The Blue Bird Inn, located at 861 Franklin Avenue, used to offer the finest in country dining, served in a gracious manner by "colonial ladies".This recent addition to the local history collection has me stumped. Can you offer more information on this fine dining establishment?
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The Blueird Inn was a charming country Inn at the bldg now houses the Wyckoff Peddler on Franklin Avenue at Circle.
I think the owner was Mrs.Morrison.
Folks would drive out into the country for Sunday dinner from places like Ridgewood, NJ. There was good food but no smoking or drinking!
Somewhere around the mid 60's new owners were Mauren and Patrick Sheehy.They operated the same dining and opened a furniture store in the house next door
The Williamsburg House.
Later they closed the resturant and moved the furniture/ gift shop into the present red bldg
I remember it being very much a place for the "blue haired" folks. In all the years I lived near it (I lived on the other end of Circle Ave....now ridiculously called Aspen Way), which was from 1953 till it was closed, I don't think I EVER saw anyone under 65 walk into it.
I was disappointed that the magazine 201 failed to mention the Bluebird in their article of old eateries in Bergen County.
http://www.201.net/issues/2008/11/features/As%20the%20Tables%20Turn.story
I have wonderful memories of Sunday dinners at the Bluebird Inn. We were the guests of my grandmother, Mrs. Gould, who lived in Ridgewood. We came down from Connecticut to visit her, and she would take us out for dinner. The best part of dinner was the Lazy Susan in the middle of the table, filled wtih intriguing relishes, rolls, etc.. The waitresses in their colonial costumes were also memorable. Mostly I remember my grandmother and father arguing over who would pay the check--I'm not sure who won. I'm so glad to finally find a picture of the restaurant.
During my childhood I lived a few doors down at 905 Franklin Ave from 1967 - 1979. I remember visiting the Blue Bird restaurant during special occassions like Mothers Day.
I have an unpleasant remember too, a lethal car accident occured at the sharp corner in front of the restaurant, involving pedestrians (youngsters) as I recall. After that my parents forbid us to walk to the restaurant/gift shop.
That lethal car accident occurred on May 14, 1974 - my 9th birthday. My parents were Maureen and Patrick Sheehy, who owned the Blue Bird and Williamsburg House Gift Shop. I grew up on Circle Ave.
I sent a letter to the editor of 201 after the "bygone restaurants" piece ran and they included it in the next issue with a postcard picture that included my parents and me.
I grew up going to the Blue Bird for dinner with my parents and grandparents on special occasions and holidays. I grew up in Wyckoff in 60's and 70's. When I was married in 1977 I chose my china from their Williamsburg store!
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