UPDATE: Diana Sweets October 4th, 2008

Diana Sweets is back in Niagara and on display in NOTL on York Road.

 April 18, 2008

Complete article from The Standard - http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=993478&auth=GRANT+LaFLECHE+Standard+Staff

Diana Sweets furnishings have been bought and are on their way back to Niagara!  Randy Clare from Clare's Cycle has purchased the remaining lot from the antique dealer in Buffalo and is bringing it to Niagara-on-the-Lake to be restored and put in his new Harley Davidson Store.  It is not exactly as we had planned and hoped, but at least she will be preserved and located closer to her downtown St. Catharines home.  We are excited and relieved - Thanks Randy!

For over 75 Years, Diana Sweets --"The Di" --w as a conspicuous landmark business in the downtown core....   Equally as important was the major role which it played in the social and cultural life of St. Catharines.  Although the "Di" went through three major changes in managment during its history as a restaurant -- the Grammar family, the Droganes Brothers and finally Maria Correa -- still, it never lost its ambient charm and atmosphere.  The "Di" became a meeting place for three and possibly four generations of St. Catharines residents, whether it was for a quick coffee or snack, lunch or dinner with friends, family or co-workers, or simply as a quiet retreat for a few moments durning a busy day.  The "Di" was a comfortable, familiar destination where the staff got to know regular customers by name, and could take their orders without having to ask for it.

When the "Di" closed in 1996, a vital downtown business was lost, joining in with the demise of other long established firms such as Coy Bros Hardware and Levitt's China.  The blow became even more poignant with the removal of the original Art Deco interior and other restaurant fittings which were shipped to Buffalo, destined for resale to the highest bidder.  The "Di" is just one example of several historically and architecturally significant downtown structures or built heritage features which have vanished within recent memory.

Scroll down for Diana Stories!

