Opened on August 18, 1953 this McDonald's at 10207 Lakewood Blvd. (Downey, CA.) was the third McDonald's built and is the oldest surviving McDonald's. It was listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's 1994 list of the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. It still has the two original 30-foot (9.1 m) "Golden arches" and a 60-foot (18 m) animated neon "Speedee" sign.
When opened, hamburgers were 15 cents and french fries 12 cents.
With low sales, damage from the 1994 Northridge earthquake, and the lack of a drive-up window and indoor seating, the restaurant was closed. However with both the public and preservationists demanding the restaurant be saved, McDonald's spent two years restoring the restaurant and reopened it. Customers today can visit the original restaurant and an adjoining gift shop and museum.
