Benjamin Durkee was a well-regarded chef and proprietor of the Windsor Lunch on Clinton Street in Plattsburgh, New York. He was born around 1877 and was married to Marie Mitchell. The couple had two children named Frances and Eugene. They resided on Couch Street in Plattsburgh.
Ben first appeared in the U.S. City Directories of Plattsburgh in 1907 when he lived on 12 Clinton J and worked as a chef. He later moved to 7 Helen Steet in 1909 and then to 42 Couch Street in 1912.
In February 1917, Ben fell seriously ill with pneumonia and was admitted to the Physicians’ Hospital. Although there were hopes for his recovery, he sadly passed away on February 10, 1917, due to heart failure. The Plattsburgh Sentinel announced his funeral, which was held on February 13, 1917, at his residence on Couch Street. The service was conducted by Rev. Roy D. Wood from the Baptist Church, and Ben was laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery.
Benjamin Durkee was highly regarded in Plattsburgh and the surrounding area as one of the best chefs in northern New York. He had previously worked with the Fifth Infantry, U.S.A., and had been employed by several leading officers of the infantry. Approximately 10 years before his passing he settled in Plattsburgh and eventually established his own business there.