Howard Johnson Restaurants - Life in America

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#recollectionroad #nostalgia

[@donl1846]

Growing up here in New England Howard Johnson was always referred to as "Ho-Joe's". As a teenager it was a nice place to bring a date for supper.

[@davidc1502]

I am 58 as a kid when we took road trips we always stayed at Howard Johnson's had one in are small hometown use to eat there every Wednesday evening.

[@hobertlee7598]

Been To Howard Johnson Growing Up,It is a shame how things have change,,It was a Better World at one Time

[@lynnepaulocsak122]

Best fried clams A.K.A. 'Clamwich' and the best coffee ice cream. Why did they ever get rid of them?! I would love to go there right now!

[@joavkof]

The Howard Johnson’s and REAL holiday inn. We would sty at either place on road trips

[@trudyrank7389]

They opened a HJ near us in Fort Worth,Texas around 1955. I always ordered the fried clams..so delicious ! Everyone in my family would look at me like I was from Outer Space. I was different then and still am...and Glad of it !

[@LillyKC23]

These were the absolute bomb! HJ along with Bill Knapp's were something special that we won't see again. I sure miss them.

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

At least you remember Bill Knapp's, I used to had my birthdays there.

[@LillyKC23]

@@ChristopherSobieniak That's so great! For a treat, parents would take us to HJ for breakfast on vacation in FL. Knapps also had special birthday treats. It was amazing!

[@tshaffer9681]

This was another wonderful motel and restaurant. Back then people took pride in their establishments. Those were great times. Gone forever and it makes me feel so sad.

[@c.d.scalemodels9198]

I'm from The Bronx NY & growing up in the late 70's & mid 80's my parents would take the family of 5 out on a Saturday night for dinner at Howard Johnsons in The Bronx & I would always get a HUGE goblet ice cream sundae for dessert. Loved their bacon cheeseburger deluxe!!!!!! they used to also have an all you can eat clam /fish fry on Monday nights too, I loved their fried clams!!!!!!!!! Used to bring home pints & quarts of ice cram from them too. I miss the aqua green containers with the stripes the ice cream came in too...............just like most everything, it went away..........nothing like Howard Johnsons restaurants!!!!!!!!!!

[@steveprice638]

Whatever happened to America? I grew up in Canada and the US - lands of limitless optimism, great space and long highways that took you through them. HJ was a staple throughout. Nowadays the big franchises have swallowed the competition and, believe me, we are the worse for allowing it. Simpler times, greater pleasures - and gone forever.

[@tylerzorn6152]

Your videos have always been quite memorable and the best for me thank you so much for posting all of this Nostalgia that I miss so very much

[@johnerwin9024]

Fried clams done up just right; small pieces batter fried clam, tartar sauce👍👍

[@michaelcoffey7362]

Cool 😀

[@michaelhamerin3814]

When I was younger and worked in a traveling show, HoJo's and Denny's were our main meal stops

[@pastorjerrykliner3162]

Ho Jo's!!!! Man, I miss them!

[@Mszahnclass95]

Best childhood memories in a Howard Johnson sadly it got torn down just like the other childhood places in my hometown.we didn't have the restaurant we had the motel Howard Johnson

[@heidifedor]

It’s funny how a business starts out one way, and then evolves into something else. Wells Fargo started out as a delivery company, but eventually became a large financial institution.

[@amb2745]

I worked at one of these Howard Johnson Restaruants back in the early '80's. My sister worked as a waitress at the time, and she was able to get me a job there after the Bonanza steakhouse I worked at filed for bankruptcy and closed. Started out as a dishwasher, ended up as a cook, after I told someone I used to cook at Bonanza. The one thing I hated was fish Friday's. They would have these fried clams the restaurant would sell, and for those, you had to take the clams, dunk them in a bowl of half and half, then into a bowl of breading before putting them in the fryer. The breading would eventually stick to your fingers, and I had to keep washing my hands to get the breading off.

[@theweakestlink2278]

I haven't seen a HoJo restaurant or hotel since I was a kid back in the 80's.

[@sodality3970]

Are there any restaurants left in New England ? I thoroughly enjoyed this video . Thank you so much !

[@hilltopmachineworks2131]

Nope only one left in NY.

[@hedkace]

A beautiful A-frame designed Howard Johnsons like the one in the first thumbnail is still standing in Boylston, MA. It is not in use and one of the big windows is boarded up, but I'm so glad they did not demolish this unique piece of our history!

