This is my first "traditional" BITcache and is located at the Savage MARC station and the former home of the Henkel's Restaurant.
Many, many years ago when I was working at Comic Classics (Laurel, MD) for the man that gave the nickname of "Dudley Grunt", we'd occasionally frequent a bit of a dive with great sandwiches called Henkel's. My friend and coworker, "Deacon Fahrley" had a phrase for when it seemed like it was time to go again. He'd say he had a "hankering for Henkel's". I think we only really made it there a handful of times, but it was great. Sadly, it's been gone for many years.
Henkel's Restaurant - The Very End
By Pat Stakem - April 16, 1999
From Bull Sheet Monthly News
Henkel's Restaurant, a landmark in Annapolis Junction, Maryland, for decades, closed its doors in early November of 1997. Right by the tracks of the B&O Washington Branch line, and across from the gravel plant, Henkel's was a favorite lunch spot for railfans and normal people alike. A major clientele was the lunchtime crowd from nearby Fort Meade. It was known to CSX engineers, truck drivers, and railfans across the country. However, business had been in a decline, and the decision was made by the owners to close up shop. Another homey, friendly eatery bites the dust!
Henkel's Restaurant did not advertise, and you would not accidentally trip across it. If you learned about Henkel's, you were told about its massive sandwiches by someone who had already been there. While you were eating inside, there was no question about when the train passed. Trains rocked the old wooden building for a century.
Milton Henkel had founded the restaurant in the 1930's as a gas station/pool hall/notary/grocery store/beer store and hangout. Back then, beer was 10 cents, the sandwiches were 35 cents. The restaurant was most recently owned by the Duggan family.
The restaurant was burned to the ground in a training exercise for firemen on Wednesday, April 14, 1999. The structure consisted of old, dry wood, and went up like a torch.
What is a BITcache?
Stage | Symbol | Type | Coordinates | Description |
---|---|---|---|---|
Interesting place | --- | The spot where Henkel's stood. |