Casper?s diner traces its roots back to 1909

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A collection of old posters covers the bright orange walls. Everything, from the chairs to the refrigerator, is covered in an assortment of psychedelic patterns. Mobiles hang from the ceiling fans, and chalk figurines from the 1920s and 1930s line the shelves along the back wall. Casper's doesn't look like your typical diner, but owner Belinda Harriman wouldn't have it any other way. |ret||ret||tab|

Harriman began working as a waitress at Casper's in the mid-1970s, when she was hired by then-owner Charles Lederer. Following his death in 1985, Harriman bought the diner and all of the artwork in it, much of which was created by Lederer himself. Soon after, Harriman received word that the building that had housed Casper's since 1948, a World War II-era Quon-set hut on Glenstone Avenue, was going to be torn down, and she quickly began searching for a new location. |ret||ret||tab|

"I really wanted to keep things the same," she said. "I wanted the new restaurant to have the same look and feel as the old Casper's."|ret||ret||tab|

Keeping things the same proved to be difficult, however. In addition to having to find a new location, Harriman had to track down the recipes Lederer used to make Casper's signature chili and other items that have been on the menu for years. |ret||ret||tab|

After an extensive search, Harriman stumbled upon the recipes. Fate smiled on her again when she found another World War II-era Quonset hut at 601 W. Walnut for sale. |ret||ret||tab|

She remodeled the inside of the building and began recreating the look and feel of the old diner. Shortly before opening, she held a taste-testing party and invited several long-time customers to sample the food and critique the motif. |ret||ret||tab|

"They told me I got it right," Harriman said. "I even think Charles would approve of what I've done here."|ret||ret||tab|

Harriman opened for business in November 1985. Within days, Casper's loyal customers came flooding back in. |ret||ret||tab|

According to Harriman, having lunch at Casper's is a tradition for many Springfieldians, and the diner has been in business since 1908. Lederer's fa-ther, Casper, opened the business, and initially he only sold fruit and produce. Then he began selling ham sandwiches to his hungry customers. Cas-per's soon became a favorite spot for customers who were looking for a quick bite to eat for lunch, and the business evolved into a luncheon diner.|ret||ret||tab|

In 1948, Casper's moved to the corner of Glenstone Avenue and Cherokee Street. |ret||ret||tab|

During the mid-1960s, Leder-er's son Charles joined the business and immediately began re-decorating the restaurant in a manner reflecting his own personality and taste. Even now, customers comment on Cas-per's funky 1960s-era motif.|ret||ret||tab|

"People appreciate the sameness," Harriman said. "Every-body wants to have a place to go to that never seems to change."|ret||ret||tab|

Part of that sameness comes from the continuity in Casper's staff. Etta Mae Buckner has worked at Casper's since 1966. According to Harriman, Buck-ner has played an instrumental role in helping rejuvenate the business since she became the owner.|ret||ret||tab|

Casper's business hours have remain unchanged since Harri-man began running the business, and the diner is open 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. However, Harri-man has carried on the tradition of shutting the diner down during the summer. |ret||ret||tab|

"We're closed during the months of June, July and August," Harriman said. "It's just impossible to cool a metal building in the summer when the sun is beating on it. We always put a sign in the window at the end of May saying we will reopen the day after Labor Day, and a bunch of people always show up the day we reopen. I think we have the most loyal customers of any restaurant in town."[[In-content Ad]]