It may seem impossible for the iconic Ellen’s Stardust Diner to escalate in spontaneity and uniqueness, but on June 30 the venue hosted a vivacious reunion of eight former Miss Subways recipients; and the cherry on top of this show business cake was owner Ellen Hart’s 85th birthday celebration.
The diner’s singing waitstaff, or “Stardusters,” performed a repertoire of Broadway and pop hits for customers ranging from toddlers and their parents to bright-eyed tourists.
Ellen Hart, the owner of the renowned Ellen’s Stardust Diner, became Miss Subways in March 1959, just before her high school graduation. During the festivities, Hart proudly held her original poster alongside seven fellow Miss Subways. She has held various Miss Subways reunions over the years and her diner walls celebrate past winners with their photos and descriptions.
This year, the seven former Miss Subways joined Hart in the celebration included Mary Timoney (1953); Dolores Mitchell Byrne (1961); Roz Cinclini Catena (1965); Maureen Walsh Roaldsen (1968); Eileen Ryan Keating (1969); Josephine Lazzaro O’Halloran (1975); and Heide Hafner (1976).
Hart began her speech by expressing her joy for the nation’s 250th anniversary: “I love this country. I love this city.”