“A Greek Odyssey, Completed”

c. 2008 Rod Ice
All rights reserved
(8-08)





It was a late night in the Icehouse home office. So late that morning had come with the promise of a sunrise to be, once twinkling stars finished their dance in the sky. I sipped burnt coffee, reluctantly. My body yearned for the feel of our bed. But there was work to be done in the stillness before dawn. So I toiled on, alone…

I was composing a feature about the late ‘Famous’ George Diskes, who owned the Dinner Bell Diner in Painesville. This nearby attraction drew many customers from across Geauga. The task had me reliving old memories that were sweet, and persistent:

FAREWELL, FAMOUS GEORGE

“Famous George was someone who truly fit the description ‘one of a kind.’

He was a huge fellow in physical stature and personality. Notably gregarious, outgoing, and proud of his Greek heritage. Some revered him as an iconoclast, while others were not-so-fond of his cheerfully bombastic style. But regardless of the opinions that surrounded this colorful fellow, he could not be ignored.

Visitors to his ‘Dinner Bell Diner’ on Bank Street in Painesville were treated with the care one might reserve for close family members. George took pride in his restaurant, and every facet of its operation. He personally greeted patrons who had come for a meal. His food, atmosphere, and service were unmatched by any competitor. Eventually, the diner grew into a museum, meeting place, and cultural way-station.

But the authenticity did not go pale with commercial excess.

Famous George dependably remained a humble, if vociferous, servant of the community.
For myself, visits with George were always exciting. When Johnny Cash played the Lake County Fair, the food entrepreneur appeared with a dozen bouquets of red roses for June Carter. The audience cheered his presence as if he were part of the performance. The man literally seemed to be everywhere.

I paused at his restaurant frequently, while living just around the corner on Chestnut Street. It was a friendly place to meditate over steak tips with noodles, and a Feta cheese salad. Being treated to breakfast at his 'front table' by the cash register was an experience that will live forever in my memory. It was there that I first met radio personality Mike Trivisonno. Giddy with the moment, I introduced him to the Famous One. Years later, Triv still spoke lovingly of the diner and its memory. We both wished for one more meal at the venue.

Sadly, George passed away last week, in Massachusetts. His obituary was featured in The News-Herald and online at www.ccbfuneral.com.”

A second visit to the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home website yielded their online guestbook, with comments about the late entrepreneur, from many former patrons. It was there that I discovered a note left by Andrew Diskes, son of the restaurant hero:

“Thank you to the many people who have expressed their condolences to my family. We are grateful for all of your thoughts and prayers at this time. We will proudly post your comments at his visiting hours and service so everyone can see how much he touched people's lives… When he moved to his little apartment in Peabody, MA he brought so much memorabilia with him from the Diner. There were ‘GET THEIR GOAT, GIVE GEORGE YOUR VOTE’ signs as well as other plaques and signs and photos all over his apartment. He would never give up those memories. Even though he was glad to be near his family in Massachusetts the last several years, his heart was truly in Ohio with all of his friends and customers.
I am thinking about doing a service or dinner for my father in his honor to celebrate his life in Painesville for all of his friends and supporters and patrons. Perhaps on his 70th birthday which would be in October. If anyone thinks that would be a good idea and would be interested in getting involved in that please feel free to contact me at neverlandtheatre@comcast.net or by calling 978-500-8832. Thank you.”

I felt buoyed by seeing his message. Quickly, I added a thought of my own to the memorial roster:

“George - I revered you from the beginning. Because of your fabulous ‘Dinner Bell Diner’ but also because of your iconoclastic outlook, vibrant personality, and zest for living. You were a friend, and mentor to so many in this region. I can only give thanks to God for having shared a part of your existence. My prayers go out to your family, and friends. May God cradle your soul with love!”

As a new day arrived, Andy and I connected through the Facebook social networking site. He expressed the joy of growing up with such a unique father as a guide, and friend-for-life. Eventually, these reflections became overwhelmingly powerful with echoes of yonder days. My heart was breaking.

I needed to see the Dinner Bell, again.

A day later, in the midst of family chores with my nephew, I detoured to Painesville. Revisiting George’s empty diner was like viewing The Parthenon against a backdrop of history. Walking around the parking lot constituted a spiritual experience. I took photographs, and remembered out loud…

Then, we discovered a makeshift memorial in front of the restaurant. Someone had left a sheet of orange poster board over the real estate sign, with roses and a balloon. It proclaimed in large text: “YOU ROCKED, GEORGE.”

I felt humbled by this pure expression of love.

After sunset, I posted my photographs in cyberspace, including a special note about the makeshift Dinner Bell tribute:

“This was incredible to discover - a homemade memorial for the late George Diskes, owner of The Dinner Bell Diner on Bank Street in Painesville, Ohio. Though closed for several years, this icon of local culture remains a spot of interest to tourists and local residents. 'Famous George' served many satisfied patrons here - from Zsa Zsa Gabor to Elton John to Governor Voinovich to radio celebrity Mike Trivisonno to... everyday folks from around the corner. A trip to the Dinner Bell not only guaranteed fantastic dining, but also gifted visitors with a tour through collections of Coca Cola merchandise, copper cookware from Old Europe, a set of New York City taxicab doors, a stuffed horse, Three Stooges collectibles, Greek treasures, and other unusual trinkets. This was a happy place, in every sense of the word.”

Andy Diskes responded soon afterward. His words had me looking forward to a Dinner Bell reunion that might come to pass, with stories of the diner and its legacy in northeastern Ohio:

“Hi, Rod, Thanks for the great commentary and photos. My dad would just love this. Thank you very much. I look forward to meeting you in person.”

The project ended where it began, with the household lost in slumber. I was at the computer again, working intently on another manuscript. Yet my soul had been satisfied - by paying tribute to ‘Famous’ George.

Comments about Thoughts At Large may be sent to: icewritesforyou@gmail.com
Visit us at: www.thoughtsatlarge.com