[@jeffreyalexander7504]

Me and my wife used to go to the Howard Johnson's in Dedham Mass back in the late 90's, it was probably one of the last standing. The Macaroni and Cheese was the best!

[@bluecollar58]

To this day I haven’t had a better tasting hot dog. They had split top toasted buns , there used to be one within walking distance to me as a kid in the sixties.

[@CSmart7396]

There is a Howard Johnson in Bangor, Maine.

[@gaillewis5472]

Lord, the Friday night fish/clam fry. Best night out for broke teens.

[@jamesnash3490]

I loved their clam strips

[@CrazyTuco1]

I thought it began in Rock Ridge....

[@williamratcliff31]

I miss Howard Johnson so much. Yes great memories for me also.

[@davidheinzmann4403]

Read the reviews before you visit Lake George.

[@robertaverill936]

3 words..Fried Clam Strips..

[@MobiusMinded]

@@robertaverill936 they used to have an all you can eat one day of the week.

[@inkyguy]

@@MobiusMinded , usually Fridays for their weekly fish fry.

[@inkyguy]

@@davidheinzmann4403 , apparently it is just a cheap restaurant in the shell of a Howard Johnson's with the sign out front. Based in the reviews I saw you will not find either the selections or quality if the food you will remember, not even the ice cream.

[@fob1xxl]

Howard Johnsons was the right place at the right time !

[@bpagan7781]

Thank-You for doing all the research for all of your vids! Sometimes we old folks just need to "go back" when life was much simpler and less fearful. It brings tears to my eyes just watching this stuff. Of course I subscribed right away!

[@davidarmitage289]

Me too 😄

[@michellerjackson5776]

Me too😊

[@chriscanzanese5063]

And that’s why our country sucks now. The two generations after the greatest generation of Americans were the worst. Let politicians steal our freedoms and wealth because it was easier not to get involved or pay attention. Thanks

[@TheSmartLawyer]

@@chriscanzanese5063 The Baby Boomers are still in power. They have been in control since the 90s. Even now, pay attention: Biden, Clinton, Pelosi, Sanders, Faucci, etc etc

[@jimmymelendez1836]

@@chriscanzanese5063 Can you please lay off the politics? Keep it to yourself.

[@mb13972]

Early in our married life more than 50 years ago my wife and I didn't have much money but we always found enough to go to the local Howard Johnson's for a Friday night "date". This was the night they offered unlimited fried clams or fish for $1.99. My wife would order the fish but I always had the clams. After I finished the first serving the waitress would ask if I wanted more. I would ask for more clams, a half order of fries and no cole slaw. For the third , and sometimes fourth order I told her just the clams, no fries or cole slaw. Loved those clams.

[@sagbrady8414]

They were my favorite too..

[@vickiladu6755]

Me too! Prices were so CHEAP back in the 60s!

[@battlewagonmclaren8004]

Also growing up I remember Stuckey’s restaurants . Ooh the Pecan logs were so good !!!

[@gorymarty56]

The jam

[@frankrizzo4460]

Yes wow I do remember that as well. When my family would travel we would always stop at Stuckeys and get that sugary pecan log. So many great memories back then miss those days more than ever before 🤔

[@nonamegame9857]

Hamburgers for a cross country trip at 6 for a dollar you couldn't beat it 👍👍. I was young with a very high metabolism so I would always order 18 of them 🤣🤣

[@christopherrussell3073]

These are still around

[@josephinerodriguez6612]

Hey Doug Ohaver, My husband as a child going on family trips from East Chicago, IN to Texas.....His father would tell them (7) to keep a look out for the sign that read 10 hamburgers for a $1.00..... Not a sign to be found....good thing they packed plenty of bologna sandwiches ,and drinks along with other junk foods to eat....I so much long for a burger and chocolate malt of yester year !!!

[@dondressel452]

I remember in 1967 staying at Howard Johnson’s with my sister and my parents in Anaheim while visiting Disneyland Good memories

[@mrb6097]

I was just recounting this same story to my wife two days ago. It's crazy this popped up as recommended today and someone else had the same memory. My trip would have been in '68.

[@dondressel452]

@@mrb6097 better times and simpler times I wish I could go back

[@RIXRADvidz]

we stayed in a HoJo in Lake Buena Vista when we went to DisneyWorld in the summer of 73. The Tropical Garden in the courtyard and the glass elevator inside the tower overlooking the garden were just as magical to these kids from NM as the whole Disney Park

[@dynasty0019]

That Howard Johnson's still there today.

