1980 -1990

1980

On December 19, 1980, the Exchange celebrated its 100th anniversary. It still operated the same way it had in 1880 as it provided financial opportunities to the women of Baltimore through the consignment shop, and now as a fully staffed restaurant.

Source:
“Tea for 2, Shop, too.” The Evening Sun, 19 Dec. 1980.

On December 30, 1980 a local celebrity, the Phantom Diner, visited the Exchange for lunch. The Phantom Diner was an anonymous food critic for Channel 13 who took a camera crew with him to film his dining experiences. He had a cup of chicken soup and a plate of chicken salad and gave the lunchroom a pretty high rating. The segment was broadcast on January 8, 1981.

Source:
“Smoking Out the Phantom Diner.” The Baltimore Sun, 4 Jan. 1981.

1983

In May of 1983, the Baltimore Sun published an article that outlined how to order cake at the Exchange. It stated that if you want a piece of yellow cake with chocolate icing, you order a “chocolate cake.” If you want a piece of chocolate cake with white icing, you order “devil’s food cake.” If you want chocolate cake with chocolate icing, you order “chocolate cake with chocolate icing.” Finally, if you want yellow cake with white frosting, you simply order “cake.”

Source:
“Gyros, Jimmies, Cake– Let’s Get Names Straight.” The Baltimore Sun, 18 May 1983.

1985

The Exchange closed for a few weeks in August of 1985 for summer vacation as the lunchroom is usually understaffed during the month due to employees taking off for vacation. The regulars were extremely grateful when the Exchange reopened and they could regain their usual routine. The Down Under Club had to dine at other restaurants where they felt out of place. The Charles Street businessmen had to pack brown bag lunches and eat in the office. Finally, the early morning workers such as the telephone company, library staff, and Charles Street shop employees had to start their days without breakfast at the Exchange.

Source:
“Warm, Welcome Reopenings.” The Baltimore Sun, 27 Aug. 1985.

1987

In January of 1987, Jane and Michael Stern stopped in Baltimore to try the tomato aspic at the Exchange. The pair traveled the country to eat at different places and learn different recipes for their column “A Taste of America.” Jane and Michael Stern complimented the Exchange about its old-fashioned and homey atmosphere as well as its traditional Baltimorean dishes in their column. The two also included a recipe of their version of chicken aspic.

Source:
“Women’s Industrial Exchange Emerges as a Trend-Setter With its Chicken Jelly.” The Baltimore Sun, 18 Jan. 1987.