THUNDER BAY – Patrick and Karen Bailey celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary Monday at the same spot they shared their first date – Westfort Coney Island.
The Baileys go to the Frederica Street restaurant each year on or around their anniversary.
“We had our first date here back in 1965, give or take a few months. We love this place; we love the food. It's our anniversary today and that's why we're here,” Karen said.
Patrick and Karen are both Westfort born and raised, said Karen.
“This was here since we were kids, this is where we come all the time. It's just home,” she said.
Patrick said they switch up their meal of choice all the time.
Victoria (Effie) Saites, is the owner of Westfort Coney Island. She remembers the couple come in at a young age, “holding hands.”
“Effie's about the same age as us,” Patrick said. “I can remember when she was just a teenager working the counter and now, she owns the place. I've known her for 60 years.”
“To be honest, not a lot has changed. Back in those days, we used to have the little jukebox on the wall. It’s the same old Coney Island and we want to keep it that way, so we keep coming back,” Patrick said.
Karen said they’ll keep on with the tradition until they can “no longer move around.”
“Then I'll get my daughter to come and take us, we'll have take out,” she added.
