Although it is largely forgotten today, the Chicago-based John R. Thompson company was one of the largest “one arm” lunchroom chains of the early 20th century. We so strongly associate fast food chains with hamburgers that it may be surprising to learn that Thompson’s popular sandwiches included Cervelat, smoked boiled tongue, cold boiled ham, hot frankfurter, cold corned beef, cold salmon, and Herkimer County cheese, served on “Milwaukee Rye Bread” baked by the chain’s bakery. Thompson was proud that his meals were suited for sedentary office workers of the 1900s and 1910s. A 1911 advertisement claimed that lunch at Thompson’s “won’t leave you logy and lazy and dull this afternoon.”
Thompson, an Illinois farm boy, ran a rural general store as his first business. He sold it in 1891, moved to Chicago, and opened a restaurant on State Street. He proved to be a modernizer in the restaurant business as well as in politics.
He operated his restaurants on a “scientific” basis, stressing cleanliness, nutrition, and quality while keeping prices low. In 1912 he moved the chain’s commissary into a premier new building on North Clark Street (pictured, today). Thompson’s, then with 68 self-service lunchrooms plus a chain of grocery stores, became a public corporation in 1914, after which it expanded outside Chicago and into Canada. By 1921 there were 109 restaurants, 49 of which were in Chicago and 11 in New York (with a commissary in NYC). By the mid-1920s Thompson’s, Childs, and Waldorf Lunch were the big three U.S. chains, small by comparison to McDonald’s but significant nevertheless.
In politics Thompson served as a Republican committeeman and managed the campaign of a “good government” gubernatorial candidate in 1904. A few years later he failed in his own bid to run for mayor, promising he would bring efficiency to government while improving schools and roads. In the 1920s he financed a personal crusade against handguns.
Despite John R. Thompson’s progressive politics, his business would go down in history as one that refused to serve Afro-Americans. Or, as civil rights leader Marvin Caplan put it in 1985, “If the chain is remembered today, it is not for its food, but for its refusal to serve it.” J. R. died in 1927. Where he stood on the question of public accommodations is unclear but the chain faced numerous lawsuits by blacks in the 1930s. However the best known case occurred in 1950 when a group of integrationists led by Mary Church Terrell was refused service in a Washington D.C. Thompson’s. The group was looking for a case that would test the validity of the district’s 19th-century public accommodations laws. After three years in the courts the Thompson case (for which the Washington Restaurant Association raised defense funds) made its way to the Supreme Court which affirmed the so-called “lost” anti-discrimination laws of 1872 and 1873 as valid.
Over the years the Thompson chain absorbed others, including Henrici’s and Raklios. At some point, possibly in the 1950s, the original Thompson’s concept was dropped. By 1956 Thompson’s operated Holloway House and Ontra cafeterias. In 1971, as Green Giant prepared to buy Thompson’s, it had about 100 restaurants, including Red Balloon family restaurants, Henrici’s restaurants, and Little Red Hen Chicken outlets.
© Jan Whitaker, 2010
We eat in restaurants several times a week and yet know very little about their history. I plan to dip into my archive of research and images every so often to present a little tidbit that highlights aspects of our American restaurant culture. Let me know your thoughts.
I have an advertisement printed on an 2.5″ x 4.5″ (old) card that reads: “The Thompson Restaurant 397 S. State Street, Chicago. Regular Meals Elegantly Served for 25 cents. Newly Fitted, Larger and Better Than Ever. The Only Open New England Kitchen in Chicago. Especial Attention Paid to Ladies and Children. John R. Thompson, Jr. Prop. Open Day and Night…”
I find the reference to “New England Kitchen” fascinating. I wonder if it refers to the experimental “food station” of that name started by Ellen Richards (“mother of home economics”, chemist, first woman to be admitted to MIT) in Boston in 1890, designed to provide affordable nutritious meals to the working poor? I know John Thompson was a reformer in the area of gun control who wanted to do away with all handguns. It’s possible he had ambitions to improve the American restaurant-goer’s diet also.
Thanks for sharing!