[@larrydewein401]

@@dondressel452 I'm with you Don! I noticed how clean and neat everything looked. Didn't see paper cups, garbage laying around, grass cut, etc.

[@tomsreviews238]

When I was a kid my family would travel the highways. There were no fast food restaurants along the way. We would stop at Howard Johnson. You would sit at a table or counter. You got a plate and silverware and actual food. No quick burgers wrapped in paper. Those days are gone forever

[@daviddavis5689]

I remebr when there wasn;t even such as HJ's. local cafes and restaurant was what we eat at. on vacations. Better food actually.

[@ssoma151]

not really lots of places still like that

[@brucemarsico6]

For some reason, Howard Johnson had the best spaghetti and meatball plate. Every one I ever ate in, the Spaghetti was consistently good. I'm sure it was cheap sauce....tangy tomato....along with the two pieces of garlic bread. Yes, those days are gone with the wind.....

[@jacktheripoff1888]

For us it was Ohio and PA turnpikes, and of course Howard Johnsons. Filling up with Gulf gas in Ohio and Exxon in PA at the plazas. For some reason the thing I remember most about HJ's was snagging a pack of their own brand of wintergreen mints before leaving. They had their own everything, mints, gum, and canned sodas. Maybe we live multiple lives, maybe in one of them we get to do what we want. Cruising the highways of America back in 1970 in a 1965 Sedan DeVille would not be the worst way of passing the days. And of course with some stops at the Howard Johnson's.

[@tomsreviews238]

@@jacktheripoff1888 My father had a 63, 65 and 67 Sedan DeVille. Cool cars to cruise in.

[@JeffersonMartinSynfluent]

The person responsible for developing the menus beginning in the sixties was none other than Jacques Pépin.

[@milfordcivic6755]

All famous chefs started somewhere!

[@luissantiago8446]

C'est vrai!

[@monkeywkeys3916]

With his French heritage I'm sure those were great selections you wouldn't expect from a average looking restaurant today. Real butters. Olive oils. That menu should be revived by Somebody.

[@luissantiago8446]

I stayed in rural France at one point in my past. I was given the chance to sample the local fare, and let me say that the local butter was beyond good. It was simply incredible. That local butter,crusty warm bread and a small bowl of delicious coffee was all we needed for breakfast. Fresh is always the very best.

[@carycary3822]

@@luissantiago8446 French butter’s still delicious. Look for President’s butter, made in France, at your food market, as it could be stocked. May not be quite as delicious as in France, but it’s darn good.

[@robertmark341]

These places are like a beautiful memory from my childhood. The best burgers and fries and strawberry shake. I give anything to have that lunch or dinner again now that I am 57. Amazing how you miss these thing seeing them gone.

[@shelleyganz9095]

Only 1 left...How Sad!! I used to see them, all over the Hwy's, etc. Are we really doing better, now???!!! : (

[@david-leethompson62]

Hojo hotel in Quincy ,,,,, They overcharge for an ugly building!

[@stevebell4906]

Of course not...America is Poorer...Sicker ...And Dumber!

[@joeyank2451]

I’m sorry but America Is Gone That we once knew

[@larrydewein401]

@@stevebell4906 You got that right Steve!

[@larrydewein401]

@@joeyank2451 You are right Joe. I'm 80 and grew up with all these places and wish, like Scrooge I could look through a window and see it again. And in a way I can with the internet and sites like this! Brings back a lot of sweet memories!

[@countalucard4226]

We used to drive to Florida every year when I was a child and we would stop and eat 3 times a day at HO JOS. Stayed in their motels along the way. I still remember ordering the “Tommy Tucker” for dinner. It was a Turkey with mashed potatoes and peas. They had the best Fried Clams and New England Clam Chowder.

[@ArtificialBanana]

And they had "all you can eat" turkey on Thursdays!

[@countalucard4226]

@diana burns too this day I absolutely love Pecan Pie.

[@Chris-rs3dj]

Which one in Florida did you at?

[@countalucard4226]

@@Chris-rs3dj I don’t clearly remember. It was probably Ft. Lauderdale

[@tulanzuya]

@diana burns pecan rolls! Looked forward to those every summer.

[@Donnaploss]

They had the BEST fried clam dinner! Ice cream was heavenly.

[@lydias2012]

My mom loved the the fried clams. Anytime we went there that is what she had. But all the food was good. I never tried them as a kid, I was a grilled cheese and fries kind of girl. Wish I had because she absolutely raved about it.

[@hollyr.1139]

Those were my favorites when I was a kid and we took the Ohio and Pennsylvania turnpikes on family trips: the fried clams and the pistachio ice cream.