     Diana Stories

Submitted by:  Len Dennis, August 10, 2010 Just found this site while surfing. Wonderful idea. My first summer job in the mid 60's was working the front counter (job title at the time would be soda jerk but also chief cup and glass washer; I must have washed a bazillion glasses there). My first boss was Pete Droganes. Really, really nice man. And funny too; his dry sense of humour really helped the day go by. I remember making and having my first cherry coke (and vanilla cokes too) here. Some people liked chocolate cokes too but I could never find the attraction. Old man Grammar would show on occasion but I didn't have much to do with him. Don't remember the names of the waitress' (one was Louanne or Louella maybe) but I know I really liked ;) the younger blonde one. Submitted by:  Heather Duff, June 27, 2010 I remember 2 Diana Sweets restarants in Toronto. One, on Young St, across from Eatons and one on Bloor, between Young and University. Are there no Diana Sweets around anymore? I used to eat there as often as possible when I was in Highschool, and working at Eatons, and when I worked at Bell Tel on Bloor. Fabulous food. Remember their steak sandwich on a Kaiser, waldorf Salad, and , of course, choc. cake. Fantastic. That was in the late 1950's. I am craving a taste again. Heather Submitted by:  Linda Atkins-Schoenle,   April 11, 2010 Oh how I remember the Diana Sweets. Every Friday after school. My parents, sibblings and I would walk to downtown St. Paul St. for our weekly shopping and a much anticipated dinner at the Di. We would shop for groceries at Loblaws on Queens St., Baked goods at Jones Bakery where my Dad loved to get his Eccles cakes and Tamblyn's Pharmacy for any baby supplies. Then we would meet my Aunt and Grandmother and head for the Di. There my Dad would always order a hot beef sandwich, my Mom would order fish and chips or an egg salad sandwich and I always had fries with gravy. It was so much fun reading all the names around the back of the booth and sometimes we would even see someone we knew. Sometimes we even had a wonderful cold icecream soda that we saw them making in the front of the restaurant. My favourite was a rootbeer soda. We used to have great fun reading all the names around the walls of the booth and sometimes we would even find someone we knew. Oh what fond memories of that wonderful place. I am glad it is coming back to NOTL and I plan to take my grandchildren there. I wonder if they will still have the tables with the gum stuck all over the underneath of them. Submitted by:  Lana  Wikobrado,   September 28, 2009 Diana Sweets was my favorite restaurant.  Last time I ate there was my anniversary minus my ex.  Was having fun with Lois. The waitress asked us why we were laughing, told her ex left but best friend still celebrated, that was when we met on my wedding day. Food was great.   Moving back to the city soon, just retired. Submitted by:  Goober Mitchell, Unknown Town, July 19, 2009 Diana Sweet's was a most welcome oasis for many a Ridley College student. On a typical Wednesday afternoon, a dozen of us would pour into sveral booths at the rear of the store. Those addicted to demon nicotine would command a view of the front door from the back booth. Usually, we'd order a coke, chips & gravy, and a well-done burger. With separate bills for each student, it was easy to nick a free lunch every now and then! I spent several rainy afternoons carving my girlfriends' names on the left-hand side booths. Forty years on, I wonder if they've survived? Submitted by:  Rosalind Went, St. Catharines, ON  March 11, 2009 Hello Sally, I am a local writer working on a book - a pictorial essay - about my husband's late cousin, Bruce Bradley, who lived in St. Catharines during the 1930s and 1940s and attended the Collegiate. He took remarkable photographs during the '40s as a teenager, but succumbed to mental illness in his twenties and ultimately lived his life on the streets of Toronto. I just wanted to mention that I have placed a link on my blogsite to your Diana Sweets' page as I have a couple of Bruce's photographs taken at the restaurant in the late '40s. Submitted by:  Mary Anne McAleese, March 8, 2009 Sally, each time I come back to visit and travel down St. Paul Street I think back to my youth and always that part of St. Catharines figures into the memories. Not just the Di but all of downtown. The Y, the market square, Eatons, Wallace's, Potter and Shaws and the national bakery. The three movie theaters and the arena as well as the library. All of those spots are intact and held dear in my memory. For most of us the Di was a right of passage. A special treat with parents and grandparents when we were young and a spot to meet with friends on the way home from high school. It was a safe place to see and be seen and to go on a first date. Before it closed my dad and I took my eldest daughter there for a chocolate sunday after her first Grape Parade. I felt sad that when she came to St. Catharines to attend Ridley the Di was no longer holding court on St. Paul. I hope the new owners of the booths don't refinish them to the point of removing the etchings that were so much a part of the whole experience. Submitted by:  Dale Bell, Rothesay, NB, January 7th, 2009 I grew up in St. Catharines but moved away in 1983. With all my family still living there, I was back regularly for most holidays, birthdays, weddings, graduations, etc., until recently & was disappointed to not be able to have my kids experience the charms of Diana Sweets. I took them to Niagara Falls, Avondale on Read Rd., we've watched ships going up & down the canal & been caught by the bridge, gone to Port Dalhousie, Balls Falls, NOTL, but no Diana Sweets. I will make a point of looking you up my next trip back to St. Catharines, known to all I've met since moving away as "thegardencityhubofthegoldenhorseshoe"! Submitted by:  Rob Mellor, Niagara Falls, ON, December 17th, 2008 I'm almost 60 years old. I was born in St. Catharines. I attended Ferndale Elementary School, Merritton High School and the St. Catharines Collegiate. As a kid I would find any way possible along with my friends to head down town on Saturday mornings for the Searial Movies. Walk, hitch or ride our bikes! The Lincoln, Capital and Centre Theatres offered continuing sagas of adventure movies every week. They also played the latest horror movies and teen flicks later like Beach Blanket Bingo with Franki Avalon and annette Funichello with "Eric von Zipper". Diana Sweets was always the place you headed either before and or after your entertainment. Good God! My mother took me their for floats, sodas, cherry cokes, vanilla cokes and great food after she finished drying out Wollworths department store of their goods! 50's to 60's and teens for sure!!!  