Description
Fegely’s Family Restaurant in Exeter Township, Pennsylvania, Owned by Howard Fegely, the freestanding roadside diner was expanded in 1950 when a larger building was constructed around it. After serving as a local staple until 2003, the structure was preserved and relocated to the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles.
Timeline of Fegely’s in Exeter
- 1938: Built by the Jerry O’Mahony Company of Elizabeth, New Jersey, operating as a classic freestanding diner along Route 422.
- Late 1930s–1940s: Operated by Howard Fegely as a popular community hub and local landmark during World War II.
- 1950: Moved across Route 422, where Fegely expanded the property by building a family restaurant completely around the original diner car. Over the next five decades, the interior diner weathered the years well while surrounded by the bustling kitchen and seating.
- 2003: Fegely’s Family Restaurant officially closed its doors.
- Post-Closure & Relocation: The historic 40,000-pound diner car was rescued by the Archbury Foundation, temporarily moved to Lower Alsace Township, and eventually donated to the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles in 2008–2010.
- 2011–Present: Fully restored, the vintage O’Mahony diner car remains permanently housed at the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles, where it is opened for special events like Fasnacht Day to honor local history
