| Additional Information: | This resource, located on an approximate 1.17-acre parcel, consists of a 1959 McDonald’s “Speedee” Sign and a non-historic McDonald’s fast food chain restaurant, constructed in 2010 in the McDonald’s “retro design.” The McDonald’s “Speedee” Sign, located at the northwestern corner of the property, is supported by a metal frame, clad with porcelain-enameled metal panels to form its single golden arch shape. The two bases of the arch are supported by two cast concrete piers. One of these piers was replaced in 2005 after it sustained damage from an automobile accident. On the face of the porcelain-enameled metal panels there are four bands of yellow neon tubing. The middle of the sign features red porcelainized metal panels which feature the script LICENSEE OF McDonald’s SPEEDEE SERVICE SYSTEM. Below this text there are the words HAMBURBERS and OVER 100 MILLION SOLD.
Standing between the top of the red sign panel and the apex of the arch is the figure of the original McDonald’s mascot, “Chef Speedee,” holding a metal spatula which extends above the apex of the arch. The spatula’s metal panel face features the script I’M “SPEEDEE.” Originally, the spatula face had 15¬¬¢ painted on it, which was outlined in metal neon lighting, and is still intact underneath the spatulas metal panels. These panels were added in 1968 to “avoid confusion or possible misrepresentation of pricing.” “Chef Speede” and the spatula are of painted porcelainized metal panels and are outlined in neon tube lighting.
Originally, sets of neon tube lighting were present at “Chef Speedee’s” legs. These lights would have been “animated” in a way which made the figure appear to be walking. There was also bands of vertical neon metal tubing present in the open space between “Chef Speedee” and the upper section of the arch. In 1985, the sign’s original neon metal lighting was either replaced, or in some cases, completely removed due to exposure to the natural elements and bird droppings, which caused the neon tube lighting to have to be frequently maintained to remain operational. Also, the City of Green Bay passed a city ordinance which “prohibited illuminated signs giving off intermittent, flashing, or rotating beams.” Due to the passing of this ordinance, the vertical neon tubing was removed and “Chef Speedee” became permanently “stationary.”
Original to the restaurant, which was the fourth McDonald's in Wisconsin at the time that it opened. This single-arched "Speedee" McDonald's sign is reportedly the only original left in the country. Restored in 2005.
A 'site file' exists for this property. It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, Division of Historic Preservation-Public History. |
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