Submitted by:  Holly Masson-MacDonald, Vancouver, BC, November 16th, 2008 After my cousin Barb left St. Catharines for California, and me to Toronto in the 60's, we always reununited at the Diana Sweets when visiting St. Catharines. To our utter dismay, the last time we were back, the "Di" was gone. You cannot imagine how deflated we both were. It was as if our teen-aged years just went up in smoke, poof, gone. I now live in Vancouver, and often suggest to Barb that we go back to St. Catharines, although few of our relatives reside there anymore. Barb's response remains steadfast, "it's just not the same with the "Di" gone. Please let me know more about how we can see the "Di" again, I am sure I can now lure my cousin back for a visit. Submitted by:  John Cassidy,  address unknown Ontario, November 16th, 2008 Spent many, many hours at the Di in the early 50's. I always remember for 15 cents you could get a Maple Sundae (the cheapest thing on the menu) one scoop of ice cream smothered in Maple Syrup. At dinner time, you could not beat their Breaded Veal Cutlet (secret sauce) peas and fries. Submitted by:  Barbara Jones,  San Diego, California, November 16th, 2008 I was born in St.Catharines, and moved to California in 1963. On ALL my visits back home the one stop I had to make was the "Di" for their egg salad sandwiches!!! and of course french fries. when it closed I stop going home, just went to Toronto to visit my sister. I even have one of their old menus. It was THE place to hang out!! glad she is back! Submitted by:  Jane Nicholls,  address unknown October 1st, 2008 Hi Sally, I enjoyed reading the memories of the Diana Sweets on St. Paul St. I have many fond memories of the Di, going back to 1955 up until the 80's. Do you know if it was originally called the Columbia Restaurant and Candy Kitchen? Submitted by:  Judson Hefler, address unknown Sept 15, 2008 In the Article Submitted by: Mary Jane Tanner (Harkness -"Harkie"), Jordan, Ontario, July 2nd, 2008, it says 'John ? from Yates St.' his last name was Hetherington Submitted by:  Mary Jane Tanner (Harkness -"Harkie"), Jordan, Ontario,  July 2nd, 2008 Yes.. Many after school sundaes and milk shakes took place in my life at the Di. My friends were Madeleine Beattie, Elaine Darker, Betty Jane Buchanan, Louise Jayne, Marion McCamus,Isabel Tanner,John ? from Yates St., Jud Hefler, Frank McCamus, Bill Tanner etc. The milk shake seemed to last a life-time when we went to the Di. We never seemed to be conscious that someone might want our seat. Deals and love stories were started and sometimes finished there. Pete Grammer and the family are true St.Catharine ites and deserve many cheers for keeping the Di. for us in the 1940's Submitted by:  Mar Roy (Spencer), Calgary, Alberta,  July 1st, 2008 Submitted by:  Guylaine Spencer, Hamilton, Ontario - June 30th, 2008 Submitted by:  Elsie Ross, St. Catharines, Ontario - May 5th, 2008 I grew up in St Kitts during the 60's (I know long time ago) but my sis who lives in Hamilton now just emailed this to me. I am out in Calgary Aberta and I still have fond memories of that place as well. I do hope u are successful in keeping the history of Diana Sweets around the Niagara Region and throughout the internet for us who have moved away but never forgotten. Thanx for the memories and thanx for the effort u are putting into it to preserve our heritage for the next generation...   I used to go to Diana Sweets in the 1970s before the hockey games at the rink. Used to order the best french fries in town (crispy on the outside, soft within) and a French Chocolate Nut sundae. Yum. Can still taste it. We also used to try to get in during the Grape Parade, when it was a madhouse. My parents hung out there when they were young too. I miss the place. Loved the dark cozy booths... like snugs in Irish pubs.   Wow!!!! If only to remember the taste of the Boston Cream or Banana Cream pies!!!! Club sandwiches I could never really finish!!! This was the treat after shopping for school clothes in August and sometimes for weddings. When our group would go to the Capital for a Saturday movie...Diana Sweets was the only place for cokes and fries!!! Great memories and the best of luck in your campaign ! Submitted by:  Maureen Campbell - April 30, 2008 Hi Sally, I worked at Dianna's in the 1970's great place! Submitted by: Barbara Earle - April 17, 2008 Hello Sally, I cherish my memories of the Di. Reaching my teen years the Di was THE place to hang out. Not for too long though, you'd get kicked out. I know this, having had this happen to me on a number of occasions. I loved and cherished the Di and its memories. I even brought my son Steven there when he was 4 years old and shared a float together. Now, the Di is gone and my son is 37 years old and I am so thankful that I shared my precious teen-age memory with him. Thanks for keeping Diana Sweets ALIVE ! Barbara Earle nee Chassie Submitted by: Sharon Biro - April 13, 2008 Hey Sally, I was born in 1951 St Catharines and I remember the Di vividly. My fondest memory was the giant easter bunny's in the front window every easter. I would gaze at them and I wanted one so badly. They had to be 3 feet high and they were always surrounded by decorated eggs and smaller bunnies. My friends and I always went to the DS for fries and cokes after the matinee movies at the Palace Theatre. I remember Mom taking me for lunch to meet my godmother one day and how disappointed I was that she didn't have wings or a magic wand. I smoked my first cigarette in front of my Mom there because I knew she would never make a scene about it while we were in Dianna sweets. Oh, we loved the Di, it was the meeting place for all our friends from all over town. The smell of all the chocolates as we made our way to the back was pure heaven. Good luck , Sharon Biro Submitted by: Barb Corkum - April 8, 2008 Hi Folks: I have many fond memories of the Diana Sweets from late 40's on till about 68 when I married and left the area. What a treat to go with Mom and Gram for a Chocolate Sunday, after an afternoon of shopping, in the older years after a movie. The young folks of today do not know what they missed, what fond memories! Thanks so much for your putting up the photo's etc. Submitted by: Kate Robertson, Port Credit - November 29th, 2007 Submitted by: Jon Lewis Allen, Texas - October 20th, 2007 Best wishes for success re Diana Sweets project from Texas! I was a student at Ridley College for three years, '46-'49. Nick Grammar was one of my roomates two of those years. Many, many Friday evenings Nick and his roomates were in the far rear left booth dining "on the house." During my 25th reunion, I took my wife there for dinner in 1974. By my 50th reunion in 1999, it was gone and our class took over an Italian restaurant on St. Paul Street. Nick's years at Ridley were '42-'50. His older brother, John Peter Grammar who I remember well attended '35-'39. I also visited Nick's home, but memory there is a bit hazy.Food may not have been involved! When I was a student at ridley college in the early 80's going to Diana sweets was a wonderful part of being away from campus. I spent many an hour with my first "true Love ", there eating too many chocolate wafers. It holds many heartwarming memories.   Submitted by: William C. Deligianis, Port Huron, Michigan- July 8, 2007 I enjoyed reading the diana stories and pictures. my father Constantine Deligianis, his brother George Dallas opened diana sweet shoppe in Pt. Huron, Michigan in 1926     Submitted by: Sharon Holdner, Boston, Mass - April 6, 2007