[@tuxtommy69]

@@hollyr.1139 Me, too! But don't forget hot fudge on the pistachio ice cream! Yum!

[@cyclenut]

During the 60s and 70s we would eat at Howard Johnson Restaurants when traveling. It was a good time to be a kid. Kids today, I am not sure they have things as good as we did.

[@chris7brook]

They don't, they have "smart phones"

[@wmw3629]

Not nearly as good.

[@monkeywkeys3916]

@@chris7brook If only they had a Howard Johnson app.

[@gregggoss2210]

They do not. They will most likely never know the same joy we had.

[@casper98204]

Same here. Some great family memories of those summer vacations. All seven of us kids would be looking out the windows of our Buick Station Wagon for the Howard Johnsons sign.

[@jerometgillain]

I stayed at a Howard Johnson's in St. Augustine Fl, way back in 1973. It was LUXURY! Nice air conditioning, BIG THICK TOWELS. Clean room. Close to all the sights and restaurants. And it was only $14 a night... Thems was the days baby! Very kewel.

[@coloradostrong]

And Ripleys Believe it or not!

[@mikemcclune1440]

@@coloradostrong and the alligator farm

[@ddburdette]

I worked at that St. Augustine Howard Johnson's as a dishwasher in 1970. I was surprised to find out that all the meals were frozen. By the way, it is my understanding that the Massachusetts locals pronounce the name of the town where Howard Johnson's was founded as 'Quinzee', not 'Quinsee.'

[@jerometgillain]

@@ddburdette I never ate at Howard Johnsons when I was there. There was so many other places to go get something.

[@5DNRG]

LOL!!! It seems we all enjoyed similar childhoods with these iconic travel stops, also remember Travel Lodges with the bear symbol. My mom used to call it the Sleepy Bear motel.

[@stephens9462]

That’s I use to call them.

[@martinbuinicki1056]

When Dad pulled in, he knew he could afford a meal for the family in familiar surroundings; it wouls be "safe."

[@Gerk8]

I always liked their Indian Pudding, sort of similar to a pumpkin pie filling. That name would never fly now though.

[@iVenge]

@@Gerk8 Thanks for that idea. I will now make that every year, and call it exactly that. 👍🏻

[@monkeywkeys3916]

@Bob Hartlee Hahaha. I've encountered that but not been to HJs

[@gregggoss2210]

@@Gerk8, holy moly! Indian pudding was my favorite! I've searched high and low for that wonderful concoction for years with very little success. Once in a great while I have found some canned versions of it, but nobody made it like HoJo.

[@pumpupjam9648]

My uncle worked for HJ for 35 years. He retired in 1968. He's long gone but I use to remember him bringing gallons of ice cream home at his house with my aunt and cousins. It was delicious! Then slowly, step by step, long after both their passing, it passed too.

[@deadbugdoug4158]

The FIRST, CONSISTANTLY HIGH QUALITY across America . The fried clams, the ice creams and the Thousand Island salad dressing, are among my memories. Just checking in from Hammond Indiana !

[@ellenjannol9802]

I worked at the HoJo's in the San Fernando Valley in the late 70's.. Yes, the ice creams were awesome!

[@aninterestingcharact]

Every Wednesday! Mmmmmmm Fried Clams!! I was religious about it for years.

[@timbillings6884]

😂 I came here just to say I miss There fried clams !!! And you had to beat me to it! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 And the pastachio icecream ! 😋

[@timbillings6884]

@@aninterestingcharact Me too! 👍👍

[@bobthethebuilder9559]

Just checking in from Hammond NY.

[@smug8567]

Ah, the traveling endless summer miles, stopping at HOJO's, Dad hollering, "Don't go in there and try to take the place over"!, opening of the door, the cool air conditioning hitting you in the face along with a wisp of ciggarette smoke, sitting at the counter ordering nice bowl of orange sherbert. Good Times!

[@smug8567]

@James Doolittle Cool

[@classic287]

I used to love the orange sherbet too 😂👍

[@smug8567]

@@classic287 cool

[@davidarmitage289]

Great analogy!

[@WhitneyAbrina]

@James Doolittle so you could smoke in hotel rooms then?

[@maryfeigen7715]

I miss Howard Johnson's. It was such a great place for an ice cream or a meal on Sunday afternoon.

[@monkeywkeys3916]

I bet it was Great

[@mr.majestic2667]

@@monkeywkeys3916 It was an ice cream parlor also

[@srpdesigns]

Yeah Sundays were the day for Hojos Mary ...I miss everything about this Era in America..

