Remember When: Paulson’s Grill first “cool” restaurant in Lancaster
C. George Paulson (1897-1965) was born in Greece, came to this country in 1908, and by the 1930s was a restauranteur in Marion, OH. March 20, 1933 the Lancaster Daily Eagle announced his arrival in Lancaster with an ad and an article stating: “Paulson’s Grill on the Square…Where Good Food and Good People Meet.” It had opened at 111 W. Main Street (space that today is the office of Lancaster-Fairfield Co. Chamber of Commerce). The article continued: “After several weeks of remodeling, re-arranging and redecorating the former Clara P. Thimmes & Co. room…[The Grill] is ready for the opening tomorrow…Eight booths are arranged along one entire side and two on the opposite side…A counter with low comfortable wicker seats has been placed on the opposite side back of which the urns, warming cabinets, pie cases, etc. are installed.”
Almost daily an ad appeared in the newspaper with menu options and specials. In preparation for their second anniversary, planned renovations were to include drilling a well for water, more booths, and air-conditioning (20 March 1935 Daily Eagle). A large ad and photo on 20 June 1935 caught this writer’s attention, and led to this article: “We are proud to announce that the first genuine commercial air conditioner in Lancaster was installed.” The Electric Shop at 117 S. Columbus had performed the installation in Paulson’s Grill.
Paulson’s also made the front page on 4 March 1938 after “movie siren” Mae West stopped for dinner at Paulson’s in Lancaster on her way to Cleveland. According to the article her chauffeur had parked in front of the restaurant. While she was eating, her chauffeur told all the newsboys outside who was inside the restaurant. When she came out, she distributed quarters to all the boys gathered to see her. Instead of her photo, a photo of the boys appeared on the front page.
The Martens Block, the large three-story building on the NW corner of Main and Broad, had been built in 1901. Anchor Hocking Glass Corp. purchased the building in 1938, and many occupants of the building moved out. However, as late as 5 July 1938, it was believed Paulson’s Grill and Beiter & Flege’s Drug Store, located along W. Main St., would not be disturbed.
“Paulson’s Grill, 111 W. Main St., was under new management today. Derwin B. Smith of Dayton has bought out the interest of George Paulson, who had operated the restaurant here for the past eight years,” announced the E-G April 23, 1941. It was reported Paulson was moving to Washington, D.C. where he would open a restaurant.
Derwin Smith (1914-1972) was born in Youngstown but grew up in Dayton where his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Otto T. Ripp, owned a restaurant. He graduated from O.S.U. and then worked for the Ford Motor Co. and General Motors, Chevrolet Division before moving to Lancaster. Smith named his restaurant at 111 W. Main St. simply Smith’s Restaurant.
About five years later, Smith announced he was moving into The Broad Building, 201 S. Broad St. (16 Jan. 1946 E-G). “Mr. Smith acquired the lease for the larger room in the Broad Building from the owners, Earle E. Campbell and Edward R. Vennewitz, and he said he plans an extensive remodeling as soon as possible, consistent with present conditions as to materials and equipment.” The new Smith’s Restaurant held its grand opening May 23, 1946. The ad listed Mr. & Mrs. Derwin Smith as owners, and Mr. & Mrs. Murph Ripp as managers.
Some readers may remember what happened next. The E-G announced 13 Oct. 1947: “Harry E. Shaw has purchased the Smith Restaurant, 201 S. Broad St., from Derwin B. Smith.” Shaw was 37 and had 15 years experience in the restaurant business. Shaw and his wife with their four children were moving here from Cambridge, OH. After they arrived, they became very active residents who contributed much to the quality of life in Lancaster. Harry E. Shaw died in Lancaster Feb. 1, 1978.
Readers may contact Harvey at joycelancastereg@gmail.com
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Remember When: Paulson’s Grill first “cool” restaurant in Lancaster
