There is something special about being a regular at a restaurant, cafe, or any other establishment that serves up food and drinks.
Everyone has a different reason for why one place is “their spot,” whether it’s the memories made there, a favorite dish, or just the routine of going there.
Oftentimes, these places are not even particularly fancy. Think of college students going to a hole-in-the-wall pizza shop for a late-night slice of pie or co-workers refueling at the local coffee shop.
Places like these are ones that strengthen our sense of community and offer a space to bide a wee.
Perhaps the Bide-a-Wee was that type of spot for Marbleheaders. Formerly at 63 Front St., the Bide-a-Wee Tea Room moved to 146 Washington St. The seasonal restaurant, according to a postcard, was open from mid-spring through the mid-November.
A 1958 advertisement enticed potential customers with “air condition(ing) for your comfort,” “home cooked meals,” and availability on Monday holidays.
Two of the owners of Bide-a-Wee were Elsie Robinson and Doris Bartlett.
In Robinson’s 2010 obituary, the more than 60-year resident of Marblehead was described as both a co-owner and chef at Bide-a-Wee. Bartlett’s 2014 obituary states that she “owned and operated the Bide-A-Wee in Marblehead where she was well known for her oatmeal bread.”
Also in Bartlett’s obituary is an insight into the atmosphere at Bide-a-Wee: “Oftentimes, while waiting for a seat to become available inside, patrons would sit outside on a bench, socialize, and make new friends.”
A 1973 New York Times architecture article called “Standing Room Only” reminisces on the time before Bide-a-Wee closed, stating, “the Bide‐A‐Wee restaurant, where little old ladies have come in vintage hats for luncheons of broiled scrod and grape nuts pudding since time began, turned into a dog grooming shop this year.”
Oatmeal bread, broiled scrod, and grape nut pudding have not been served up at 146 Washington St. for more than 40 years. Fortunately for Marbleheaders, in those four decades even more places have opened up and offered residents even more spots to bide a wee.
