The Oasis Diner: A Historic Landmark Brought Back to Life

Photo by Jennifer L. Rubenstein
In 2010, Indiana Landmarks listed the Diner on its 10 Most Endangered Indiana Buildings list. This prompted the Town of Plainfield to conduct a feasibility study on the possible relocation of the Diner just four miles west to their recently revitalized Town Center. Both the exterior and interior of the Oasis Diner have been restored back to their original appearance. The Diner also remains located on the Historic National Road and is the only diner on the National Road in Indiana and is only one of less than five historical diners to remain on U.S. 40 from Cumberland, Maryland to Vandalia, Illinois.
The Oasis Diner, manufactured by Mountain View Diners in Signac, NJ, was shipped via railroad to the east side of Plainfield in 1954. The original owners were James Canavan and Frank Thurber. Frank sold out and moved away but James owned and operated the Oasis until he sold it to George and Mona Thompson in the early 1970’s. The Thompson’s ran the Diner until 1982 when it was purchased by Walter and Evelyn Dininger. Walter then leased the Diner to Raymond Piercy in 1985 who eventually bought it in 1987 and owned and operated it until 2008. Raymond’s health forced him to close the Diner in 2008.
The Oasis Diner in the 50s.