Last week the original founder and matriarch of The Chickenburger in Bedford presented two cheques for $6493.50 each. One went to The Cancer Society and one to Palooka's Boxing Club - a club dedicated to empowering youth. The money was raised from the sale of her book The Life and Times of The Chickenburger.
Ninety-one year old Bernice Innes hasn't made a chickenburger for many years, but from her kitchen window, she can still keep an eye on those who do. She still lives in her home that was built beside the Chickenburger so many years ago. In her book, Innes talks about the beloved diner that played such a huge part in her life for more that 70 years.
"It's about very personal things. And it's all true," said Innes. "I had put it on the shelf for two years because I didn't know if I wanted to make my private life so public."
With the support and encouragement of family and friends, including current Chickenburger owner Mickey MacDonald, Innes decided to go ahead and share her story.
The 35-page book was written by Eleanor Beaton through Innes' words. It tells the story of a small-town restaurant from its humble beginnings in 1940 to the national treasure it is today.
For the thousands of people in Bedford and surrounding areas who grew up with the Chickenburger, the book, filled with community history and photos, is a walk down memory lane. For younger customers it explains who invented the chickenburger and what the deal is with those cool black and white pictures on the walls.
"Customers are always asking about the pictures on the wall," said restaurant manager Colin MacDonald. "Now they can find out for themselves."
Those pictures represent the growth of the Chickenburger and the community of Bedford. From aerial views of the fields and trees that would one day become home to busy intersections, to pictures of the Sunnyside Restaurant where Innes earned $2.50 per week scooping ice-cream. These black and white photos of old cars and 50s styles aren't stills from a Hollywood set, they're the real deal.
The current owners of the Chickenburger respect Innes and her part in the restaurant's history. They look to her as an inspiration and want to continue the legacy she and her family began. As for Innes, she's happy to still be in her own home keeping that eye out.
"We have a lot of young kids down there," she said. "They call me the Chickenburger lady, and we have older staff that are just wonderful. They've been there a long time."
As for the food, Innes said nothing beats the Chick.
"I used to love the hotdogs with lots of ketchup," laughed Innes. "They used to call them ‘tube steaks.' My sister fried the best hamburger in the world, but I can't eat those things anymore, I'm too old, but I do still eat chickenburgers. They had a big bash for me on my 90th birthday. They served chickenburgers and champagne."
The Life and Times of the Chickenburger is dedicated to her husband Jack Innes who died of cancer in 1977.
"I think my husband would be proud of this book," said Innes. "He worked very hard."
The Life and Times of The Chickenburger is available for $9.99 incl. tax.
All of the profits are donated equally between the Cancer Society and Palooka's Boxing Club.
1,300 copies of the book have been sold in just six months.
blhall@eastlink.ca
