Winters in Runnels County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Chick Inn Diner

Photographed by Duane Hall, May 27, 2017

1. Chick Inn Diner Marker

Inscription. Mass production of the automobile ushered in an era of business expansion and increased mobility. Food stands and booths quickly appeared along roadways for hungry motorists. These stands eventually evolved into the drive-in, complete with curb service. Automobile-related businesses multiplied greatly after World War II. By the 1950s, drive-in diners were a symbol of youth and often were the nucleus of social activity, especially in rural areas. In 1950, W.H. Kemper and R.A. Doberrer acquired a lot on the outskirts of Winters and constructed a small, wood-frame structure which they named El Rancho Drive-In. It was laid out with parking spaces on the north and south sides, encircled by an asphalt drive. A small screen lean-to was attached to the south facade for car hops to place orders. After only a few months, they sold the restaurant to a local couple who changed the name to the Chick Inn.
From the day of its opening, the Chick Inn was a gathering place for young people in the community. Many residents recall fond memories of "making the drag" around the drive-in and enjoying burgers, shakes and fountain drinks. On weekends, the Chick Inn parking lot would be near capacity, with as many or more people "hanging out" outside. For over thirty years, the drive-in and diner was a cultural icon for the Winters community. On March 14, 1982, a tornado touched down south of Winters and began a path toward the Chick Inn. Homes and businesses were destroyed, and the damage to the drive-in was so extensive the building was demolished. Gone but not forgotten, the Chick Inn's history and importance to generations of Winters residents will remain.

Erected 2013 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17593.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1950.

Location. 31° 56.502′ N,

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99° 57.783′ W. Marker is in Winters, Texas, in Runnels County. It is on S. Main Street (U.S. 83) 0.2 miles south of County Road 385, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1408 S Main St, Winters TX 79567, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Big Country.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Winters Lodge No. 743, A.F. & A.M. (approx. 1.1 miles away); Winters State Bank (approx. 1.1 miles away); Rock Hotel (approx. 1.1 miles away); Winters Public Library (approx. 1.1 miles away); Winters (approx. 1.1 miles away); Blue Gap Post Office (approx. 1.2 miles away); St. John's Lutheran Church (approx. 1.4 miles away); Winters FFA Chapter (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map

Photographed by Duane Hall, May 27, 2017

2. Chick Inn Diner Marker

View to west across US 83 (S. Main St)

of all markers in Winters.

View to North Along US 83 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane Hall, May 27, 2017

3. View to North Along US 83

Marker is on west side of highway

Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2017. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2017, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 867 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 3, 2017, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.