For local and visitors a like, the iconic neon Charlies Cafe sign was a reminder of a by-gone era.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Milkshakes, burgers and chocolates were a passing truckie's delight or a parent's treat when they didn't feel like cooking.
While Charlie's Cafe has been closed for some time, the sign stood a serving reminder of a simpler time.
Until now.
The famed Charlie's Cafe sign at 103 Main Street, Mittagong was recently removed.
According to a council spokesperson, the sign was not heritage listed or in a heritage conservation area.
The removal didn't go unnoticed by one man. The partially covered sign, which was in a parked trailer in front of the old cafe caught the eye of Peter Griffiths on August 30 at 8 am.
"[It's] an unceremonious end to a piece of Mittagong and Hume Highway history," he said.
"Charlie's Cafe at Mittagong was much loved by myself, other travellers and truckies in the 1950s, 60s and 70s.
"It was a great place to partake in a meal or coffee on the old long and winding highway which meandered through Liverpool, Camden, Narellan, Razorback, Picton, Yanderra, Yerrinbool, Mittagong and beyond to the south.
"It is sad to see the sign go, as I thought it would be there forever, but alas it's not to be and one wonders where the sign will end up."
Dane Manuzic who grew up in the Southern Highlands said that Charlie's Cafe sign had been around forever. "We use to go there as a whole family for dinner."
Attempts to locate the sign have been unsuccessful.