[@ChristopherSobieniak]

@@srpdesigns It's an era I barely knew of as a kid.

[@srpdesigns]

@@ChristopherSobieniak Really, Well how old are you Chris?

[@susanheller2328]

Ah...the old Howard Johnson’s! Good memories with my parents traveling on road trips in New England-we always knew it was a great place to stop!

[@butcharmstrong9645]

I loved the fried clam dinner at "Ho-Jos". I don't know if that's what they were called in other parts of the country but in the Midwest they were Ho-Jos.

[@gorymarty56]

We called it that 2 in MD and Pa

[@PoBoyRacing80]

Down South we called them Ho-Jo's also.

[@gunnarbiker]

America used to be great. It's pretty depressing now.

[@56BIGM]

sure was more pleasnt then, but car trips in general were fun.

[@mhbbej1]

What was so great about America in the 50s and 60s. There was segregation and at many Howard Johnson's in the south black people were not allowed in. We also had two horrible war's in Korea and Vietnam where thousands of young men died fighting wars that we had no business being in.

[@AllentoffMusic]

@@mhbbej1 Disagree!!!!

[@charleshamilton9274]

My mom and dad loved road trips and we’d always stay overnight in a Howard Johnson’s “motor lodge” and eat at the attached Howard Johnson’s restaurant. God knows how many exceptional local joints we could have tried, but Howard Johnson’s was a known venue. My sister would, invariably, order spaghetti for dinner. I remember their vaunted ice cream was good but their cheesecake was my favorite. And, who could forget “HoJo” Cola, the Howard Johnson-version of Coca-Cola?

[@michaelciccone2194]

Yes my favorite! Spaghetti and meatballs! Cherry Hill HJ at Cherry Hill New Jersey on NJ TURNPIKE 1968

[@rj4590]

Yankee pot roast...

[@samanthab1923]

Michael Ciccone I always remembered the one as we exited the turnpike onto Rt 46 going to the GW bridge.

[@cartman4885]

A better and simpler time................

[@JustFunandGames]

Ah, yes... remember standing in bank lines, having smoke blown in your face, wars...

[@watershed44]

@@JustFunandGames Still better than today, people while they always have lots of faults seemed more relaxed and outgoing back then and they were, I was there.

[@clifftanton8385]

I remember when as a kid special treat on the way to Texarkana Texas sad all gone❤

[@trukrboy]

Great piece of Americana. In the 60s, we always stopped at the HJ's in Breezewood, PA before hopping on the turnpikes to go to Michigan from our home in Washington DC. Fond memories of (always) good food.

[@gorymarty56]

Same, now I'm jonesing for those clams

[@lbputzer]

Funny, we did the same destinations in reverse, stopping at HJ Breezewood (also staying at the adjoining "Motor Lodge"). Origin=Michigan, Destination=DC & Virginia Beach. HoJo had a monopoly on the sanctioned "rest stops" on the NY Throughway & PA Turnpike. They were built on center islands so that both directions could patronize their restaurants and motels and not have to pay to exit the toll road. As I recall, the toll was cheaper the further you drove on the turnpike, which was the impetus not to exit and pay twice.

[@joshuabrande2417]

I'm still waiting for my fried clams.

[@x21gokartracing]

There was a Howard Johnson located on the Pennsylvania turnpike the first food & gas stop after crossing from New Jersey

[@frankbrunetti2109]

That could have been the one on the east west extension of the turnpike, we would get on the turnpike Route 206 and we would see the Howard Johnson's on the right after getting onto the Pennsylvania Turnpike, then we would get off at Willow Grove

[@x21gokartracing]

That could be the Howard Johnson and fuel stop was in Bensalem on the right going west before crossing under route 1. The building became something else and Sunoco fuel then is was demolished years ago for turnpike improvements

[@gorymarty56]

Breezewood also

[@joesmith4222]

I know the place, was it a large truck stop as well? We stopped at one that look like an old Quaker red brick building with Ivy growing on it.

[@joesmith4222]

@@frankbrunetti2109 is that the same one has an old red brick Quaker building with Ivy on it and was a large truck stop as well? One rainy night in 1971 we had to stay there 3hrs. because of a big rig jackknife at the bottom of the grade.

[@Tiffany-vj1tv]

Much appreciate these videos thank you so much for sharing the stories ❤️🙏

[@kathysmith8650]

We used to travel in the States every summer from Toronto, Canada. I remember eating at Howard Johnson’s, FRIED CLAMS!

