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Throwback Thursday: Vern’s Café – A Cornerstone of Community
By Eric D. Tudor
Every now and then, a business or a person comes along who makes such an impact on a community, their legacy lasts for generations. Vern’s Café was one of those places. Pull up a red barstool, sip a homemade cherry limeade, and take a bite of a legendary Coney—this is a story you won’t want to miss, one that began all the way back in 1939.
Vern Wilkinson was the heart of Vern’s Café, and what made it so special. His downtown establishment, loved by locals for decades, started out humbly—a popcorn machine on a wagon parked on East Commercial Street. The location was no accident. It was positioned strategically near the Lyric Theater, now the Falcon Floor Coverings showroom. Though the business grew, it never grew away from Lebanon. That connection to the community is what made it magical.
Vern’s wife, Ruth, was his equal partner in every way. The two worked side by side for over 40 years. In the early days, they even rode a motorcycle to work to save on gas. Ruth would often joke that Vern never got used to riding in a car with a top because of those early years. Eventually, Vern became known for cruising around town in his “Volkswagen Thing,” top down, wind in his hair. That image made him a local icon, admired especially by younger generations.
But Vern was admired for more than his car. He was a man of character. He treated every customer with kindness and respect, no matter their race, religion, or social standing—something that wasn’t always easy in those days. Vern didn’t care about judgment from others. He quietly helped the less fortunate, often feeding families, homeless individuals, or even hobos from the train, never expecting payment. It wasn’t charity to him—it was simply the right thing to do.
Vern was also known for his inventive menu. He created his own cherry limeade, a customer favorite that rivaled any soda fountain. His famous chili sauce for the Coney dogs? That was his own recipe, too. He even grew much of his own produce and meat to ensure freshness and keep prices affordable. When he built his café, he used recycled brick and lumber from old downtown buildings, giving the corner café a uniquely local touch.
Outside of the café, Vern lived a rich and full life. He was a husband, father, veteran pilot, photographer, carpenter, cook, mechanic, and avid outdoorsman. He flew over 40 missions in the military and later used his aviation skills to travel the country—sometimes with a coon dog riding shotgun in his small plane for a weekend hunting trip. After the passing of that loyal dog, Vern gave up hunting for good. He said it just wasn’t the same without his buddy.
After four decades, Vern retired and passed the business on to Kyle and Carol Gibson on July 1, 1979. The Gibsons celebrated their first anniversary in 1980 by offering free ice cream and fries to the community. Though they ran the café successfully for a few more years, eventually it closed, becoming a treasured memory in Lebanon’s history.
Vern’s Café wasn’t just a restaurant. It was a place of generosity, flavor, community, and heart—and Vern Wilkinson was the soul behind it all.