Hello, Congratulations on your efforts with the Di. As a teenager I spent many afternoons sipping on lime freezes in the same booth that my mom sat in when she was a student at the collegiate. I was sad to see its demise on a return visit home and I hope that it can be brought back "in part" to St. Kitts. Congrats again - on your website.

Submitted by: Janet Greer, Edmonton, AB - February 28, 2007

Mid 60's to mid 70's it was a great treat to take the bus from merriton to downtown with my grandmother for shopping and the stop over at Diana Sweets for a canteloupe sundae.

Submitted by: Els Agnew, St. Catharines- February 14, 2007

When I first came to Canada,St.Catharines Diana Sweets was a large part of the city's ambiance. It was a great place to meet friends as teenagers, the fries were the best and the icecream bar was second to none. As my english was not the best or none to speak of I was always able to make my self understood the staff was great and I think that when we lost that great restaurant with it's rich wood, soda fountain and the feel of old time restaurant we lost more than just that, but we lost the feel of what the city was all about, friendly, compassion and the small town feel.

Submitted by: Pamela Grammar, St. Catharines- January 5, 2007

Just for fun I was searching the internet to see if there was information about the Diana Sweets and came across your website. I am impressed with your effort to revive the memories of this restaurant that is especially close to my heart because it is a part of my grandfather(Peter Grammar/owner) who I unfortunately did not get to know because he passed away before I was born. I felt very sad when they sold and removed the contents of the restaurant and sent them to Buffalo when they belong here. I felt like a part of my connection with my Grandfather was taken away. I agree this is a part of St. Catharines' history and should be returned where it belongs and has significant meaning. Thank You

Submitted by: Dan Hilton, St. Catharines- September 15, 2006

The Di was a staple in downtown St. Catharines while I was growing up (1970's, 1980's).  We used to go and hang out there for the floats and atmosphere.  It was a great place to get a clubhouse sandwich and take a special person out to lunch.  It would be great to get its historic/antique contents back to St. Catharines so we could all enjoy the memories again and perhaps create some new ones.  GO FOR IT, Friends of the Di!

