Jimmie Kramer's Peanut Bar

Jimmie Kramer, the child of Russian immigrants who came to America in the early 1900's, grandfather of Michael, the present owner/operator of The Peanut Bar, began his business 88 years ago in the resort community of South Mountain in Wernersville, PA. The year was 1924, the era was Prohibition, and the establishment, which still stands today, was known as The Green Terrace Hotel. It is unclear just how long Jimmie operated at this or any other of the many locations which his business occupied from 1924, til he opened at 32 Penn Street in 1933. It is certain however, that this colorful and enterprising young man was continuously on the move during these years. The "drys" would raid, close his place down and quickly he would reopen at another location. It is definitely known, for instance, that in the mid-Twenties he owned and operated a white tablecloth "speakeasy" on the north side of Penn between 4th and 5th Streets. With its black onyx dance floor, hat check girls in brief costumes and dance bands such as "Charlie Keller and His Hot shots," The Central Cafe was quite the rage. With the repeal of Prohibition in August of 1933, "Jimmie Kramer's" The Old Central Cafe was legally born. Records indicate that in march, 1934, the first legal liquor license was issued at the 332 Penn Street address. And as for the peanuts - well, they arrived and became part of our trademark in 1935. In the same year, another event took place which was to change forever the face of the business. Annie, "Mom" Kramer arrived and brought her pots and pans. Soon the Old Central Cafe was serving soups and hot platters along with such delicacies as lobster tails, 35 cents; breaded haddock, 10 cents; and, of course, those much sought-after crab cake platters, 25 cents. Since those early days, two generations have followed. The daughters, Edie and Beatie, married, bringing their husbands, and then their children into the business.