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I was about 15-years old when I got my first job. It was at a McDonald's that was in Hatboro, PA., not far from where my family lived in Warminster.

When I was a kid, I couldn't wait to get a job and earn my own money. I wanted to work. I also couldn't wait to get my driver's license so that I could drive myself around. I didn't like relying on my parents to take me places. Even as a kid, I was very independent.

My father didn't want me to start working until I got older because he didn't want anyone to think that he couldn't support his family and that I had to work. Isn't that silly? Especially considering that my father had his own real-estate business and did well. My family wasn't dripping rich by any means, however, we never went without. Still, my Dad was a typical Italian father in the 1960's, who had a lot of pride in how he was perceived as a man who could take care of his wife and children. He was a very generous man. And not only to us, but to anyone who needed help.

Eventually though, he gave in and allowed me to get a job. Much of that was due to my mother who convinced my Dad, by telling him that I would learn to be a responsible person.

God love my mother!

The photo you see below looks almost identical to the McDonald's I worked. Back then, they still contained golden arches as part of their construction...


As I recall, I worked anywhere from 4-8 hours a week on the weekends. It wasn't much, but at least I was making my own money. I made about $1.35 per hour.

The job I was assigned to was a hamburger bun toaster. This is what the bun toasting machine looked like...


Looking back, I think it's both precognitive and hysterical that I was assigned to be a bun toaster, considering that I find BUNS the most attractive part of a man. 😋

Anyway...

Here are some photographs of McDonald's vintage menu's (get a load of the prices!)...



Some of McDonald's menu evolution's:

The Big Mac


The BIG Meal

The Quarter Pounder


Without a doubt, my favorite fast-food French fries are from McDonald's. To me, they are the "perfect" French fry...



My other favorite McDonald's food is their Hot Apple Pie. But you have to be very careful when you first bite into these because they are VERY hot. We're talking LAVA hot!...


As an employee of McDonald's, we were permitted to have a free meal whenever we worked. And you better believe I always ordered a Hot Apple Pie for dessert.

I don't know why I'm sharing these last few photographs with you because although I loved working at McDonald's and enjoyed their food, I was (and still am) TOTALLY freaked out by their mascot, Ronald McDonald.

OH...MY...GOD...I hate clowns!!!

Here is a Ronald McDonald push-button phone I found online. I would sooner use a carrier pigeon than use this phone to talk to someone...

Front view


Rear view


And last but not least, a headshot of Ronald McDonald himself.

Could you just die?


Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

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This clip is a (1969) commercial that ran on television when I was a kid. Hearing it again instantly brought back memories. I love this commercial because it reminds me of the finale in a hokey Broadway musical...


Wishing you a BIG-MAC of a week, y'all!
 X

26 comments:

  1. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comTuesday, January 07, 2020

    Ha ha about the buns!!

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  2. Omg, I totally remember that commercial! My earliest memory of Mickey D's is that my 3rd grade teacher asked if everyone in our class had been to a McDonalds and I was probably the only kid who hadn't. (My Dad did not want to "stand in line" for food) She was asking because she eventually gave out 50 cent gift certificates to the class for Xmas. So, my mom took me for the first time to use it. That would have been the early 70's and 50 cents did buy you an entire meal.

    It's probably been 15 years since I've been to one, but I agree that their fries were the best!

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  3. Ron, my dad was the SAME WAY (and he didn't have a drop of Italian blood!). He thought it would be demeaning for me to work so I didn't ... all through high school. Mu sister, however, went 'round and 'round with him and my mom until she was allowed to work a bit (and how I envied her independence and the money she earned!!)


    I'm still cringing over that Ronald McDonald phone photo you included! I'm a clown-hater myself and just looking at that thing -- and imagining putting it up to my head -- makes me woozy!! That creepy grin on his face is off-putting, too, huh?


    Enjoyed your story today, my friend. And I commend you on your industriousness. Too many kids don't want to work, and there's something valuable to be learned from labor. Enjoy your week! xx

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  4. Ron, I almost peed my pants when I read this, "I think it's both precognitive and hysterical that I was assigned to be a bun toaster, considering that I find BUNS the most attractive part of a man." That was hilarious! And just for the record, I think BUNS are the most attractive thing on a man too! LOL

    I really admired that at 15 you wanted to get out into the workforce and get a job. I didn't work until I was almost 18. Before that I used to make a little money babysitting.

