by Jackie Nunnery
WHITE STONE—What began as a restaurant feeding builders of the Robert O. Norris Jr. Memorial Bridge is now gone, making way for the bridge’s replacement.
In a bittersweet event for many in the region, workers last week demolished the 70-year-old building that held memories of fun, good food and celebrations over many years. Crews are preparing for construction of the new bridge to begin in 2028.
In its last iteration, it was known as Willaby’s Cafe and Catering, but the building was first known as White Cap View when it opened in 1956, feeding many of the bridge construction workers, according to Phil Cross. His aunt and uncle, Thelma and Ralph Spencer, purchased the restaurant around 1959, renaming it The Mariner. Cross recalls helping out….