Submitted by: Elizabeth Finnie, St. Catharines- July 19, 2006

The Di was a big part of our social life when we were kids growing up in the 50s and 60s. If we had a little money we could always go to the Di for a treat - 15 cents for a lime freeze, 25 cents for a chocolate sundae. There was always something going on...you always knew some kids in the other booths, and you hoped there might be a favourite boy, especially a Ridley boy. My friend's older brother was banned, for life I believe, for filling the sugar bowl with salt. In the 70s and early 80s I went there a lot for lunch with fellow Library staff. It was cheap, good and fast, and most of the waitresses were nice. I feel sorry now that we always asked for separate checks. My last vivid memory of the 'old' Di is the summer of 1983 when I brought in my new baby, Peter (now 23) to show off to the waitresses. Those days were so much fun, we never thought they would end.Submitted by: D. Lynda Cochrane, St. Catharines- June 22, 2006

In my memory bank I have created a special corner where I have deposited a kaleidoscope of Diana Sweets recollections. As I journey into the past, a collage of scenes dance before my eyes: Peter attired in his pristine, white jacket, positioned behind the soda fountain whipping up his ice cream delights; waiting impatiently for a vacant booth during the lunch-hour rush, while continually scanning the crowd for a departing diner; relishing the arrival of my David Haram sundae accompanied by a Ginger and Grape Flip; congregating at the Di on Saturday afternoons, following our endless hours spent at Hunters Record Store spinning 78 records; dashing into the Di before 9 am to order my take-out coffee(I worked at the St. Paul and Queen Commerce Bank and kept my java warm by placing it on the creaking radiator beside my desk).

What wonderful days they were! It is not about where we are going....It is about where we have been.
The time we’ve had.  The time we’ll have.....One memory, one expectation.  Hold them and treasure them,
For they are us.  (St. Catharines Centennial Book)

Submitted by: Connie Tracey, St. Catharines- June 20, 2006

My memories of Diana Sweets   Being a teenager in the '60's, I spent many hours in "The Di".  Their fries with gravy and their cherry cokes (or sometimes, 'Diana Surprises') were second to none.  It was the place to be on Saturday afternoons, before heading off to Hunter's to check out the new records - in fact, you would see so many friends at 'The Di'  that it was common to go on 'nickel brigades' - collecting 5 cents from everyone, until you had a dollar to buy a 45 rpm record at Hunter's.   I wish that my kids, and their kids had a place to go that was as welcoming and safe - and that would provide such happy memories.

Submitted by: Florence Bell, St. Catharines- June 20, 2006

My memories of Diana Sweets were being there in the 1950's and having a cherry coke & vanilla cokes & boston cream pies with my friends on Saturdays.  Bring back the Di!

Submitted by: Diane Pilling, St. Catharines- June 20, 2006

My memories of Diana Sweets were with the Junior A hockey players (Mike Bloom & Marcel Dionne) attending the Di after all their practices.  All the high school students from Collegiate & Dennis Morris.  The girls followed all the boys there and it was quite the hang-out in late 1960's.

Submitted by: Harv & Ruth Emmerton, St. Catharines- June 19, 2006

Our memories of Diana Sweets were when it was our haven in a sea of downtown professionals. Our home caught on fire in the late 1970’s and was severely damaged.  We lost clothes, furniture, some of our treasured possessions, and our sense of security.  While we were trying to coordinate its repair, over the next several months, we would lunch at “The Di”. It was our peace and quiet in-between arranging for our life, and our childrens lives to be rebuilt after the fire.  Bring back the Di!

Submitted by: Kelly (Campbell) Lostracco, St. Catharines- June 4, 2006

I can remember every Saturday, my best friend and I would go shopping downtown. We either went to Woolworth's or Eatons (when it was at the corner of St. Paul and Ontario). Then we would head down to the Di for french fries and a coke or an ice cream float. Like many others, I know our names our etched in those old benches also. We can't have the old days back, but I don't see why they can't bring the Di back. I bet you will see business increase in downtown St. Catharines if the Di came back. And after that, maybe they can bring Kresge's back too!

