part of our lives and will always be a very important part of OUR history.
Sincerely,
Shelly Madsen
Old Forge
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Editor’s Note: Shelly, thank you for sharing your recollections of Drew and Gloria, as longtime owners of The Hard Times. A comprehensive history would certainly include them as major contributors to the establishment and providers of a great many memories. Thank you again.
