By Karen Morrison-Comstock, Former Rex’s Employee and Miss USA, 1974
with contributions by Tim Kirsininkas, Museum Marketing & Public Engagement Manager

All photos courtesy of Karen Morrison-Comstock and the Morrison family.

Locke’s Drive-In as pictured when it first opened in 1946.

When looking back on the American experience throughout history, it’s very common that one will come across images of teenagers enjoying snacks and milkshakes with their friends at their favorite Drive-In hangout spots. These establishments were often the epicenter of social activity on nights and weekends during the 40s and 50s, and one establishment in St. Charles was no different.

St. Charles saw its first drive-in open in 1946 at what was then considered by many “the edge of town” on East Main Street. The original establishment was opened by my father Rex’s brother-in-law, Wayne Locke. Working alongside Wayne, Rex Morrison was in high school at that time, and had previously helped Wayne out at Wayne’s other business, The Chatter Box, on the corner next to the Arcada Theater. It was a popular teenage hangout spot throughout the WWII years. Now, Rex became a short-order cook at the new Locke’s Drive-in, and decided there was a future in the restaurant business for him. Soon after graduation, at the age of 19, he and a friend bought a small diner restaurant on the main street of Sycamore, Il.

Rex Morrison and waitresses from Rex’s Drive-In pictured in 1974.

However, Uncle Sam had other ideas, and 2 years later, Rex was drafted into the army during the Korean War. In 1954, soon after his discharge, Rex pursued his dream and purchased the business of Locke’s Drive-in. He added a canopy and later the electronic ordering devices. It became the place for teens to meet and for families and friends to dine inside, where counter and booths were available. It quickly became a popular and loved place in town. McDonalds opened around 1960 on the other end of town so now the teens enjoyed “tooling around” back and forth between the two establishments.

Waitresses at Rex’s ringing in customers’ orders in 1975.

Then in 1964, as a result of continued business success, Rex decided it was time to enlarge the dining area. The curb service was still in place, but a larger kitchen and dining room was added. It was at this time that Rex purchased the property for himself. Now a hostess was added and breakfast was served fresh to patrons every day. The carhop service continued, plus family “eat’in”…everything from home-made bean soup to a T-Bone steak could be enjoyed at Rex’s!

Rex’s Cork and Fork

The dining room of Rex’s as pictured in 1975.

Rex analyzed business changes and in 1974 he decided to add a bar. The curb service was dropped and the Cork and Fork was born. Rex’s became more of a dinner house…..casual, fine dining. Again, it was fun because the bar area resembled “Cheers”. Weekend entertainment. Old and new friends congregating and forming relationships. There were flaming steaks and cocktails…a salad bar. Huge strawberry short cakes. Rex’s became a place to meet new friends and to hold gatherings of all kinds.

Rex retired in 1994 but continued to own the building. The business was owned and operated by several other restaurateurs up until 2009.

Even though the days of drive-in service and car hops have come to an end, the times and memories shared by so many people at Rex’s over the years are just as much a part of St. Charles’ past as the building itself - a piece of the true American midwest experience for many years!