Submitted by: Kim Payne, St. Catharines- June 2, 2006

While touring the Great White North back in 1989 I met a young lady who felt compelled to take me to the Diana Sweets on a date. The friendly banter going on around me and the character of the place was a real treat, her company wasn't bad either!. Because I was on my best behaviour I didn't enter my own message to the well graffitied cubicle, but I was impressed by the level of literacy of past Di visitors - barely a swear word in sight! Anyway, the young lady became my wife and much to her parents chagrin we moved back to Australia to live and start our family. While over there I heard about the closing of the Di and was oddly disconcerted that it had gone - it had seemed a permanent fixture and I had looked forward to future visits to its gumwood booths. We've since moved back to St. Catharines where I now find myself happily involved in a community project to bring back what remains of the Di. I know the Di has gone, it will never be the same, but the stories of those booths etched in layers of carved initials and the patina from countless diner's backsides sliding backwards and forwards as they idily chatted (and perhaps flirted) makes for a compelling mission.

Submitted by: Virginia Panko, Thorold- May 11, 2006

In the late 1940s and early 50s, before the start of a new school year, my mother would remind me that it was time for our annual shopping trip to St. Catharines. We lived in Thorold, without a car, so our journey would start very early in the day, first walking up Battle and Pine Streets, then down Sullivan Avenue which took us over the smelly old canal and past the high stacks of logs at the lumber mill. We climbed the wooden stairs to the top of Front Street, where we boarded a bus which would take us to 'the city', and eventually St. Paul Street. My mother's idea of a successfull shopping trip was to come home with full bags of school clothes, shoes and books, mine was the promised rest stop at the end - Diana Sweets. All the time we walked, my mother told me that I would have to behave and if so, we would have lunch at the restaurant and possibly a hot chocolate sundae or banana split. Which would I choose? The anticipation of these desserts, covered in whipped cream, topped with a cherry, silenced me through the long bus trip as it wound its way through Merritton, up over the narrow train bridge, past the canals and finally deposited us on St. Paul Street. After an arduous day of shopping we would step into Diana Sweets where the first sound you heard was the soft clinking of cutlery - probably from the long silver spoons against the tall fluted glasses as everyone scopped the last bit of chocolate out of the bottom. Sweet smells as one entered enticed us further into the cool interior, a welcome retreat after the long expedition of shopping for school clothes on a hot August day. I remember the rich wooden booths, the high ceilings, the lazy fans moving ever so slowly, but most of all, I remember the beaufitul, inticate floor tiles in black and white. Now as I rush through the mall with my grandchildren, catching a glimpse of the teens slouched over their snacks at the food court, I wonder if they would ever believe that a kid from Thorold had to spend a better part of the day thinking of the magical splendor of Diana Sweets and the yearly treat of a hot chocolate sundae with whipped cream and a cherry on top.

Submitted by: Pam (Rigby) Daniels, St. Catharines - May 9, 2006

Well, where do we start? I can't remember any part of my childhood or teens that didn't include the 'Di'. My parents took us there for sodas when shopping downtown, which was and still is the only place to shop! Later, my friends and I would meet at the 'Di' before sneaking off to see an Elvis movie which was banned by our parents! What can I say about high school! It just was 'the' place to be. I'm sure that if I didn't carve my name in a booth myself, that someone else did it on my behalf. There, we were able to check out all the older kids and the hunks from the Collegiate! We got snubbed by the 'sorority girls' but we didn't care as long as we had our chips and cherry cokes! When I started dating my first husband in high school we spent a lot of time there! We would skip school just about every day and go there for tea! That was until Mr. McCausland caught us. As time went by, I can remember taking my own children there and sharing our 'Di' stories with them;at least the ones we could safely tell! It would be wonderful to see the booths etc. again. Good luck in your campaign to bring the 'Di' back home!!

