A picture postcard mailed from Benson, Arizona, on Wednesday, April 6, 1955, has special significance for three reasons. 1. The Horse Shoe Café in Benson is a town landmark. 2. The recipient of this card, Miss Ila Mettee, has a most extraordinary career in both military and political circles. 3. How did this postcard not end up as a family heirloom?
The Horse Shoe Café stands as one of Benson, Arizona’s most enduring and beloved establishments. With roots tracing back to the early 20th century, it has served as a gathering place for locals, travelers, and railroad workers alike. This document explores the history, evolution, and cultural significance of the Horse Shoe Café, painting a portrait of a classic American diner that has stood the test of time.
Benson, Arizona, founded in 1880 as a railroad town, quickly became a bustling stop for trains, cattle drives, and travelers heading west. The Horse Shoe Café was established in the midst of this vibrant activity, with its original opening believed to be in the 1930s or 1940s.
Its strategic location on East 4th Street made it accessible for the railroad community, ranchers, and local residents. The café’s name was inspired by the cowboy and ranching culture surrounding Benson, with the horseshoe symbolizing good luck and prosperity.
Throughout the decades, the Horse Shoe Café became a cornerstone of Benson’s social life. It was known for its hearty, home-style meals, friendly service, and welcoming atmosphere. The café’s classic American menu featured favorites such as steak and eggs, homemade pies, and bottomless coffee, attracting a steady stream of regulars and visitors. Its walls, adorned with Western memorabilia and historical photographs, offered patrons a glimpse into Benson’s colorful past.
The Horse Shoe Café weathered various changes over the years, including shifts in ownership, refurbishments, and economic ups and downs. Despite these challenges, the café remained true to its roots, preserving its old-fashioned charm and commitment to customer service. Its character as a vintage diner was further enhanced by its neon signage and retro décor, which evoke nostalgia for the golden era of roadside cafés.
More than a restaurant—Horse Shoe Café is a living piece of Benson’s history. It has been featured in local publications and travel guides as an iconic spot in southeastern Arizona. The café is often referenced in stories about Benson’s railroad heritage, the heyday of Route 80, and the enduring traditions of the American Southwest. For many, it represents the spirit of small-town America: resilient, friendly, and full of character.
Today, the Horse Shoe Café continues to serve residents and visitors, maintaining its legacy as a classic diner with a storied past. Whether stopping in for breakfast, lunch, or a slice of pie, patrons can experience a sense of history and hospitality that has defined the café for generations. Its continued success is a testament to the community’s appreciation for its heritage and the enduring appeal of authentic, local establishments.
The restaurant remains a cherished landmark in Benson, Arizona. Its history is intertwined with the town’s development, the railroad era, and the enduring culture of the American Southwest. As it continues to serve new generations, the café upholds its reputation as a welcoming place where stories are shared and memories are made.
Getting back to that vintage postcard, the picture on the front of it shows waitresses and customers inside the dining room. A vintage Coca-Cola cooler sits in the middle. For many people, server is now the politically correct word for waitress, but I prefer to use the old definition.
A short note on the card reads as follows:
“Tuesday nite
Here is where we ate Supper to nite. We have a nice room. Have had a fine trip so far. We plan to get to Grady’s tomorrow nite. We was in a dust storm about 3 hours in Mexico. It sure was bad – Love from Mama”
The message was written on Tuesday night, which was April 5, 1955. It wasn’t mailed until the following day. The person sending it to Miss Ila Sue Mettee appears to be her mom, Annie, who also signed off as Mama. It was hard to read the signature even after enlarging.
Ila Sue Mettee, according to many newspaper accounts, led an exemplary life beginning in high school and college. A book could be written about her life. After college, she joined the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) as a lieutenant. She climbed the ladder quite fast. Captain Mettee went on to become commander of Headquarters and Operations Company – 18th Combat Intelligence Group at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
On October 13, 1974, Ila wed Captain John McCutchon, also in the Army. The couple has one daughter.
Lt. Colonel Ila Mettee-McCutchon became head of the 741st Military Intelligence Battalion at Fort George G. Meade in Maryland. Before retiring, she reached the rank of colonel.
Mrs. Ila Mettee-McCutchon moved to California with her husband and daughter, where she ran for mayor of Marina, California, and won. She was also elected to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, a prestigious nomination. While serving in that capacity, Ila became Garrison Commander for the Presidio of Monterey, another noteworthy accomplishment.
Today, Ila and her husband, John, continue to serve as volunteers in the Colorado town in which they live. Horse Shoe Café in Benson, Arizona, is still in operation as well, continuing to dish out breakfast, lunch, and dinner to locals and visitors alike. I’ll mark this eatery down as a place I want to eventually visit.
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