Hello Laurie — That is awesome. Could you e-mail me at regina_fostino@yahoo.com … I’d love to see what it looks like — my great grandfather George Fostino (Giorgio Faustini) worked for that restaurant in 1919 before he was drafted to WWI. Could you send me a picture of the card? How amazing. I gave a matchbook cover from that restaurant to my father (his grandfather) for his recent 60th birthday — it was the best gift ever. Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you!
Regina
Hello. My name is Andreas Kalligeros and I live in Greece, Athens. I have an anniversary coin from restaurants Thompson in California , USA (1856-1906) with listed value of 300$. I would like you to inform me if it is about your restaurant and if there is any historic or economic value. If you want I can post some pictures of the coin. Thank you very much.
I would doubt it is worth nearly that much, though maybe $20 or $30. This is just a guess based on what most restaurant coins bring on eBay. There is currently one listed for $199 but I believe that is a fantasy price.
Does anyone have a story or hopefully pictures of Thomson’s lunch Room in Grand Central Terminal…Thanks
Found this site when I found a mug that was my mother’s from Thompson’s (1923) in Titusville, Pa. I used to sit at the counter and have cherry cokes as a kid almost 60 years ago. Our Thompson’s just closed down last year. How sad. Sharon
I would like to find photos of the Thompson restaurant on Randolf St. in Chicago around 1903.
My dad worked at a Thompson’s restaurant in1930 – 1938 in Chicago as night manager. I don’t know which one. But he remembers some of the gangsters in the area coming in to have a meal. They were friendly to him. Called him “Slim” and probably enjoyed his Southern accent.
At the time of his death in 1947, my Grandfather, William W. Walker, was Vice President and General Manager of Thompson’s. If anyone has information about his tenure or knew him, responses would be greatly appreciated. I found his obit in a July issue of “What’s Cookin.” My Grandfather passed away before my birth, so again, any information would be appreciated.
Thanks – Dave Walker
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Our paternal grandfather was the head chemist for Thompson’s headquarters in Chicago. He worked for Thompson’s after he graduated from college, before WWI, then came back to Thompson’s after the war. He retired from Thompson’s around 1958 or so. There were a couple articles where he is featured in the Thompson’s house organ. His name: Edward A Castle
My sister and I am always looking for dishes from Thompson’s restaurant for sale. Anyone that has a good source as to where we can find dishes is greatly appreciated! Our grandfather worked there for years and we’d love to collect a few pieces!
Hello I have a silver spoon from John R Thompson. I am searching what it maybe worth. If interested call me if ya want. 317 363-4734 — my name is Kyler Tks
I am also trying to find the value of a John R Thompson silver spoon. Have you had any luck?
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Is there a picture and an address for the Washington DC restaurant?
I have not seen a picture of that Thompson’s but it was at 715 14th Street NW.
A relative of mine was Curtis Royal Blanchard of Worcester Mass–he had a chain of lunch rooms on the east coast from 1905-after 1917. with a partner
John Porter. Do you know anything about this chain–what the name was or anything at all? Thanks
Louisa Wise
The chain was known as the Capitol Lunch System. Porter and Blanchard were partners as early as 1909 according to a Norwich CT directory. The chain seems to have still been in business into the 1920s, at least in Connecticut. In Worcester it had been taken over by the Waldorf Lunch System (a larger chain based in Boston) by 1923.
I also have one of the Octagon 50 Dollar Gold Pieces. Had a coin dealer look at it yesterday and he said it was an advertizing piece from the early 1900′s with little or no monetary value. Mine is in good condition and would be willing to give it to descendent or museum.
Great blog! I just found a Thompson’s Restaurants “Pure Food” matchbook in my grandfather’s collection and was doing a bit of research when I came upon your blog…what a great find. If you’d like a photo of the matchbook to add to your blog, I’d be more than happy to send it to you!
Just acquired a few peices of silver from this chain. Seems he had a silver company as well? Says John R. Thompson for the maker and the restaurant name on the top of the handle of each. Love old hotel silver. Have loads of it. Great to learn more about this wonderful establishment and its history
.
Great article! John R. Thompson was my great-great-grandfather. My great-grandmother wrote a small booklet detailing his life. It is available at the Vermillion County Historical Society/Museum in Illinois if anyone is interested (I think it costs about $5). They also have a room in the museum that includes items from the family.
