Curious Traveler | C.J. Fitzwater Dec 11, 2023
Last Sunday, Salisbury said goodbye to a cherished landmark, Marie’s, as it served its final Irish benedict. Since its establishment in 1972 by Marie Rose Waelter, Marie’s had been a cornerstone of the community, first located on Railroad Avenue, kitty-corner to the old police station. Its signature Dr. Pepper marquee sign, proudly bearing the name Marie’s was a familiar beacon to locals. In 1989, the diner moved to Beach Road, carrying its rich history and character to a new location.
Marie’s was far more than just a diner; it was the pulsating heart of Salisbury, originally offering three meals a day, including a soup d’jour and a daily sandwich special. It was a place where the town’s builders, tradesmen, and everyday folk gathered. Regulars like Robert Pike made Marie’s a part of their daily routine, and Ronnie Stanwood’s great-grandson, Paxton, held dear the breakfast dates he had with his great grandfather here. Affectionately known as “Town Hall East,” the diner was a buzzing hub for local chatter and decision-making, a place where community issues and town gossip were as much a staple as the food.
At the core of Marie’s was its unique Uncle Eddies type, huge oval bar, a magnet for lively community interaction. This space brought together people from all corners of Salisbury, encouraging conversations that spanned the spectrum from dad jokes to local events, and everything in between. If you sat there, you were part of the conversation whether you wanted to be or not.
On its final day the diner was filled to the brim with patrons, each there to savor one last meal, share one last story, and indulge in one last grilled blueberry muffin. Among the crowd was Boots Chouinard, a revered Salisbury resident and World War II veteran, who was celebrated for his 100th birthday serenaded by the whole place to the tune of “Happy Birthday.”
Marie and her daughters, one also named Marie, ran the diner until Marie’s retirement in 1995. Later, in the early 2000s, the younger Marie retired, leaving her sister Sue to manage the establishment. Known for her feisty, yet immensely generous spirit, Sue became the face of Marie’s. Each December, she would close the diner to spend the winter driving on the wrong side of the road in the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John, but this spring, Marie’s will not reopen, making way for a new breakfast spot in town.
Sue did not partake much on Sunday instead she was in the kitchen cooking for her guests one last time. Sue’s dedication to the community shone through in every aspect of Marie’s. The diner was not just a place for a quick bite; it was a hub of generosity and support. It played host to Lions Club spaghetti dinners and served as a collection point for Salisbury Santa’s Helpers. Sue’s commitment to helping those in need was a defining characteristic of Marie’s.
The closure of Marie’s signifies more than the loss of a beloved breakfast spot; it marks the end of a chapter rich in community spirit and shared memories. Marie’s was a place where generations of Salisbury residents came together, not just to eat, but to connect, share, and support each other. It was a testament to the town’s close-knit fabric, where everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, felt at home.
The legacy of Marie’s, with its charm and welcoming atmosphere, will remain in the hearts of Salisbury’s residents. Boots Chouinard’s centennial celebration on the diner’s last day was a fitting tribute to what Marie’s represented, a place of community, celebration, and togetherness. As we bid farewell to the soul of this spot, the memories and connections fostered at Marie’s will continue to resonate, reminding everyone of the special place it held in Salisbury’s story.
Salisbury resident C.J. Fitzwater is a curious traveler, perpetually on the lookout for fresh frontiers. With each journey, he blends historical threads into his stories.
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