Dean-Vegter Heritage

Early Years

Old Fashion Day

Larry & Phyl's
513 West Milwaukee
Janesville's last Soda Fountain

Before we had children, quite often after church on Sunday evening, we'd go down to Larry & Phyl's, sit at the great, horseshoe bar, and order a banana split. So big, so good, and so reasonably priced: $2 for a great treat. If we ever order a banana split now (at a popular ice cream stand) we invariably remark, "Just doesn't compare to Larry & Phyl's." (Bonnie & Connie, Larry & Phyl's daughters who worked at the family business, come into Mocha Moment now. Bonnie gave us this photo.)

3rd Anniversary at Grandma Hey's

Orleans Restaurant napkin
Before we had children, Kathy and I indulged periodically in a Friday fish fry at The Orleans. Always packed. Always great. Filled with elderly patrons in fine suits and elegant dresses.

Moneterey Hotel
The Orleans Restaurant was street level, to the right of the grand entrance (canopy) on High Street. You'd have to live in Janesville to know the nostalgia of the Monterey Hotel. Of interest, Sen. John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline, spent a few hours at the Monterey Hotel during a campaign stop in Janesville. Eleanor Roosevelt, Henry Luce and Louis Armstrong also reportedly stayed as guests.