Drivers of classic cars to get a free root beer float

By Barbie Porter

Editor

Frazee is getting a carhop on Sunday, June 13 from 5:30-7 p.m. at 210 Maple Avenue east (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) in Frazee. 

The menu boasts grilled hamburgers, hotdogs, fries and root beer floats. The burger and hotdog basket, which includes fries, costs $5. Root beer floats are $3.50, or free to those guests who show up in a vehicle that is from 1980 or older. 

Carhops made a splash in the 1920s. Pharmacies were known for making curb side deliveries in the days of the horse drawn carriages. When automobiles become a common site, the concept of the same curb side service was brought to some restaurants. 

By the late 1930s, carhops were synonymous with having food orders taken at the car and the meal delivered to the parked vehicle. 

Many servers working at carhops were not paid an hourly wage, but  collected tips. Much like the young carhops in the jazz age, the youth serving at the church will use the profits for fun. 

“We have a group that plans to go to the national youth gathering in Houston, Texas next year,” said Hanna Klinefelter, the youth board director at Bethlehem Lutheran church. “The gathering is a three day long event that happens every three years. Kids from all over the U.S., usually 25,000 plus, go.”

The big event provides attendees plenty of activities, classes and opportunities to worship together and celebrate their relationship with the Lord. 

“As a kid, coming from a small town, it was the first time I ever saw 25,000 people in one place, together and worshiping God,” Klinefelter said. “It was an amazing experience.”

She attended the national youth conference as a high  school freshman, senior and again as an adult leader. She said the experience was memorable and provided her with lifetime friendships from people all across the country.

Youth in grades 9-12 are allowed to attend, but transportation, lodging and food are not free. To help pay their way, the kids are hosting the carhop with the support of their parents and church congregation.

“The kids will be going up to car windows to take food orders,” Klinefelter said. “We will also have tables and to-go boxes will be available.”

Klinefelter believes the carhop event began around 2010 and has continually drawn people from the church, community and surrounding area. While the food is fantastic and it’s fun to see familiar and new faces, Klinefelter said the hosts of the event (and guest) all enjoy gazing at hot rods that join the fun.