    I agree, McDonald's fries are the BOMB! Some of me friends preferred Burger King, but I was dedicated to McDonald's. I like their chocolate shakes too.

    Hate clowns too! I always think of "It" whenever I see a clown.

    What a wonderful post, Ron! I needed some laughs today because I'm not having a good day at work. So thanks for the humor xo

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  5. Oh Ron, what a fun post! I don't eat them anymore because I rarely do fast-food, but hands down, McDonald's fried were my favorite fries. They were so crispy and delicious.I loved dipping them into lots of ketchup.

    You made me laugh at your BUN reference. That was so funny!

    Loved the commercial!

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  6. There's a vintage McDonald's in Portland that isn't open to the public, but they have kept the building intact because of its architectural significance. I do love the design with the golden arches. And you're right—nobody does fries better than McD's! I only ever go for the occasional breakfast these days (can't beat a Sausage McMuffin with Egg) or, once a year, the McRib. Tara introduced me to that delicacy.

    24 cents seems like an odd price for a Filet o' Fish. Why not just round it up to a quarter?

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  7. Tee-hee...I just couldn't resist. I love me some nice BUNS!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a grrrrrreat week!

    X

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  8. HA! I know, isn't it funny how you immediately remember that commercial? It's like a flashback to your childhood!

    OMG...I LOVE the story you shared. It's wonderful! And yes, can you believe the price of a MD meal back then? Today, 50 cents wouldn't even get you extra tomato on your burger!

    I haven't been to a McDonald's since 1996. And believe it or not, it was when I was in JAPAN for the summer, it wasn't even in the States. I couldn't believe they had a McDonald's in Japan, so I just had to go in a order some food. And it was so cute because the Japanese cashiers were so excited to see an American in their McDonald's. HA!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're having a FAB week!

    x

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  9. Debbie, isn't it something how fathers were back then? My Dad was so worried what people would think if I got a job. Thank god my mother convinced him to let me do it because I was determined to do it anyway.

    " Mu sister, however, went 'round and 'round with him and my mom until she was allowed to work a bit (and how I envied her independence and the money she earned!!)"

    Bravo to your sister! She sounded a lot like me.

    "That creepy grin on his face is off-putting, too, huh?" HA! I agree! Clowns are the most creepiest-looking things. And it makes me laugh because they're suppose to be all happy and jolly, but they look so freaky!

    And you're right, too many kids don't want to work. And if they do, they don't take it seriously, calling out sick or coming in late because they don't feel like working that day.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're enjoying a fabulous week!

    X

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  10. Hola Denise!

    HA! I just couldn't resist sharing that, because it's true...I do think men's BUNS are attractive. That's why I prefer walking behind a man, so that I can check out his buns. HA!

    I couldn't wait to work, I couldn't wait to drive, and I couldn't wait to have my own apartment. I enjoyed by childhood, however, I was always thinking about when I would eventually be old enough to be independent.

    Yes, some people like Burger King more than McDonald's, that's true. They're whole attraction was that they made your burger YOUR way. In fact, that was their slogan..."Have it your way!"

    OMG...yes...."It"...by Stephen King!!! How creepy was that!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Glad to hear you had a laugh!

    X

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  11. I too, no longer eat fast-food. It's been YEARS! I think the last time I ate fast-food was at Two Guys years and years ago. However, I don't eat meat anymore.

    Yes...McDonald's fries were soooooooooooooo crispy and deeeeelicious! Me too... lots of ketchup!

    Couldn't resist the BUN reference. LOL! But it's true....BUNS are the best!

    I love that commercial too. I watch it like SIX times already.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great week!
    X

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  12. "There's a vintage McDonald's in Portland that isn't open to the public, but they have kept the building intact because of its architectural significance."

    OMG, Mark....that's faaaaaaaaaaaabulous! And good for Portland for doing so because it's wonderful to see architecture preserved!

    Aren't their French fries the BEST?!?! Gosh, I haven't been to a McDonald's since 1996, when I was in Japan for the summer. I just had to stop in and get a burger and fries. It was so funny to see everything written in Japanese on the menu above of the cashiers!