[@WAL_DC-6B]

I worked for the Howard Johnson's restaurant (today a Hooters) at the Chicago/Park Ridge, IL location as a busboy back in 1974. The employees working there always got a free meal for their lunch break. I almost always had the famous Ho-Jo's fried clams for my daily meal. To this day, I still miss 'em!

[@midnightelectric1]

Always stopped there coming in from Rockford to visit grandparents from 1971 to 1980. Great memories. Hadn't thought about it in years.

[@TheRobyynn]

Exit 57 on I75 in Dayton Ohio was turned into a stripper joint and was hit by the Memorial Day tornado 2 years ago. It’s been boarded up since then.

[@mikehughes4969]

You and me both my friend.

[@maryann729]

I worked at a Ho-Jo's in Cincinnati. My favorite free meal at lunch was the huge breakfast platter. In the mid-afternoons when things were kind of slow before the dinner crowd started, my friends and I would have our cup of "coffee" which was actually a hot fudge sundae in a coffee mug. We were not supposed to eat any of the ice cream, but we were able to fool our eagle-eyed manager when she would stick her head out of the kitchen to check on the front of the house.

[@wallacegeller2111]

Howard Johnsons were great. Im 73 and I remember them well growing up in Indiana. The ice cream was fantastic.

[@scottmoore1614]

Ate at the one in Greensboro, NC with my family growing up. I remember the clams and ice cream that was served in little silver bowls. I can still picture the interior like it was yesterday, with the counter as you walked in...mirrors and paneled walls in the dining room and orange cushioned seats that matched the roof!

[@davestelling]

As a kid in the '60s, I was partial to the clam rolls w/ tarter sauce. A free birthday cake if you were registered for Hojo's Birthday Club. At the cash register, there was the ice cream and frozen mac 'n cheese to take home. And, if you were on the road, the wintergreen life savers were good. Those WERE the days!

[@exiledfpv]

I was recently going through some bins of old photos. I came across a plastic bib and menu from my first birthday at HoJo's. I remember getting the birthday cards from the Hojo's Birthday Club (probably a couple of those floating around somewhere....my mom saved a lot of stuff). I was looking to see if someone else remembered the birthday club.

[@melissaflood3276]

I remember😢....The birthday club was awesome and the little chocolate cake was delicious 😋

[@gorymarty56]

Clam strips were my favorite. We stopped at the one in Breezewood Pa when I was a kid.

[@louisaloi9178]

If $15.00 minimum wage does happen ALL places like this will go away.Had one on US6 just west of Lorain,OH.

[@Losttouchjs]

That iconic orange roof.

[@VictorySpeedway]

Central Ave., East Orange, NJ., mid-1950's. Peppermint Stick Ice Cream. I was four or five. Unforgettable. I still have a plastic Howard Johnson's bank.

[@samanthab1923]

One of my favorite flavors

[@iswc27]

I remember very well our old Howard Johnson's location in Beverly, MA on Route 128. It was converted to a Burger King, which still stands there today. So sad to see it go. I have a book called "A History of Howard Johnson's: How a Massachusetts Soda Fountain Became an American Icon" by Anthony Mitchell Sammarco that I bought on eBay. Interesting read with lots of cool and nostalgic photos and images. Many thanks to Recollection Road for this delightful presentation!

[@shipsbells]

I'm almost 60 years old, but I can vividly recall the smell when you walked in to one of the restaurants, the smell of heated maple syrup! I grew up in a small Pennsylvania town, when we traveled, we often would eat in a Howard Johnson's. I always ordered the Fried Clams. I recall that the waitresses often gave my brother and I little toys to play with and take home. I remember when I went to college, we sometimes would drive to a nearby town on Tuesday nights for the "All the Fried Clams you can eat." I wish they would come back again.

[@davestelling]

Those were good days, friend...

[@scofab]

Ditto on the fried clams, as a kid they were the only seafood I was into. Pretty sure I cost 'em a few bucks with the "All You Can Eat". Fun times fo' sho'... gone now, there's a Walgreens where it once stood (Milwaukee, near Mayfair Mall).

[@1755ma]

I miss those bright orange roofs. They had the best fried clams and peppermint ice cream for dessert. In the 1960s my family would drive to Dennisport, MA on Cape Cod and along the Massachusetts Turnpike we'd always stop at a Howard Johnson's to eat. It was all a part of the 2- week summer vacation experience. Those were fun times, and fond memories.

