Mahwah Museum hosts author of 'The Story of the Red Apple Rest'

MAHWAH, N.J. — Elaine Freed Lindenblatt, daughter of Red Apple Rest founder Reuben Freed, will share images and stories from her new book “Stop at the Red Apple” on Thursday, Feb. 11, as part of the Mahwah Museum Lecture Series.

The lecture will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Ramapo Reformed Church, 100 Island Road in Mahwah, N.J.

Opened in 1931 by Reuben Freed, the Red Apple Rest in Southfields in Orange County was a well-known stop on Route 17 for many on their way to and from the Catskills, Albany, Lake George and other upstate destinations.

By the time the New York State Thruway opened 25 years later, the Red Apple Rest was serving more than a million customers a year.

With the opening of the Thruway, lines at the restaurant had shrunk, but loyal customers continued to be drawn there and the Red Apple Rest continued to thrive.

The Rest was a local tradition, a place where travelers, locals and entertainers mixed.

Lindenblatt’s book describes its early days during the Depression, the World War II and post war years, and the effects of the State Thruway and the growth of suburbia on the iconic rest stop.

Admission is $3, free for museum members. Contact programs@mahwahmuseum.org for reservation, or call 201-512-0099. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

This lecture is hosted by Mahwah Museum, located at 201 Franklin Turnpike.

Permanent exhibits are Les Paul in Mahwah and The Donald Cooper Model Railroad.

The museum is open weekends and Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m.; admission $5 for non-members, members and children are free.