Maine Turnpike Rest Areas Closed For The Winter? – It Used to Happen

Ever since the Maine Turnpike celebrated its 75th anniversary, the Maine Turnpike Authority has been posting throwback photos of the Turnpike from its opening day on Dec. 13, 1947. It's a trip back in history to see what the Maine Turnpike started as and what it is today.

Maine Turnpike Service Plaza's

Today there are five service plazas on the Maine Turnpike. North and Southbound in Kennebunk, Northbound in Gray, Southbound in Cumberland, and one service plaza for both directions in West Gardiner.

They have gas pumps, some have convenience stores, and all have at least one fast-food restaurant.

But when the Maine Turnpike opened in 1947, the service plazas were much different.

Howard Johnson's Restuarant

When the Maine Turnpike opened, the service plazas were Howard Johnson's Restaurants which remained on the Turnpike until the 1980s.

Back when everyone wasn't in such a rush and could sit down to eat a meal, Howard Johnson's was there with a lunch counter and restaurant dining and was famous for their chicken pot pie. But unlike today's service plazas, they weren't open all year long.

Closed Until May 1, 1959

The Maine Turnpike Service Plazas in Cumberland and Gray closed for the winter. At the time there was no service plaza in West Gardiner, so this only left the Kennebunk Service Plazas still open for gas, food, and restrooms.

A big sign and barriers were placed at the entrance of the closed service plazas with a sign that read "Closed Until May 1, 1959" and directed drivers to stop at the service plaza in Kennebunk which was open year round.