Patrick Cullinan : photos : Jahn's Ice Cream Establishment

July 23, 2007. Jahn's, on 117th Street off Myrtle Avenue in Richmond Hill, is 100 years old this year. I paid them my first visit in 1955. It seems hardly to have changed since then. Update -- Jahn's closed on the Saturday after Thanksgiving! The Jahn's in Jackson Heights, Queens, is the only one left now.

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Patrick Cullinan > This is Jahn's, much as I saw it that night in 1955. The theater then lit up the fronts of the buildings, making a very cheerful effect, the absence of which is today slightly saddening.

Patrick Cullinan > The door on the left spills light onto the sidewalk in an inviting way. But oddly, the entrance is on the right.

Patrick Cullinan > Only in an old-fashioned establishment will you find those innumerable little tiles on the floor.

Patrick Cullinan > Jahn's Ice Cream Establishment photo

Patrick Cullinan > A view of the main fountain. In 1955, the house was packed and noisy. The fountain worker was slinging ice cream around furiously, exhausting can after can of whipped cream. It didn't exactly tickle me that he was sweating like a ditch-digger.

Patrick Cullinan > Patron pensively awaits menu.

Patrick Cullinan > The offering known as the Kitchen Sink dates back to my time, and no doubt well before then. But it doesn't even tempt me. Much!

This is Jahn's, much as I saw it that night in 1955. The theater then lit up the fronts of the buildings, making a very cheerful effect, the absence of which is today slightly saddening.