Collectibles Comprise the Decor of the Menz Restaurant
As interesting as the history of Menz’s Restaurant are the many collectibles and one-of-a-kind items that comprise its decor. If you are a “veteran” customer, then you are probably unsurprised by the surroundings. To the new arrivals, however, we extend an invitation to look around. The place is virtually filled with antiques, natural wonders and relics. If you’re curious about an item, feel free to ask any of the people who serve you; if they don’t know about the item, they’ll know who will. To get you started, we’ve traced the histories of a few items here:
Antique Wicker Baby Carriage
The Antique Wicker Baby Carriage is at least 85 years old. We’re sure of this because it was Franklin’s, and before that, his brother, Albert’s. New, it cost their mother, Tihie Menz, $6.25. That was quite a sum back then, but Tillie was able to buy it on time, paying 25 cents a week.
Famous Explorer Statues
The Famous Explorers Statues were made during the Depression by employees of the Works Progress Administration, a government- sponsored program designed to put America back to work. At least a few were put to work designing, carving and dressing these nine statues, which were donated to schools back then as visual aids. Notable among those so honored are Ferdinand Magellan and Christopher Columbus.Hand-Carved Teak Table
The Hand-Carved Teak Table is from China. Purchased by the folks who brought you Bromo Seltzer, it was imported to their family home in Baltimore and later brought to Philadelphia in 1876 for display during America’s centennial.
Crystal Cut-Glass Chandelier
The Crystal Cut-Glass Chandelier was imported from Europe to grace a home in New Orleans, then a plantation in Georgia. It later came to Cape May County, where it lit a local mansion for about 65 years. It was only recently converted to electric.
Candy Counter
The Candy Case on your left as you walk out the door originally belonged to the Lee family of Leesburg in Cumberland County. They used it to sell “penny candy,” a tradition we continue to the delight of small children and dentists everywhere.
In addition, throughout the restaurant are many strange and exotic animals, including, a Two-Headed Calf that was born in 1975 in North Jersey and is recorded in the Guiness Book of Records as the longest living 2 headed calf. It lived 10 weeks. Also noteworthy is our own version of the Jersey Devil, a mythical animal who allegedly stalks our woods. Ours is a composite animal born of generations worth of hysterical descriptions.
