The TRAVELER'S JOURNAL: November twentieth, remembering "the first supper."

Back in 1949, when people bought everything with cash or check, a New York businessman, Frank McNamara, experienced a moment every diner fears. Reaching for his wallet to pay the bill at Major's Cabin Grill, he realized he'd left it in another suit. His wife rescued McNamara, but the incident stayed with him. Why, he reasoned, couldn't a businessman spend what he could afford rather than how much he happened to have in his pocket.

With his attorney, Frank Schneider, McNamara worked out details for club of diners who'd be able to sign for their suppers at selected restaurants and pay the bill later. Enrolling 14 establishments, he offered $3 membership to 200 friends and acquaintances. In 1950, McNamara sat down for a meal at Major's and became the first diner to say, "Charge it." In the credit card industry, that meal's known as the "First Supper."

In this age of pervasive plastic, it is fitting to remember the charge card's Golden Anniversary. McNamara's club was an immediate hit. Convenience and cachet spurred initial growth. By year's end, some 20,000 people carried Diners Club cards. Rapid expansion in members, geographic presence and participating restaurants is also testament to the entrepreneurial energy of McNamara's band. In 1963 Danny Kaye etched the image in his hit movie, "The Man from the Diners Club."

Over 50 years, Diners Club and the credit card industry it pioneered have grown and evolved in myriad directions, revolutionizing the world of commerce, transactions and travel forever. But its roots can be traced to Frank McNamara's simple idea. The American Management Association ranks it one of the greatest management decisions ever made.

For Diners Club information, 800-234-6377 or www.dinersclubus.com

Back to November 2002 Main

Look through the list of fascinating places and off-beat features we’ve covered. Search text versions of past episodes and articles in our archives.