Features

Zach Kohley ’06, recently accepted a joint faculty position in the Michigan State University chemistry department and national superconducting laboratory. He will be starting a research program studying nuclear chemistry and also advocates the value of an undergraduate degree in the sciences at Hillsdale. Although Hillsdale College is not widely noted for its science program, many graduates — including Kohley...

The door opens to a warm haven plastered with car-racing paraphernalia and smelling of deep-fried, home-style meals. Lisa Slade, owner of the small-town Hillsdale diner The Finish Line, glows as she greets the regular customers at their tables and new customers who are just passing through. Beginning in 1977, Slade was a night waitress at the ice cream, soup, and...

The “good old days” for most people were much simpler times that are long past. There are certain places, however, where it is possible to return to that feeling for a time. Spangler’s Hilltop Diner at 524 W. Chicago St. in Jonesville is one of those places. Outside Spangler’s hangs a blue and red neon sign that simply says, “EAT”....

You may never meet Casper the Friendly Ghost, but Hillsdale has its own resident paranormal buddy. Her name is Agnes, and she haunts the Coffee Cup Diner, according to Kevin Murray, who has worked there since 2006. “She is like Casper, except a girl,” Murray said. Pai Ringenberg, the diner’s owner, only laughed in response to Murray’s quips. She was...

Warm lighting, high-backed booths, drinks served in Coca-Cola cups, and a vintage counter lined with stools all give the Palace Cafe the old-fashioned feel of a classic American diner. The cafe on Howell Street has been in the Hillsdale community since the 1800’s. It has seen different owners, names, menus, and even different generations, but its warm and welcoming atmosphere...