Submitted by: Zack Boukydis- April 25, 2006

Hello: I support the saving, preserving, and 're-living' of Diana Sweets in St. Catherines. My grandfather, Charles Boukydis was part owner, along with his cousin Constantine Boukydis, of Diana Sweets in Toronto. I have wonderful childhood memories of visiting my grandfather in Diana Sweets, and sometime during that era learned that there was a Diana Sweets in St. Catherines. It is heart warming to read peoples' memories of time spent in St. Catherine's Diana Sweets. My father, who grew up in the restaurant business would always interact with me, whenever we visited any restaurant, and we would talk about what would make a restaurant, special - in an enduring way- not just a 'one shot' fancy night out way. It had to do, obviously, with well prepared, (and presented food), but equally important with how people were treated, the overall welcoming atmosphere and the timeliness of being cared for -being fed. We need more, not less, places/people who truly feed people, not just process them. Best wishes in your efforts Zack Boukydis

Submitted by: Ruth McLean, St. Catharines - April 24, 2006

Submitted by: Frank Coy, St. Catharines - April 22, 2006

My time spent at the Diana Sweets ranged mostly between 1952 and 1957 as a teenager on Saturday nights with a large group of friends after attending Hilda Rankin's ballroom dancing class at her studio on Yates St. I met my wife to be at dancing class at the age of 13 or14 and Gail and I have fond memories of the time spent at Diana Sweets. There was always a large group with us including Tim Rigby, Sam Malcolmson, Barry Matheson, Richard Robertson, Larry Kunselman, Susan Lambert, Peggy Clarkson, Laurel Godwin and more. Cherry Cokes, Chocolate Sundaes, Malted Milkshakes and a variety of Floats seemed to be the regular orders. I'm sure that Gail's and my initials appear somewhere on those old wooden boothes. What a wonderful time it was and what wonderful memories it would bring back to sit and have a Cherry Coke in one of those secluded private boothes at the Diana Sweets.

Submitted by: Gail Warnica, Campbellford - April 21, 2006

Well my favourite recollection of the Di is when my brother and I went to the show on a Saturday, and we would be given 25 Cents to spend on treats. We had the choice of buying something at the show or stoping after the show for a coke float. The Di won every time and we would go and sit in one of those lovely booths and order and drink our coke floats. We were pretty young but were always treated respectfully. I haven't lived in St. Catharines for many years and on one return visit couldn't believe that the Di was gone. My mother and my Aunt when I was quite young 3 or 4 took me there for lunch one day. This would have been in the early 50's. Wow that was a treat, as we seldom ate out in those days. I had my favourite a grilled cheese sandwich. But the coke floats or ice cream sundaes were always what you looked forward to. Hope you can bring the interior of the Di back to where it belongs.

Submitted by: Christine Anderson, St. Catharines - April 21, 2006

When I worked downtown Diana Sweets was the place we all enjoyed to go for lunch.

Submitted by: Susan Marett, St. Catharines - April 21, 2006

I remember going to Diana Sweets in Port Huron, Michigan, with my parents when I was 7 or 8 years old. Was allowed to have a sundae or ice cream soda. WOW!! My husband & I moved to St. Catharines in 1976 & I was amazed to find a Diana Sweets location here. Visited it for the grilled cheese & fries. Mmmm! Bring it back!

Submitted by: Anna Squire, St. Catharines - April 21, 2006

Ah sweet memories of Diana Sweets. My best friends Dale, and Hazel and I used to go into Diana Sweets at least every weekend in the late "60's) to meet with other friends. We used to share our favourite sandwich Chicken Salad and fries and coke. The booths were the best ever and the waitresses always treated us (teenagers) as if we were somebody. These are truly sweet memories

