Howard Johnson’s and 20th Century America

In June of 2018, the Society debuted one of our most popular featured exhibits detailing the history of the Howard Johnson’s corporation.

“Let’s all go to Howard Johnson’s!” was a phrase that was common throughout the United States during the 1950s and 60s. Howard Johnson’s was the largest chain of restaurants in the world at the time, and a truly iconic American corporation. There really was a Howard Johnson, and he started his multi-billion dollar corporation right here in Quincy out of a convenience store located on Beale Street in Wollaston where he started selling homemade ice cream.

During the run of our exhibit, the Society has heard from members and visitors alike as they share stories with us about their experiences with HoJo’s. Whether that be from their time as employees at a Howard Johnson’s location around the country, or at the Howard Johnson’s Candy Kitchen right here in Quincy, or just sharing with us their favorite flavor of HoJo’s famous ice cream.

We are happy to present this digital exhibit, which features many of our favorite images from the Society’s archives and gives an overview of the history of Howard Johnson’s. We hope that you enjoy it!

— Ed Fitzgerald and Alexandra Elliott