Name Origin

The name “The Blue Bird” has historically been associated with happiness and appears in various folklore traditions, including Chinese, Native American, Norse, and English. It has also featured prominently in stories, songs, theatrical productions, and movies. In the case of John Hughes restaurant, the reason for choosing the name is not entirely clear, but it’s noteworthy that Maurice Maeterlinck published a symbolist stage play titled “the Blue Bird” in 1908, which was translated into English and performed on Broadway starting in 1910. Another possibility could be Hughes’ British heritage and the well-known English candy shop named the Blue Bird Confectionery, from which collector tins are still available for purchase. Ultimately, only speculation remains, but either of these factors, along with Hughes’ strong interest in stage and screen productions, may have influenced his decision.

First Documented

The first documented reference to a Salem business called The Blue Bird appeared in an advertisement in the Oregon Statesman newspaper dated 14 Feb 1920, p. 3. The cafe’s address was listed as 163 S. Commercial. Although this address is no longer in use, it would have been located near the Holman Hotel.

Capitol Theater Connection

Discussing the Blue Bird without mentioning its location next to the famous Capitol Theater, known for its iconic dome, is impossible. Patrons attending the theater often stopped in at the Blue Bird for a dessert after performances.

The Capitol Theater opened in 1926 and was one of Salem’s finest vaudeville and silent movie houses. Located at 542 State St., the Capitol Theater featured a distinctive facade designed to resemble the shape of the Oregon Capitol dome. The dome was 17 feet high and 20 feet wide, making it hard to miss when going down State St.

See the Oregon Theater Project website HERE for more information.

Summary

For thirty years, The Blue Bird was a beloved eating establishment in Salem. The roots of the business trace back to a confectionery named Candy Kitchen, located at 371 N. Commercial St., just north of the YMCA. It was established by John Hughes and his nephew Clay Taylor in 1920. In 1924, aiming for expansion, Hughes & Taylor purchased the Sweet Shop restaurant owned by F.J. Rupert at 538 State St. After renovating, adding space, and introducing new furniture, they reopened with light lunches and fountain drinks, alongside the boxed candies, bottled goods, magazines, and cigars they had previously offered. The establishment was renamed The Blue Bird Confectionery.

Two years later, Hughes & Taylor relocated to make way for the new Bligh building. In return, they were given their choice of location within the building. They reopened in October 1926 at 524 State St., on the ground floor of the Bligh building, facing State St. just west of the new Capitol Theater. As the name suggests, the interior was strikingly decorated in blue, with cozy booths at the rear and an attractive balcony. The establishment featured fountain lunches, general confections, cigars, and more.

In 1929, Hughes & Taylor remodeled again, adding more space, a new ventilation plant, a modern refrigerating system, new linoleum flooring, paint, and decorations. Situated next to the Capitol Theater, the restaurant attracted a steady stream of customers, providing a perfect dining experience for those enjoying the latest entertainment. The owners capitalized on this, hosting themed evenings where dessert specials dovetailed with the movie or performance.

The restaurant was sold to the Nohlgren family in August 1937. August and Fanny Nohlgren, along with their son Ralph, had previously operated the Silverton Grill. Under their ownership, the restaurant was remodeled again in 1941 to expand seating by utilizing the balcony. When they reopened as “The New” Blue Bird Restaurant, they revamped the menu to feature more full-course meals, such as chicken, pork, veal, and steak options. Thanks to Fanny Nohlgren, the Blue Bird Ice Cream Pie became the signature dessert. Their operating hours were from noon to 8 pm.

In 1946, the Nohlgrens sold the cafe to Hazel and Chris Schneider, who were formerly associated with Marie Schneider in the operation of the coffee shop in the Salem Hotel building. The menu and hours expanded to include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This was a challenging period for restaurant owners due to the rationing and scarcity of supplies during World War II. In 1951, Chris retired due to ongoing heart problems, and his mother took over as proprietor. They changed the business name to Schneider’s Bluebird Cafe in January 1951. A year later, she sold it to Arthur and Esther Peters, who were looking for a new location for their restaurant, that was demolished in the expansion of U.S. National Bank building. The Peters’ enlarged the restaurant, added new equipment, and reopened it under the name The Meadows, officially marking the end of the Blue Bird restaurant.

For thirty years, the Blue Bird was a cherished eating establishment in Salem, evolving from a confectionery to a full restaurant. Despite changes in its offerings and name variations – Blue Bird Confectionery, Blue Bird Cafe and Blue Bird Restaurant – the name Blue Bird remained a constant, symbolizing happiness and hope. the diverse skills and backgrounds of its owners contributed to its success. The name’s positive connotations, echoed in songs, art, and popular culture, made it a fitting choice for a cheerful meeting place in Salem.

1920: Origins – Candy Kitchen

Originated as the Hughes & Taylor Candy Kitchen at 371 N Commercial St.[i]

1924: Move and Expansion – Blue Bird Confectionery

Hughes & Taylor purchased the Sweet Shop restaurant at 538 State St. After renovation it reopened as the Blue Bird Confectionery, a combination of the candy shop with fountain drinks and a light lunch option.[ii]

1926: Move to the Bligh Building

When the Bligh Building was built on State St. Hughes & Taylor were given their choice of location in the building. Their storefront was now 524 State St. just west of the new Capitol Theater.[iii]

1929: Sizable Remodel

Restaurant renovated with additional cozy booths at the rear, an attractive balcony as well as new fixtures and improvements.[iv]

1930: Capitol Theater Glamour

Open after each evening show, the restaurant often themed dessert specials with the theater’s current movie or performance. [v]

1937: Sold to Nohlgrens

The Nohlgren family, restaurant owners from Silverton purchased the Blue Bird.[vi]

1941: The New Blue Bird Restaurant

Big changes followed a restaurant remodel to add additional seating space. The menu was revamped to feature full course meals and hours expanded.

1946: Sold to Schneiders

Restaurant changed ownership to John C. and Hazel L. Schneider, formerly associated with the coffee shop in the Salem Hotel building.[vii]

1951: Schneider’s Bluebird Cafe

When John Schneider retired due to poor health, his mother Marie stepped in to run the restaurant. The menu and hours were expanded to include breakfast. [viii]

1952: End of a 30-year Landmark

Restaurant was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Arthur T. Peters and renamed The Meadows.[ix]

References:

[i] Candy Kitchen ad, Oregon Statesman, 20 Jun 1920, p. 17

[ii] “Rupert Confectionery [Sweet Shop] Sold to Hughes & Taylor,” Oregon Statesman, 15 Feb 1924 p. 8

[iii] “The Blue Bird to Open in Much Larger Quarters,” Oregon Statesman, 5 Oct 1926, p. 11

[iv] “Blue Bird Again Open; Remodeled,” Capital Journal, 10 Apr 1929, p. 12

[v] Capital Journal, 8 Aug 1930, p. 5

[vi] “New Firm to Run Bluebird,” Capital Journal, 10 Aug 1937, p. 1

[vii] “Schneiders Buy Blue Bird Cafe,” Capital Journal, 2 Mar 1946, p. 10

[viii] Oregon Statesman, 21 Jan 1951, p. 5

[ix] “Mr. and Mrs. Peters Buy Blue Bird Restaurant,” Capital Journal, 27 Sep 1952, p. 11

This article was researched and written by Christy Van Heukelem of Lineage Lore, for the Willamette Heritage Center in January 2025.