Red's Giant Hamburg
Red's Giant Hamburg was a cafe on U.S. Highway 66 in Springfield, Missouri which claimed to have been the world's first drive-through restaurant.[1]
Sheldon "Red" Chaney (May 20, 1916–June 2, 1997) arrived in Springfield after World War II with a new wife and a new business degree.[2] He purchased a gas station and a motor court (motel), with the cafe added in 1947. He tired of pumping gas and running the motel and settled on selling hamburgers. Chaney believed customers would make purchases through a window, and the drive-through was born.[citation needed] The name was supposed to be Red's Giant Hamburger, but Chaney measured the sign incorrectly and dropped the "er".[3]
The interior was painted with a blue ceiling and green floors to imitate the outdoors; Chaney believed people would compare it to eating at a picnic.[4] Root beer was kept in a barrel. He attached a magnet to a Coke dispenser to enhance the flavor.[5] An old Buick sedan, a home-made mobile and other items to draw attention to the restaurant were kept in front, visible from the highway. When Chaney retired in 1984, the city asked him to remove it all.[citation needed] The building was removed in 1997 shortly before Chaney's death. Plans are being considered for a historic marker at the site.[citation needed]
Chaney died on June 2, 1997. His widow and partner, Julia Chaney, died on May 19, 2006.
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[edit] Films
A film about Red's was made by Southwest Missouri State art students in the early 1970s but its whereabouts are unknown.[citation needed] Springfield rock and roll band The Morells filmed their tribute song, "Red's", there in 1982. It was produced by Kevin Hudnell (see links below). A film envisioned in April 2010 to be called Two Missing Letters: The Red Chaney Story, is in the early stages of pre-production.[citation needed]
[edit] Notes
- ^ http://slog.cstv.com/touchingthebases/2007/05/mvc_no_chickfila_cows_here.html
- ^ Scott, Quinta, Along Route 66, University of Oklahoma Press, 2000, page 93
- ^ http://www.birthplaceofroute66.com/bk1story.html
- ^ Scott, Quinta; Kelly, Susan Croce (1988). Route 66. Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press. p. 170. ISBN 0-8061-2291-9.
- ^ Quinta Scott and Susan Croce Kelly, Interview with Sheldon "Red" Chaney, March 21, 1981
