A Piece Of Little Neck History, For A Price

Current and former residents have a unique opportunity to own a piece of Little Neck history, courtesy of one of the neighborhood's most iconic eateries: Scobee Diner.

Ready to close its doors after more than 50 years in business, members of Scobee Diner's staff confirmed that the restaurant's four owners would hold an auction of certain items in the coming weeks.

"We're not sure of the exact date yet, but we only have two weeks left until we have to be out completely, so we'll have to host the auction before then," said manager Jose Rodriguez.

Among the items up for bid are menus, a striking black-and-white photo of the Statue of Liberty and Scobee Diner's distinctive frosted mirror with an image of the New York City skyline painted on the glass.

The event will take place at the Northern Boulevard eatery, Rodriguez said.

The memorabilia likely up for auction ranges from small pieces such as glasses and coffee cups to much larger soon-to-be artifacts such as Scobee's single serve dine-in counter.

"There's a lot of great stuff here, a lot of memories," said Todd Phillips, a longtime Scobee patron paying his respects on the diner's second-to-last day of business Saturday.

Many other patrons returning to Scobee for the last time echoed Phillips' sentiment.

"I drove all the way from Connecticut just to have one last meal here," said Christine McCormack, a Scobee customer for the last 40 years. "Maybe I'll come back for the auction too… it'd be nice to have something to remember this place by."

Also interested in possibly picking out a few items for their collection is the Douglaston-Little Neck Historical Society.

"If there is a chance for us to review any of the photos they have we would certainly take advantage of that; and see how we can pursue acquisition," said the group's president, Julia Schoeck.

However, perhaps the greatest gift Scobee Diner could offer its longtime patrons was a far less tangible one — memories of times gone by.

For example, one family spent this Saturday afternoon walking down memory lane as they came together to have one last meal at Scobee Diner.

"We've been coming here since the kids were very little," said Scobee regular Judy Riccardo. "And though the kids are all off at school now and just home for the Thanksgiving holiday, we came together to celebrate one last memory."

Check back with Little Neck Patch for more details on the forthcoming Scobee Diner auction.