Death of a NIckersons
I am saddened to report, the Nickerson Farms building at Picacho Peak Arizona has collapsed. Thanks to Dr. FD for the update and great pictures. While not the last standing it was one of the few which was totally abandoned, nearly from the beginning. Many of these restaurants were built miles from any population, depending on the highway traffic to survive, which they did not.
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I was so sad to see this. I had to stop on my way to work to get pictures. From what I can tell, it happened yesterday. The building was recently cited as unsafe and needing to be torn down or restored.
ReplyDeleteNoticed this today! Had family members with me or I would've pulled off the interstate to get pics as well. Very sad. Just a few months ago I explored inside this NF and documented it. Sounds like I was one of the last to do so while it was still somewhat intact.
ReplyDeleteThere are a few across the USA that are still in use but this is the only one I have seen with the NF sign still up. I take it that it never released . So sad.
ReplyDeleteThe building was finally leveled last week. Not sure if a demolition crew came in or if it just collapsed by itself. There's no evidence of a demolition crew, and the rubble is still on the ground.
ReplyDeleteBuilding material (especially red roof tin) is all over the place and being blown around. There IS a dumpster, but...
DeleteIt is really sad that these restaurants were not able to survive. The one in Fowlerville, Michigan is still operating as Fowlerville Farms. I went there last week while on vacation. It was like taking a step back in time. Though the restaurant has a new name it still upholds the Nickerson Farms tradition. They serve homemade loaves of bread with your dinner and still slice the bread and grill it for toast in the morning. The interior of the restaurant has been updated but still has a number of the iconic features of the original Nickerson Farms restaurant.
ReplyDeleteThis is so sad to see! We found it barely standing last summer! We took a lot of photos as this has been a family favorite rest stop for over 40 years! I will have to dig out some photos. So sad��
ReplyDeleteFor the first time, I have seen a Nickerson's that isn't only beautifully preserved, but has been repurposed: http://www.redmonscandy.com/ Phillipsburg, MO.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if anyone has any information on the Nickerson farms just off at Methodist Road near Hinton Oklahoma . When was it opened and what year it closed down? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to reopen one.
ReplyDeleteWent by this several times and was surprised to see that it was gone.
ReplyDeleteI worked first as a manager trainee in the Sweet Springs Store then was transferred to the store in Tonkawa (Blackwell) Oklahoma. I only lasted for about 6 months.
ReplyDeleteI read about the Pichacho Peak store on another site.
ReplyDeleteIt reported that high winds damaged the roof, and there are many photos online showing the damage from about 1/6th from the front. They say it may have collapsed partially and a demolition crew did the rest.
I'm glad I got to see it back in 2012 when it was still standing. I love these buildings all the more, because our parents patronized the "other guys" instead of NF. :<(
Discovered NF through my parents slides, yes, slides and curiosity took over.
ReplyDeleteI have a photo taken in 1983 of the Indian statue and signage.
I also have a Picture of the Indian with his hand against Picacho Peak.
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