[@atarahchomah1463]

I, too, am from a small town in Penna. sweet memories of going their with my family as a child.

[@annpino5005]

What isn't mentioned here is that Howard Johnson's got a big boost in 1929 when Eugene O'Neill's play "Strange Interlude" was banned in Boston and he had to stage it in Quincy instead. The play is so long that a dinner break was included, and the only place that could host the audience was the nearby Howard Johnson's. The patrons were obviously happy with their meal because the rest is history.

[@jimkeskey]

There is A LOT not mentioned in this video.

[@miriambucholtz9315]

I remember back in the 50s we would go there once a week (probably on the evening we did our food shopping) for a while. I always had the same thing, a hamburger, a coke, and a strawberry ice cream cone. The had a room with game machines and I always asked for a dime to play the driving game. I was only around 9 years old at the time and didn't do all that well, but it was fun.

[@WhitneyAbrina]

Sounds like you had good parent!

[@miriambucholtz9315]

@@WhitneyAbrina Both of them, actually.

[@mikebodnar4557]

These comments are as fun to read as the video was to watch

[@Tadrjbs]

They were terrific. Top of the list of the best Americana days...

[@AyeCarumba221]

Who has put all of these Recollection Road videos together? Absolutely love this series. So well done, researched, and presented in such a calm civilized manner. Thank you, thank you!

[@patricialutz2092]

My first job at the age of 17, was a Dairy Bar🍦 girl in Howard Johnson's Restaurant. Later, in life, I would work in the Motor Lodge as an evening receptionist. Great memories, thank you for sharing this😊👍

[@milfordcivic6755]

It was a BIG deal when we went to Howard Johnson's when we were kids. I remember the hot dogs, ice cream and fried clams! We had several Hojo's here in NH. All were torn down to make way for something else, last one being in Nashua, NH torn down for a Porsche dealership of all things.

[@bostongirlsandy]

Love New Hampshire from Massachusetts!

[@rif167]

HoJo's fried clam strips dinner and fried clam rolls....miss them. My sister and I even worked at HoJo's; she put herself through college working as a waitress at the Seekonk, MA location in the late 70's, and I worked for a couple of years mid-70s as a cook/busboy/dishwasher during high school at the same location. Good times. I think the location closed around 1990 and became some other restaurant; it's now a "99 Restaurant" since about 2000.

[@buxxbannerspov30]

When I was drafted in Los Angeles, we were put on a bus to Ft Ord...everyone received a chit for Howard Johnson's for $10.50...man, we all figured we'd have a steak dinner...the works...when we got to HoJo's they filed us into a large room with steam tables set up...we each got a hamburger patty, a sccop of smashed spuds, a veggie, and some green jello...they took our $10.50 chit. That was when I realized how private industry was ripping off the government at MY expense....I bet nothing's changed...maybe it's gotten worse.

[@RandallCarrierINC]

We would eat at the Van Nuys Ca. location. Loved the food and the coconut ice cream.

[@williamperkins9125]

The original motor court and neighboring restaurant building in Savannah, GA still exist on Highway 17 leading into the city in the colonial style. The A-Frame motel downtown still exists as dormitory housing for the Savannah College of Art and Design.

[@eileencarroll6418]

HO-JO's was my first mint chocolate chip ice cream in 1970, and there's been none better since.

[@Music-yq2yz]

Did you have jimmies? That texture makes ice cream the best.

[@Nannerchan]

I remember the kids menu, named after nursery rhymes. Right now,I want a clam roll.

[@marthaperdew]

When my parents and I would go on vacation we would always eat at Howard Johnson's, I miss eating there ,good memories

[@justmeeagainn]

The roll-in ad really kills the vibe of your videos.

[@krazykajun15]

My favorite Ho Jo ice cream . . . Caramel Fudge! What I wouldn't give . . .

[@yana1955]

Before Caramel Fudge they had a plain Caramel flavor. It was my dad's and my favorite. The flavor was a true burnt white sugar, not butterscotch. Dad said it tasted just like his mother's handcranked ice cream recipe.

[@antonsmith9788]

Ho-Jos vanilla ice cream was so heavenly! 👊🍨👊

[@garyryan9046]

Worked at several on the NJ Turnpike in the late 60's while I was in high school. Everybody worked there as their first job...$2.15/hour as I remember... minimum wage ( not a career )...had so much fun every single shift... the managers were always cool... meatball fights then back in the pan to be served to the guests!

[@samanthab1923]

I remember one right as you exited the Turnpike onto Rt 46 N. Are you saying the actual rest stops were all HoJo's? Like Vince Lombardi's?

