Community News

A Cornerstone on the Move: The Enduring Legacy of Pickett’s Cafeteria Nestled on the corner of State Road 32 and South Union Street in Westfield, “the green building” has been the subject of much conversation in recent months. While it currently stands wrapped and awaiting rejuvenation, its history is deeply rooted in the town’s development and community spirit. For over four decades, this unassuming structure housed Pickett’s Cafeteria, a cherished institution that became synonymous with delicious food and warm hospitality. The building’s story predates Pickett’s by over a century, however. Constructed sometime between 1837 and 1842, it first served as The Old Corner Drug Store, catering to the basic medical needs of Westfield’s early residents. Over the decades, it transitioned through various purposes, reflecting the town’s evolving character. It would serve the town as a grocery store for over 60 years of its existence, as the town’s post office from 1873 1877, then evolved into Patterson’s Store, Hetherington’s Store, then Funderburgh’s Grocery. On Friday, Nov. 28, 1958, the building embarked on what is probably its most iconic chapter. Bernard and Mary Pickett, a couple with a dream of creating a bustling cafeteria, purchased the space and christened it “Pickett’s.” Mary
had never worked in a commercial kitchen before, and she never measured anything when cooking at home, so it took months to translate recipes to written form and using ‘spoons and cup measurements.’ At first, they had a third party make pies sold in the cafeteria but eventually made them in house – Bernie made the fruit pies while Mary made the cream and meringues. The restaurant quickly became a local phenomenon. Mary’s home-style cooking, featuring mouthwatering classics like roast beef, mashed potatoes,
and fried chicken made in iron skillets, attracted diners from all corners. The cafeteria’s warm atmosphere, coupled with its friendly waitresses and staff, fostered a sense of community and belonging. The restaurant’s remarkable success evolved from an opening day of fifty patrons to an average of 409 daily meals served. On Sundays, 500-600 meals could be served and 60 – 80 pies sold, while Mother’s Day saw 620 guests. Pickett’s Cafeteria thrived for over four decades, becoming the backdrop for countless celebrations, family reunions, and everyday meals. Mary’s commitment to quality shone through in every dish. They started small, with a single woman handling all the cooking, but Mary’s unwavering standards for fresh, homemade food propelled their success. They never advertised, relying solely on word-of-mouth and the undeniable allure of a delicious home-cooked meal. Its central location along US 31 also aided its success. Mary Pickett recalled that the restaurant was a true family affair, with Bernie overseeing the prime rib and hams, while Mary skillfully orchestrated the rest. Their adopted daughters and even grandsons joined the team, further solidifying the restaurant’s family-oriented spirit. Bernie and Mary sold the restaurant in 1972, serving their last meals on November 30 and moving to Venice, Florida on December 1 for a well deserved retirement. However, the building’s story continued. Over the next few decades, it housed various restaurants, each offering its own unique culinary experience but keeping the iconic name. In 1994, the owners were Janet and Ron Passwater, who eventually rediscovered Mary Pickett’s original recipes and reinstated them, much to the delight of Westfield’s citizens. Thursdays saw pork and dressing on the menu; Fridays offered catfish and beef with homemade noodles, while Sunday’s guests delighted in cast-iron fried chicken once again. Biscuits and pies were very popular, too, with the coconut cream pie most requested. The building later housed Jan’s Italian Village Restaurant, Keltie’s Restaurant,
Queso Blanco Mexican Restaurant, and Erika’s Place until 2020. Its most recent incarnation was as Dance Innovations, a dance studio, before being purchased by INDOT in November, 2022. The building’s significance extends beyond its role as a much-beloved restaurant. Located within the Westfield Historic District, it stands as a testament to the town’s rich history. Recent discoveries revealed hand-hewn timbers made from trees dating back 300-400 years, offering a tangible link to the town’s early days. The building’s continuous commercial operation for over 185 years underscores its enduring value to the community. Today, the building faces a new chapter. With the impending construction on State Road 32, it will be relocated to a new site south of the Westfield Basile
Theater sometime this winter. This move reflects the community’s commitment to preserving its heritage and is a testament to the time and efforts dedicated to the cause. The Westfield Preservation Alliance and Indiana Landmarks have championed the building’s preservation, recognizing its symbolic importance and historic status. The story of the building that housed Pickett’s Cafeteria is a testament to the enduring power of community, family values, and good food. It is a reminder of the importance of preserving past stories and honoring the places that have shaped the lives of generations. As the building embarks on its next chapter, it carries with it the echoes of laughter, the aroma of delicious meals, and the unyielding spirit of a community that cherishes its past while embracing its future.If you have photos, stories, etc from your experiences at Pickett’s, the Westfield Washington Historical Society & Museum would love to see and hear them. Please submit via email to president@wwhs.us.