1953 Speedee McDonald's in Downey, CA - 16mm color reversal film

Some shots of the "Speedee" sign at the old McDonald's restaurant in Downey, CA.

Opened August 10, 1953, it is the oldest operating McDonald's stand in the world. It was the third McDonald's restaurant and is from before Ray Kroc's affilliation with the company.

Shot by me back in July 2006 on 16mm film. The color reversal stock really gives it that old-timey look with its narrow dynamic range and hyper-saturated color.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• McDonald's
• Downey
• Speedee
• film
• 16mm
• reversal

[brybry26]

@pippipepper Um, the McDonald's is from 1953, not the film. I even put in the description "Shot by me back in July 2006", haha.

[revedmusic]

I remember when this store opened. I lived a few blocks from it. Later when I was a teenager I was friends with the owner's daughter. For many years it was the local hang out for us from the high school. Hamburgers 15c. Malts 15c. It remains unchanged to this day, though all around it has been subject to urban renewal. It escaped modernization many times because it was owned by Bud Landon outright and not a franchise. Kroc had sold it to him to finance new stores.

[boblackey1]

@nicolaj0154 This McDonald's opened in 1953 which was one year before McDonald's founder Ray Kroc got involved in the business. This was the third of eight that were operating before Kroc met the McDonald brothers and talked them into letting him take over. In 1954 Kroc founded McDonald's corporation which ultimately controls ALL McDonald's around the world. At first Kroc had to work under their final say. Kroc tired of this and demanded they sell out in 1961 to him. They ask 2.7 million & left.

[nicolaj0154]

it just had that feelling of the old days untill that modern car came, XP

[ClassicTVMan1981X]

@JAFZX1207

It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

[JAFZX1207]

I grew up in Downey CA but moved away out of State over 26 years ago. My last visit to Downey was in 96 for a wedding. Anyway I remember going to this old McDonald's since I was a kid and eaten there manytimes. Great memories and thanks for the post. This place should be a national historical building and protected!

[lilacer18]

OMG I JUST ATE THEIR

[madcapromanian]

I thought I was looking at a 16mm film from the 1950's until the modern SUV drove by underneath!

[WadeConde]

I love how crisp and grainy it looks. I can almost picture go go dancers dancing around.

[Astroluxe56]

How cool that you shot 16mm film instead of video! Footage definitely has that great old film look -- keep shooting! Adriene