[@emeyer6963]

@@samanthab1923 Yeah the service plaza's all had them back then

[@lindabingham394]

your proud of stupid things like that thats part of whats wrong with this country meatballs back in the pan geesh

[@johnwhite7219]

I mostly remember Howard Johnson's as a motel chain.

[@shop99er]

Excellent! Any plans for an episode about Stucky's?

[@colewebb1425]

Hi everyone at recollections and hi everyone else fun fact the saying I scream you scream we all scream for ice cream was actually from song written by Howard Johnson in 1927 yes some of the useless information banging around in my head :-)

[@bostongirlsandy]

Thank you for sharing that bit of knowledge.

[@colewebb1425]

@@bostongirlsandy hi bostongirlsandy and good morning and thank you for you're reply and your welcome I'm glad someone injoyed the useless information banging around in my head lol just kidding :-D bostongirlsandy you have very good day :-)

[@johnallen2771]

When we were kids and we went to Hojo's we had to dress nice, girls in dresses, and we watched our P's and Q's because mom had taught us all about manners. Had to hold the fork right. The only reason us kids liked it was so after eating we could have ice cream!

[@davestelling]

Your so right!

[@lindabingham394]

lot of that missing nowdays i see young people holding a fork or any utensil like a shovel or pitchfork no manners taught

[@wessmith7408]

Oh MY! What memories. My grandparents would come to get almost every summer to say a few weeks with them. Traveling from Wilmington, NC to Baltimore, MD we always stopped to eat midway at a Howard Johnson's and again when we reached their home. (this was in the 50's & 60's before we had I95. It was old 301 or Number 1 to go north - you have no idea but this was a 7 to 8 hour trip) My grandmother was an excellent cook but my grandpa loved to eat out. He said it was his way of giving mama a night off. 5 out 10 times would be a Howard Johnson's. He loved the ice cream and so did I. You do a fine job with this. I had to go research more to see what actually did cause the Howard Johnson's to go belly up. I understand why that wasn't included.

[@jonduggan7433]

Friday "All you can eat fish dinners" My parents took me there for that many times in the late 60's. As I remember, it was actually pretty good food.

[@paulseabrook8179]

The Fried Clams.... Yummy 😋

[@andyokus5735]

All you could eat clams on Friday night for 50 cents.

[@samanthab1923]

Just had the local news on at noon. Mentioned the March of 93 snow storm that hit NE PA. Showed a HoJo hotel/restaurant in Dumont PA that guys were happy to get stuck in! ❄️😀

[@mrtodd3620]

This brand is ripe for revival.

[@xaenon]

If they do it right. I doubt they would.

[@chop3625]

Anyone remember Howard Johnson’s upscale newer big brother?? “Red Coach Grille”

[@barbfaherty8778]

Sure do, went to the one in Hingham Massachusetts a few times in the early 70’s, had to dress up and behave, good memories.

[@petercyr3508]

Yes! At the rotary route 18, Route 44 near Taunton Mass.

[@michaelchristie6830]

Thanks for the trip down memory lane! Many positive childhood memories staying at the motor lodge in Queensbury, NY. We would stay there many times during the colder months to enjoy their awesome indoor pool and of course the restaurant adjacent. Fried clams with ice cream for dessert....awesome!! Thanks again!

[@TheRifleman336]

HO JO's I miss the fried clams and a orange sherbet coolers........

[@TheVineyarder]

I remember the 2 we had on the Cape(Cod) ..one at the Bourne Bridge and one in Falmouth in the old Plaza shopping center

[@diannelavoie5385]

I remember those as well, especially the Bourne location

[@TheVineyarder]

@@diannelavoie5385 Dianne remember the all you can eat fish days and the all you can eat chicken!?

[@kerrytakashi12]

The location that was in Times Square in Manhattan was iconic. It had glass windows all around because it was a corner building. It gave wonderful views of the street life. I miss that one so much.

[@krogdog]

I worked at the Lake George HOJO throughout the Summer ‘01 bussing tables and later running the breakfast buffet. Probably the most enjoyable job I ever had 😎 Side note: Rachel Ray used to work at that same location.

[@davidv7275]

28 flavors. I bet that number partly is derivative of how many of those big round tubs fit into the allotted floor freezer capacity.

[@classic287]

I remember, as a kid, it was a real treat to eat at Howard Johnson's in Massachusetts. I live in Florida now, and there still is a Howard Johnson's in Lakeland....