Submitted by: Brian Nahri, St. Catharines - April 20, 2006

I was first taken into Diana Sweets by my parents in the mid-1960s when I was in public school as a treat for being a good boy. (Normally we'd have lunch down the street at the Kresge lunch counter!) As I grew up, we started to eat at the Di more and more frequently because of the friendly atmosphere and good, inexpensive food. Of course when I was in my teens I did carve my initials into one of the booths on the right hand side, about three-quarters of the way towards the back. I guess my handiwork is still on the panel, but sitting over in Buffalo right now. I remember once when I was about 7 or 8 years old, being taken into the Di with friends of the family for lunch. The other mom had more difficulty keeping her children under control so when we sat down she reached into her purse and pulled out a huge wooden spoon which she placed very calmly and deliberately in the centre of the table. She told my mom that it was called "the discipliner" and of course her kids were on their best behaviour all throughout the lunch. Another fond memory that I have was years later, when Maria Correa owned the Di. For a couple of years at Christmas she had the late Mr. Charles Day come into the Di dressed as Santa. She had a special large wooden chair set up just under the stained glass transom, and whoever wanted to, had the opportunity to sit in Santa's lap and tell him what he/she wanted for Christmas. Of course, we all got candy canes afterwards. I have a photo of the Di Santa somewhere. We all have great memories of the Di, and I look forward to reading more of them on this web page!

Submitted by: Xenia (Knechtel) Murphy, Southampton - April 19, 2006

Because money was rather scarce in the 1940's, it was a huge treat to visit Diana Sweets!  I attended Central School on Church Street for Grade 7 and very often we walked to Diana Sweets for some Candy at lunch or after school.  Very rarely did my generation go out to eat.  It was a very special occasion when we went out for a meal.  My favorite was Turkish delights (fruit jelly in squares, rolled in icing sugar) with all the fruit flavors.  As teenagers, we were still welcomed to the Di except the waitresses would get upset if a group of boys & girls had to go to the bathroom at the same time, the waitresses stood a good chance of being knocked down when they came out of the kitchen swinging doors with their trays of food.   I remember twisted ribbon candies, jars of licorice sticks, all the wood trim, soda bar, had to get a hot beef sandwich as a teenager, plate of fries, the milkshakes, ice cream sundaes were fantastic, banana splits.  Very private booths - great for dates.  I used to meet with Sheila Rolston, Joanne Boyce, Doug Little, Joanne (Walker) Remnant, Shirley Perkins, Ann & Bob Peabody, Phil Zeller, Timmy Rigby, John Guest, Barry Matheson and all the Ridley boys...... good times!

Submitted by:  Nancy Dolan, St. Catharines - April 19, 2006

Hey Sally: Bet you didn't know that when I was 16 I was a Diana Sweets waitress and that my neighbour was their baker! Home made pies!!! mmm!!

Submitted by:  Tammy Dollar, St. Catharines - April 19, 2006

When I was growing up I had a best friend named Becky. Her Mom took us to Diana Sweets for lunch many times. Our favourite part was ordering a Shirley Temple. It came in a great looking glass with marachino cherries. I felt so important when it arrived at our table, not to mention how great the food was. It was a very sad day for St. Catharines when we lost this icon of our community. I think its a great idea to try to reclaim the Di. There will never be another place like it!! Anybody who ever had the great opportunity to enter Diana Sweets and spend time in its ambience will understand what I mean.

Submitted by:  Sally (Hilton) Dollar, St. Catharines - April 18, 2006

I grew up with my 4 brothers & sisters in downtown St. Catharines in the 1970's.  We always had our noses pressed up against the glass at the "Di" looking at the ice cream and goodies.  My mom took me there for my first "grown up" lunch (by myself without my brothers and sisters - very special) -  and I went on my first real date at the "Di" and while eating my french fries & gravy and sipping my "Diana Surprise", I carved my name in to the table in my booth with the tong of my fork (my mom assured me it was o.k. to do so and that it was almost expected).  I want to get the "Di" back and see if it survived!

<>

Diana Sweets is a place in my past I will never forget! It was when Sun. School etc. was popular,(mid teens, etc), afterward we all ended up at the "Di", walking up & down the aisles to try for a seat.  We sat with our small Cokes (6 cents) & had a great time with our friends at this wonderful meeting place. We also went for lunch on Saturday, I remember having toasted chopped olive sandwiches (among many other choices.) Halloween was another time I remember meeting all our friends. I, also, remember going into the basement with one of my girl-friends, as her Mother had a job hand-dipping chocolates.  I hope these memories will help you with your venture, good luck.

Submitted by: Lynette Filipov- May 5, 2006

Hi! I'm 43 and remember going often to Diana Sweets with my cousin, Linda, for french fries with gravy when we were teens. I can still taste them! I also remember seeing all kinds of names and initials carved in the wooden backs of the benches. It truly was the end of an era when they closed.