Earls

Earl Northrup (at right in picture), owner of Earl’s Restaurant in Chaffee, NY, has formed the Marilyn and Earl Northrup Charitable Trust, in conjunction with Houghton College and Houghton Academy, in order to turn over the restaurant and the property to the two educational institutions. The trust is in keeping with the wishes of Northrup and his late wife, Marilyn, to support and promote Christian education.

Early in his life, Earl had lived near relatives of Phil Stockin ’67 (at center in picture), now headmaster of Houghton Academy. Through this connection, the Northrups learned of the academy and college. Their interest in the schools was further strengthened by a Houghton College alumna: the physical therapist that cared for their son David at Buffalo Children’s Hospital, where he was treated for cystic fibrosis. After Marilyn’s death in 2002, Earl started the process of forming the trust.

“The resources from the trust will greatly benefit the young people seeking a Christian education,” said Stockin.

“Additionally, students will have the unique opportunity to learn aspects of the restaurant business first-hand,” said Eric Alcott, vice president for advancement at Houghton College (at left in picture).

In accordance with the Northrups’ desire, Earl’s Restaurant remains much the same. It is known for its home cooking and family atmosphere, super-sized pie portions and its claim to be the “home of the original fruit jar drinkers.” Northrup continues to manage the restaurant.

In June, volunteers from Houghton helped celebrate the restaurant’s 50^th anniversary with two days of gospel, Dixieland and country music at the open-air pavilion behind the restaurant, the Sunshine Music Park. The original hotdog stand, purchased in 1956, which was the beginning of Earl’s, is still part of the venue in the music park. The celebration, which featured two 25-foot-long cakes, drew thousands of visitors and coverage from two area television stations.

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