For many, it was a trip down memory lane, a time to step back and revisit the moments and memories that made their employment at a Lehighton landmark memorable.

That nostalgia from years gone by was in full swing as former employees of the former Boulevard Drive-In and Family Restaurant at 59 Blakeslee Blvd. Dr. E. gathered at the establishment.

Orchestrated by Darcy Caruso, the wife of Nino Caruso, who ran Pizza Como USA, and later purchased the former Boulevard, the Former Employees Night attracted about 30 employees.

Darcy, who operates Nonna’s Ice Cream which took over a portion of the building and hosted the event, said the former employees loved reminiscing about their time working at the former Boulevard.

“They were very appreciative to have the reunion, and see people they haven’t seen in years,” Darcy said. “Some of the people said it seemed like just yesterday they were working and they can’t believe it’s been 50 years.”

Those who attended were offered a tour through the entire facility. The building has new bathrooms, equipment, ceilings, a new roof and is also newly painted.

Kim Werley and Sue Marcin of Lehighton previously worked on the ice cream side in the mid-1970s, and both agreed it holds a special place in their hearts.

“I remember the orange and white striped aprons we wore and the little white dresses,” Marcin said.

Bill Harleman II, who along with his sister, Debbie Ahner were owners of the former Boulevard until 2007 when they decided to sell it, was among those on hand.

“I’m happy the Carusos’ decided to continue their own tradition, plus the Harlemans’ (tradition),” Harleman II said. “I think it will be great; quite a following, and we’re very happy to see it continue as a restaurant.”

The Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation celebrated Nonna’s Ice Cream with a grand opening and ribbon cutting July 24.

Nonna’s Ice Cream has about a dozen employees, including their daughters, Kaity Caruso, Lily Caruso and Natalie Wentz. Nino is still there doing everything behind the scenes, while Torey Caruso, Nino’s son, and Sergio Caruso, Nino’s nephew, helped with the cleaning and remodeling.

They serve Leiby’s and Sweet Summits hard ice cream, along with hot dogs and barbecues.

Eventually, Pizza Como USA will occupy the rest of the building. In the meantime, Pizza Como USA in the Carbon Plaza Mall is still fully operational.

Darcy said the community can keep an eye out on their Facebook pages, Nonna’s Ice Cream and Pizza Como USA, for updates.

The Boulevard, which had been open since the 1950s abruptly shuttered its doors on Sept. 1.

Fred and Donna Kemfort had managed the store up until its closure.

The business had previously been operated by William C. “Bill” and Janice Harleman for 43 years.