Shannon’s Trivia Winner: Along Comes Mary… Collins; She floats the A&W boat

1969

By Tom Peterson with photos and comments from John Foley 

The Dalles, Ore., May 6 — Readers were flipping their lids this week as they drank down our questions like a delicious root beer float complete with a frothy combination of creamy carbonated pop. 

Can you see the ice on that mug melting?

The photo above is of  Poor Richard’s A & W, which operated on West Second Street in The Dalles.

Mary Collins must have been born with a Root Beer Float - how else could you get that smile?

Thirty-five people sent in correct trivia answers and were entered into a raffle. And our randomly selected winner is none other that of Mary Collins!  

“It was the A & W who had Rootbeer floats and the 3 burgers…Papa Burger, Mama Burger & Baby Burgers!” she hollered through the internet with glee. 

We’re going to add to your excitement Mary!  We’ve got a $25 Shannon’s Ice Cream gift certificate for you here at the office.  

Here’s to you Mary Collins. Shannon’s Ice Cream is at 318 E. Fourth Street, The Dalles.

Others who answered correctly are Lora Helmer, Kay Tenold, Wlee Rose, Don Budd, Cheri Thomas, Eileen Teas, Amy Manzella, Bonnie Bernard, Dale Christiansen, Mari Manaro, Scott Gorton, Kathy Dawkins, Taunie Leash, Robert Thouvenel, Jeff Davis, JoAnn Calmer, Steve Baldwin, Audrey Lane, Rene Chance, Christie Bradley, Barb, Wendy, Kathleen Richards, Aylsssa Miller, Pat Pettit, Roger Howe, Seth Witherow, Lana Tepfer, Ron Monette and Diana Compton and several others. 

“It was owned by Richard Jones and was located next to Fun Country Power Sports in what is currently Col. Gorge Affordable Homes (1320 W. 2nd St,)” Steve Baldwin added.  

“The A&W was a fun place to go and be waited on by the Carhops hanging the tray of food on the window just rolled up a few inches. The frosty cold mugs full of root beer will be remembered by the locals and of course many of those mugs ended up on some kids' bedroom dresser full of coins,” said John Foley. “That was a huge expense for the business to continuously be replacing the mugs, but that was a big draw because the root beer tasted so good in them.”

“The Carhops may have used roller skates some at first but your readers will have to help us on that. I don't know if there was any inside seating because we always stayed in the car. Looking at the pictures there could have been inside seating on the west side of the building.

1966