Hello Deirdre, my grandfather Edward Castle worked for Thompson’s restaurant for 40 years in Chicago. He was a chemist, started working for Thompson’s in 1916. We have a few magazines that have articles about my grandfather’s lab, and great pictures as well. Do you know by chance how I could buy old Thompson dishes from their restaurants? I have been combing ebay and buying up everything that I’ve found, but not much is available. I will make sure to follow up on the booklet you recommended. My grandfather actually was stationed as a chemist during WW1, and mentioned in letters to my grandmother that Thompson’s was suffering because lack of men to work, due to the war. They took him back as soon as he was sent home from duty, and worked his entire career there.
Hi Deirdre and Tracy! My great grandfather, George Fostino worked for Thompson’s Restaurant in Chicago back in 1918. It says so on his World War I Registration Card. Any chance you know any history or stories about one of your old cooks, George Fostino before/after he served our country? I also, would love an item from that restaurant if even a spoon or tile is available. You can e-mail me at regina_fostino@yahoo.com . Thanks!
Deirdre: John R Thompson was my great grandfather. I learned to play bridge with your great-grandmother, Ruth, (who wrote the booklet) when she lived in Madison, Wisconsin with her daughter. How cool to find you here!!!
Janet
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Love your blog Jan…so much wonderful history about the venues of yesteryear! Is there a published list or directory of all of the Thompson’s venues from the mid-1920s? If not, do you have suggestions about how to compile such a list? …much obliged!
According to a booklet published in 1925, “Eat Thompson’s Way for a Better Day,” the company had units in 43 cities at that time, many in the industrial Midwest: IL: Chicago, Springfield, E. St. Louis, Aurora, Danville, Bloomington, Peoria, Quincy; IN: Terre Haute, Indianapolis: MO: St. Louis, Kansas City; WI: Milwaukee; IA: Des Moines; MI: Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Saginaw; NE: Omaha; OH: Cincinnati, Cleveland; NY: NYC, Albany, Buffalo; PA: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Erie; RI: Providence; NJ: Newark; Washington DC; MA: Boston; MD: Baltimore; VA: Norfolk; TX: Houston, Dallas; LA: New Orleans; TN: Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga; KY: Louisville; GA: Atlanta; AL: Birmingham, Mobile
From my grandmother’s account of an auto trip from Iowa to D.C. in 1922: “We left Hoopeston early the following morning and went to Danville for breakfast and there O Joy, we found a Thompson restaurant with more kinds of breakfast cakes than we had ever heard of and coffee as good as we get at home. … when tourists are wanting to find a place with good eats they are quite sure to be satisfied at a Thompson or a Y.M.C.A.”
That’s just wonderful!
Hey – I have a coin (?). It states it’s the fiftieth anniversary of Thompson Restaurants (1856 – 1906). It further states “exact size and weight of $50. dollar gold piece issued 1851″. The back is worn — I can make out – “THESE COINS ISSUED 18 ———- 1851 ———VALUED AT $300.00 EACH “- DOES IT HAVE VALUE, AND IF SO, HOW MUCH? THANKS
I’m not a coin dealer so this is just my best guess, which is that it would be worth about $5 or maybe $10.
Ed,
Could you put a picture up of the coin? It sounds very interesting.
Please post a photo.
Note that there was another restauranteur in Chicago prior to my great grandfather (John R Thompson) by the name of SH Thompson. The coin must be from his restaurant as JR Thompson did not come to Chicago until the Chicago Worlds Fair.
Regards Peter Pook
I’m the great grandaughter of J. R. Thompson, and much of our family history wasn’t passed down. I’m so glad to have this info. Thanks very much for posting it!
I’ve heard this from quite a few people who had ancestors in the restaurant business. I think it was a business that people did not have much respect for in the past, but by today’s point of view your grandfather was a very successful business man.
Chris
Interesting point about respect for restaurants at the turn of the century. Restaurants were not under the more stringent health inspections they are today and people were naturally cautious about eating in them. Thompson’s was one of the first chains to adapt a white tile interior to show patrons they were clean. Food preparation was standardized. I have several posters I found on the walls of the old commissary in Chicago that admonished the food prep staff to always wash their hands.
