Last remaining single-arch McDonald’s from the 1960s has shut down

The golden arches of McDonald's are a global staple, with them being seen pretty much anywhere and everywhere - and we all remember the excitement we felt when driving towards them as kids.

However, the golden arches didn't always look how they do now.

Originally, the logo outside a McDonald's restaurant was just one singular arch, rather than the iconic M shape we're all familiar with today.

Very few of the original arches have remained standing and one restaurant with the vintage design is set to close in Illinois - meaning we're about to wave goodbye to the last-standing single arch.

Operating in the town of Belleville since 1961, the McDonald's restaurant had retained the original design for over sixty years.

It was one of half a dozen locations in the world to retain the single arch, rather than switch over to the modern design like the majority of restaurants across the world did.

Google Maps

But sadly, the Belleville McDonald's served the community one last time on Friday, 31 March, before closing for good, the Belleville News-Democrat has reported.

The 400,000 residents of Belleville are now without their longest running McDonald's and a little bit of the McDonald's story has passed into history.

Ironically, it was the sign that helped the chain's favour when they first opened in 1961 as upon opening, the original building had only two windows and no indoor seating.

After almost going bust in its first year, the restaurant's owner at the time, Dave Emby, pushed for the introduction of the now well-known sign around 1962.

The younger Emby brother, Richard, had decided to add golden arches to the building as he felt that the roofs were a 'bit too flat' otherwise.

Pixabay

And thus, the iconic golden arches were born - though they obviously look very different today.

Instead of being conjoining to form the classic 'M', the structures were set on opposite ends of the building, which is why it looks like they're a singular arch.

Other restaurants sporting the original signage have closed in recent years, including ones in states such as Missouri, Michigan, Florida, Arkansas and Ohio.

But whether or not they have one arch or two, one thing about McDonald's will never change - when you ask your mum if you can go, she'll always tell you there's food at home.

Topics: McDonalds, Food And Drink

Ben Thompson