The Lakewood Historical Society's Valentine's Day Gift for the Valentine Diner

In 1938, in Wichita, Kansas, Arthur Valentine started the Valentine Manufacturing Company producing 'portable steel sandwich shops'. These Valentine Diners, with a seating capacity for eight to twelve customers and a limited menu, were perfect for a one-man operation. They were constructed well with heavy-gauged steel panels coated with rust-resistant zinc. The interior walls consisted of tempered Masonite covered with a steel sheet and finished in a high-grade synthetic enamel. The durable floors were constructed from greaseproof asphalt tile or linoleum. The flying-buttress corners on the exterior characterized the entire line of Valentine diners and set them apart from all others. Located to the right of the front door was the "take-out" window and offered diners an even quicker way to purchase food. The Valentine Manufacturing Company operated from 1938 until 1970.

The only known Valentine Diner in the entire Denver Metro area, known as The White Way Grill , has found a home at Lakewood's Heritage Center. This historic Valentine Diner, located on East Colfax across the street from the Aurora Fox Theater, operated as a working restaurant from 1948 through July of 2002, when it was saved from demolition and moved to Lakewood's Heritage Center. In 1970, its name was changed to The White Way Grill Café and in 1979 to China Placeuntil its move to Lakewood. The diner still retains its flying buttress corners, 'waterfall' door treatment, and rounded parapet. Most of the interior decorations are intact including the back wall's Art Deco mirror and the mounted, mirrored 'pie safe.' Still in their original places are the original 3-compartment sink and prep-table. The 'safe', containing payments that were picked up by the Valentine representative, still displays the Valentine logo on the wall near the front door. A small restroom with its original fixtures can be accessed from the outside of the building. The White Way Grill is representative of a 20th century neighborhood eatery which attracted and served many regular customers throughout the years.

Although Lakewood's Valentine Diner has had exterior work done, there is still work that needs to be done in the interior of the building. The Lakewood Historical Society Board of Directors voted unanimously to donate $3,000.00 to be used for the diner's flooring material. A check will be presented by board members of the Lakewood Historical Society to the City of Lakewood at a future Lakewood City Council meeting.