"Iconic DuPage Diners and Hangouts," a partnered event between the DuPage County Historical Museum and the CHNI was held in November at the museum. The evening offered fascinating insights into both the founding and operations of the popular Prince Castle/ Cock Robin fast food and ice cream chain. Tom Castagnoli, grandson of founder Walter Fredenhagen, spoke on the history and evolution of the business from its beginning in 1931. Tom emphasized groundbreaking food industry inventions coming out of the partnership between Walter Fredenhagen and Earl Prince—foremost, the Multi-Mixer, a heavy-duty stand designed to handle the thicker consistency of their "One in a Million" malted milkshakes. Ray Kroc who partnered with Fredenhagen and Prince eventually bought the rights to the Multi-Mixer, selling it to restaurants nationwide. In addition to the Multi-mixer was the two-ounce square ice cream scoop and the see-through glass ice cream cabinet! Rich Baumgarten, teamed with Tom by presenting the operations side of Cock Robin. Rich grew up in a family who operated six restaurants in the western suburbs, eventually owning the Wheaton Cock Robin, one of the last restaurants to close in the early 2000's. In his presentation Rich focused on efforts to draw customers in and promote community from his downtown Wheaton location including giving out ice cream at Halloween, free coupons to nearby elementary students and more. In 1950 there were twenty-five Cock Robin restaurants east of the Fox River serving fresh, affordable food to families. It's no wonder Cock Robin is at the top of the list as an iconic DuPage diner and hangout!