ERIE, Pennsylvania — The signs of normalcy at first glance are everywhere when you breeze past the entrance to Presque Isle State Park along the shores of the great lake from which this town draws its name.

Two dinettes that have been serving locals and travelers for generations, Sara’s and Sally’s, are bustling, as cars and pedestrians line up for milkshakes, foot-long hot dogs, and a heaping basket of fried perch.