Peter,
My Grandfather always talked about the keeping the kitchen clean…He would go into EVERY restaurant kitchen, before we sat down in the restaurant to eat… and inspect them….He passed down all his rules to my parents in our home kitchen….I work for a gentleman now who owns a few restaurants and wanted all the office help to take a kitchen health test and with no studying I was the only one who passed with a 100 %….I laughed and said my Grandfather would be proud….
Ruth,
I’m the granddaughter of BR Morgan who managed a few of your grandfather’s restaurants. BR Morgan started in Ill where JR got him into the Masons and a 32nd degree while he was a young man. He met my grandmother when she was working at the Atlanta Ga restaurant and my mother was born in Birmingham Al while he was managing that one……He eventually moved on and had his own restaurant called Morgans on Press Plaza in Asbury Park NJ. I have met people who remember my Grandfather while he was managing in Ill…..and they all seem to remember Thompson’s pies. Somewhere my family has a picture of the interior of the Thompson’s in Birmingham Al in the 1930′s with my Grandfather standing up front in a 3 piece suit. I was very pleased to find this site….I have had so many people talk to me about Thompson’s.
Cris,
Hello to a fellow Thompson-kin. And thank you for sharing your family history with me. I didn’t know that JR was a mason. He died a few years after my father was born, and my grandmother never mentioned the restaurant. It’s great to hear about it from other sources.
I am also grateful for Jan’s website. Thompson’s was a big part of American history, and a true ‘rags to riches’ story. Your memories are much appreciated, Ruth
Chris
If you contact my niece Deidre in this thread she has access to several bound volumes of the monthly Thompson magazine for all Thompson employees. If you give her dates she can see if there are any articles mentioning BR Morgan or the restaurants he managed.
Regards
Peter Pook
Ruth
This is Peter Pook. Are you David & Jean Owen’s daughter? If so it’s been about 30 years since Polly & I last saw you in your Milwaukee home.
Best Peter
Hi PD,
Yes, I’m Ruth Owen, Dave and Jean’s daughter. We moved to Florida in the seventies. My brother Dave and sister Francie all live within a few miles of each other. Mom is in a nursing home close by as well. Dad passed away a few years ago, and I understand Uncle Pete did as well. I was sorry to hear of his passing. Time slips by so fast. This site is wonderful. I’ve learned so much of our family history. I hope you are well, and please give my best to your family and brothers and sisters. Good to get back in touch, Ruth
Ruth
Please fill me in on the family and I’ll do the same. My direct email address is peterpook@bell.net. Look forward to hearing from you. I believe I have many early photos of your father I’d be happy to share.
Best PD
A photo of the Thompson restaurant at 33 Park Row in NYC may be viewed at http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/id?1558050
That’s great — thanks!
Deidre
Do you have the small accordion folded color brochure showing illustrations of all the various meals? Last I saw it it was in the bookshelves in the old livingroom at Montegue. If you do have it would you scan & send me each image ( about 8 of them) One was shown in Jan’s blog.
Peter,
I believe all those books are still at Montague, including the employee books.
d.
Hi Deirdre,
Do you have a photograph of the Thompson’s Restaurant located at 104 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL ?
I gave my father a matchbook cover from Thompson’s Restaurant for his 60th birthday yesterday, and was wondering if there was a picture of the building to go with it!
Thanks!
Regina — you can email me at regina_fostino@yahoo.com
Good Morning Good Folks, Concerning Thompson’s Lunch Room in Grand Central Terminal, may I ask some knowledgeable good person if they have any history, stories, photos if possible about that particular location. I am a Custodian for a Railroad Library in Grand Central Terminal. The Williamson Library is run by a non-profit group called The Railroad Enthusiasts of New York. There is very little info about that particular Lunchroom — we know of a poem written about it & that’s about it. Any insights would be appreciated greatly. Thanks.
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Another story I’d never heard before. Thank you!
It’s interesting that people in different countries have the same idea at the same time. Thompson’s reminds me of Aschinger in Berlin, a very popular local chain at the end of the 19th century, also with self-service. I wrote about it some months ago.
The Green Giant had restaurants?!? Tell me more!
Well, Mr. Murphy, this was a time when food congloms were swallowing up restaurant congloms so as to mutually invigorate both. I think we all know how that went down.