I entered Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, 58 years ago, in September 1965.

As I recall, freshman had to live in the college dorms. That was my first time living away from home, and it was mostly a great experience.

But there were some vestiges of an earlier, more regimented college lifestyle at Whitman. One of those things was a rule requiring that we “dress up” for the one meal served on Sundays. For men that meant a coat and tie. I didn’t like having to comply with silly things like this, so I made a habit of avoiding the dining room on Sundays and instead walking over to Smitty’s Pancake House, just a short distance away at the edge of the campus, for a leisurely breakfast. I recall having many Sunday meals there during that long freshman year.

Smitty’s was just a year or so old at that point. Although Smitty’s is long gone, I found a photo on the Walla Walla Union Bulletin’s website. In all it’s glory.

When we drove by the Whitman campus, Smitty’s building, somewhat remodeled, is still there at the same location, now the home of Clarette’s Restaurant, what appears to be a throwback to mid-20th century diner. The building had a new facade at the entrance, and the dining room was somewhat reconfigured, but it was much as I remembered.

For old times sake, we ate there for dinner Sunday night. Just like old days. The food, while not in same class as the up-scale spots along Main Street catering to the visitors exploring the Walla Walla Valley wineries, was good and plentiful. I had a burger which was more food than I could eat.

Before we went in, I posed for a photo out in front. It felt like a step into a time machine.

[Note: My first attempt to post this last night had problems displaying the photos properly. A second try this morning succeeded.]