On September 30, 1959, the first McDonald's Restuarant in North Carolina opened at 1101 Summit Avenue, at the intersection of Bessemer Avenue, in East Greensboro. Here is a photo of the store, still in the same location, fifty one years later. This store was opened by two WWII veterans back when the chain had less than 500 stores and hamburgers were a mere 15 cents. In our visit to North Carolina's oldest McDonald's, we must admit we were mightily impressed. The facility was completely renovated and spotless. Also, from the senior-citizen cleaning the dining area to the friendly and efficient cashiers, everyone seemed proud to work there. We were in and out in less than four minutes during a busy breakfast rush. We marveled at the woman who waited on us. Completely bilingual, she "just knew" whether to take an order in Spanish or English. For a nostalgic moment, stop in and order a burger, shake, and fries-- just like old times.
Another big event for Greensboro in 1959 was that local journalist Edward R Murrow interviewed Fidel Castro that year! Also in 1959, superintendent of the Greensoboro City Schools, Benjamin Lee Smith, wrote a paper, The Story of Desegregation in Greensboro. Wendover Avenue did not exist and Summit and Bessemer Avenues were main thoroughfares in and around our city. This McDonald's was opened in a prime real estate location.
Finally, we offer this photo for Skywatch Friday to be viewed around the world by this network of 300+ folks who are as proud of their sky photos as Ronald McDonald is of this store! By the way, curiously, in the winter, seagulls like to hang out near this McDonald's-- some 200+ miles from the ocean! We managed to slip one into this photograph. Do you see him, above the clouds, directly above the flag pole?