SLEEPING COLONEL, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, 1950s
Colonel Sanders is not dead. He’s catnapping on an ultra lounger. As usual he is dressed for success his trademark double-breasted white suit, black western bow-tie and matching cane. Behind him is a palm potted in a timeless classic fiberglass bullet planter. Gazing adoringly and cozied up beside him is Pete Harman, the man that introduced the world to the Colonel’s “Kentucky” Fried Chicken and made them both fast food superstars.
This weeks “slide” is a picture I took last week of a framed photo hanging in the hall across from the men’s room of a very special KFC in Salt Lake City. I was in town to do a show. Ordinarily I wouldn’t stop at a KFC when traveling but because this KFC was in the shadow of a big vintage neon sign that said HARMAN CAFÉ with a huge image of Colonel Sanders I sensed something might be special about this location. So I stopped. Half way between the parking lot and the main entrance I was graciously greeted by a life-like, full body bronze of the Colonel standing shoulder to shoulder with another man wearing the same western bow-tie. I looked down and read “Pete Harman.”
When I walked in the door I zeroed in on the fist thing I saw, a big 60s briefcase with a decal of the Colonels face on it. I looked around in awe. Old photos, graphics, menus and other choice Kentucky Fried Chicken memorabilia was everywhere. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Quickly I learned in 1952 the Colonel was passing trough Salt Lake City and dropped in at Harman’s diner, then called the Dew Drop Inn. With his progressive pressure cooker and not-yet-legendary “eleven secret herbs and spices” recipe in hand Colonel Sanders convinced Harman to add his special “Kentucky” fried chicken to the menu. The customers loved it. Harman was the first KFC franchisee and the man that launched the Kentucky Colonel and his fried chicken into the stratosphere of Americana superstardom. Harman was also the marketing genius that came up with the iconic Kentucky Fried Chicken “to-go” bucket and the unforgettable slogan, “it’s finger-likin good!”
Then I turned around and what to my wondering eyes should appear, in a plexi case, but a genuine original Colonel Sanders suit with all the trimmings. I basked in the glow of his presence. I was on holy Americana ground. The place that got the world hooked on Kentucky Fried Chicken. I was overwhelmed with deep fried Americana joy.
Pete Harman was to Colonel Sanders what Colonel Tom Parker was to Elvis. Today the Colonel is the second most recognizable face of any person born before 1900. Jesus comes in first place.
Here’s to Pete Harman, the Colonel, the chicken, “Kentucky” Fried Utah and YOU!
I worked for Pete Harman for 9 years. Anybody who has ever met him can attest to the fact that he is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. If it wasn’t for Pete’s vision, and how much he cared for his people, I would’ve never learned the importance of service and humility to others. I am thankful that his years of building such a large team found the people who first hired me and took me under their wings. I know they feel the same about Pete as much/if not more, as I do.
My friend Joel’s dad was Col. Sander’s cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic (apparently all that fried food was hard on the ol’ Col’s heart) and Sanders would routinely send big buckets of fried chicken over to their house, as he knew the Dr had 6 kids.
Good story. I’ve been to the original KFC in Corbin, Kentucky. There isn’t much in Corbin, but seeing the original KFC is worth the trip. One side of the building is modern where you can actually place your order, and the other side has a display of what the restaurant looked like in the 40s. There is also pictures and other KFC paraphenalia on display. Check it out when you get a chance.
I agree with Anna Z. Charles does look like he could be a Pete Harman love child.
What is that pink thing between the Colonel’s ankles? Is it the tip of his cane…or…perhaps an uncooked chicken strip?
Good one!!! I love the bullet planter in the rear. Doug had one by his front door. Hope you are well and traveling safe!
Oh thank you ever so much! I had no idea that it all started in Utah. I am visiting in the nearby state of Idaho and will make the trip just to see what you saw. Your descriptions are, as always, so enticing. Thanks again.
I would eat this chicken…
I liked this one. Educational. Hope all is well Charles.
You are TOO funny, Charles!! Got a BIG kick outta this one and it’s great trivia, to boot.
Pamela
The next time you’re here, head north to Ogden (Frontierland)! I drive to SLC every day but as soon as I found out Ogden was the old railroad, prostitution, drinking town I was all over it…We do have a Disneyland theme building (on acid) in Salt Lake. Can you guess what I’m talking about?! You are a truly delightful person.
The “Colonel” called me “Sonny” and propped me up on his lap for a Photo Op I never got a chance to see the result of.
He was in Phoenix, Arizona for the Grand Opening of another one of his now iconic restaurants. It must have been 1960 or 61.
I knew of the Colonel BUT WAS REALLY THERE TO SEE MY BELOVED “WALLACE & LADMO”!
What?!! Surely Abe Lincoln is more recognizable than the Colonel! But maybe that’s worldwide not just the USA. If so what a sad commentary that the world knows us better for fast food than democratic ideas. Thanks you Charles for again serving us another delicious warm slice of Americana!
Dearest Charles,
I love this week’s slide and commentary! What a fabulous discovery! Even though it is supposed to be healthier, I don’t think I can bring myself to try to the new GRILLED KFC. I love me some Extra Crispy!
Best regards,
Rachel
Loved the Colonel Sanders slide of the week.
What a great story to pass on to my grandkids!
Erik
What a fabulous find!
Congrats and great to know you’ll be in Ont soon.
I can’t believe it’s been soooooo loooooong!
Take care
Jen w.
Methinks Mr. Phoenix resembles Mr. Harman more than slightly! What a gem of a shot!