Four Points Bulletin

The world’s oldest McDonald’s is located in Downey, California. When it opened in 1953, it was the third McDonald’s restaurant. Over the years the earlier buildings have been destroyed, moving this one up the ranks to the oldest store in existence. Little has changed to the building’s appearance since its opening. In 1994, it was scheduled to be bulldozed but after being placed on the list of most endangered historic places, McDonald’s spent time and money restoring it, adding a separate eating area and museum to the then walk-up only McDonald’s. The museum is small but very informative. I never really went to McDonald’s growing up but I remember the memorabilia from commercials. (I also never really went as an adult; my last filet-o-fish was well over two decades ago.) We have spent almost five weeks on the road, driving a total of just over 4,500 miles, so why not conclude our trip close to home, eating a happy meal, and being scared to death by Ronald McDonald’s “happy” face.