THE ELK REFLECTS

Momma Payne’s Diner Displays Clendenin History

If you have stopped by Momma Payne’s Diner in Clendenin lately, you have probably noticed the large cut stone against the wall. This stone was one of two stones recovered from the former Clendenin High School/Clendenin Junior High School property. One stone is now located in the Museum of the Elk River Communities and the second stone was donated to Momma Payne’s Diner so that it’s history could be shared with the local residents.

Richard Bashlor, who volunteers at the Museum of the Elk River Communities, said, “In 1982 we were laying a new sewer line for Clendenin Junior High from the locker rooms toward the old sewage plant. We found these two large stones that we believe were part of the old foundation which was laid up in stone. These two stones may have been cut out of the foundation to create fire exits which were added at a later date.” He said, “They may have just thrown them over the river bank. We had to have a backhoe to help recover the stones.”

L-R Carolyn Pirnat, Richard Bashlor and Harry Lynn

One of the stones was donated to Andrea Underwood, owner of Momma Payne’s Diner, because she has a lot of local history displayed at her restaurant located at 14 Main Street in Clendenin. There are numerous old photographs of Clendenin under glass at their counter as well as framed memorabilia on the walls. Andrea said, “We originally wanted to give our restaurant a diner theme featuring vintage cars and vinyl records, but over the years we have also incorporated a lot of Clendenin history. Everyone enjoys seeing the Town’s early photographs.” Carolyn Pirnat, Harry Lynn and Richard Bashlor, volunteers at the Museum of Elk River Communities, visited Momma Payne’s Diner to see the stone at its new location.

Momma Payne’s is a local favorite, not just because of their Clendenin memorabilia. Their menu specializes in home cooked meals and delicious desserts. They even have two breakfast specials, The Charlie Breakfast (after Charlie Schoolcraft) and the Bob’s Dump Truck Omelet (after Bob Hizer) inspired and named after Town locals. Also, several sandwiches have been named after Diner regulars, including The Duke Dog (after Duke Sloan), the Pipeliner Round Steak (after Phil McAlister), the Darrel Burger (after Darrel Boggs) and the Big Ken Club (after Kenny Payne).

Owner Andrea Payne and Nicole Holcomb

They offer Walnut Creek Amish meats and cheeses (sliced anyway you like it), meat trays, and a full array of Walnut Creek jams, jellies, pickles, salsas, breads, snacks and more! You can order a pan of fresh dinner rolls or pepperoni rolls or one of their delicious pies to take home with you. In the spring, they also carry fresh produce each week.

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic last spring, Momma Payne’s started offering togo services for their lunch and dinner menu. Andrea said, “I am so thankful that we could still get hot meals to so many on the Elk River who were quarantined.”

Momma Payne's and their Walnut Creek Display

Andrea’s giving heart and kindness is a testament to her love for her hometown of Clendenin. Richard Bashlor said, “Donating the stone to her was the right thing to do. We knew she would love displaying it in Momma Payne’s for the community.”

Momma Payne’s Diner is open from 8 AM to 7 PM Monday through Friday, and on Saturday from 8 AM to 2 PM, for dine-in, pickup or delivery. Call 304.543.9930 for to-go orders or for delivery to Clendenin, Amma, Queen Shoals, Elkview, Big Chimney and surrounding areas.

Momma Payne's Vintage Diner Theme