    "24 cents seems like an odd price for a Filet o' Fish. Why not just round it up to a quarter?"

    I know, isn't that odd?!? As well as the milk shake for 22 cents?!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you're having a FAB week!

    X to you and Tara

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  13. Ron, you never fail to either enlighten or entertain us with your posts, or both. I was smiling all through this because I remember when McDonald's was one of the first fast-food chains and how popular it was. In fact, I still see them around. Places like Burger King and Wendy's tried to compete, but McDonald's remains strong. God, I used to love a Big Mac with an order of fries, and a large coke. My friends and I would sometimes go thru the drive-thru on our way home from a class. Most of the time we would just sit in the car and eat our food.

    That commercial brought back memories for me too. What a memorable jingle!

    I died laughing at your 'bun' reference. Hysterical! And I'm with you about clowns. They freak me out!

    Hey, have you tried the new Trader Joe's in Center City? My husband and I went over the weekend and were so impressed. It's so much nicer that the other one.

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  14. Hellooooo there Elaine!

    Yes, places like Burger King and Wendy's tried to compete, but McDonald's stays strong. To be honest, I was never a fan of Wendy's. I may have eaten there a few times, but I wasn't impressed. The only thing I like about Wendy's was their baked potatoes. Burger King? Meh!

    OMG, I have used a drive-thru in years! But I was a big fan of drive-thru's because they were faster and you didn't have to get out of your car. I used them a lot when I lived in Florida when I'd go to the beach.

    HA! I couldn't resist the BUM reference because it's true...I do think men's BUMS are fab!

    Yes, I most definitely tried the new Trader Joe's and it's AWESOME! It's bigger, cleaner, and more well-stocked than the other one on Market. I started going there in November, right after it opened. I haven't been back to the other one since.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great week!
    X

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  15. Great fun post! Thanks! Happy New Year!

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  16. Aw...thanks, Rick! Glad you enjoyed!

    And Happy New Year to you too. Cheers!

    X

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  17. Gimme a Big Mac and hold the buns--Please!

    Great post, Ron! I used to live at McDonald's when I was in college and I'd trample anybody who came between me and the hot apple pie.

    I even ate there on Good Friday, making sure to have the fish filet sandwich in accordance with the no meat rule. My mom was so happy!

    I couldn't believe those prices! Did we really pay 15 cents for a hamburger?!? Fifteen cents will get absolutely nothing today!

    And you hate clowns, too! Aren't they the creepiest? Show me one child who actually likes clowns and I'll let you grab my buns!

    Oops--I think I hear my Ronald McDonald phone ringing. Take care, buddy, and watch out for the secret sauce!

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  18. Rob, aren't their hot apple pies the BEST? I love the crunch sound they make when you first bite into them. Deeeeeelicious!!!!

    "I even ate there on Good Friday, making sure to have the fish filet sandwich in accordance with the no meat rule. My mom was so happy!"

    OMG, that cracked me the hell up. Isn't it something how us Catholics always thought about meat alternatives on Good Friday's? Since I didn't like seafood, my mother would always make me pasta on Good Friday's.

    Yes, can you freaking believe that....15 cents for a burger?!?! 15 cents today wouldn't even get you a pickle topping on a burger.

    I know, clowns are suppose to be funny, but I don't know one kid who doesn't scream when he/she encounters a clown.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy! Your sense of humor is fabulous!

    Have a great rest of your week!
    X

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  19. Ron, ironic you post about clowns because my girlfriend and I recently watched, "It". And no matter how many times we've seen it, it scares the shit out of us. I never liked clowns, but that movie made my dislike even more intense. Thank you, Stephen King!

    I can't remember the last time I ate at a McDonald's, but I agree, their fries are the best!

    Very admirable of you, wanting to get a job at only 15. I didn't get a job until a was in college LOL!

    Fun post, dude!

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  20. OMG Matt, that is so funny! And yes, I've only seen "It" once (a very long time ago) and it scared the shitola out of me. His eyes were the creepiest!

    I haven't eaten at a McDonald's in a very long time, but ever so often I'll order a large order of fries with ketchup and devour them!

    I couldn't wait to get a job when I was a kid. I actually love to work. Even now, I enjoying going to work.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a most excellent rest of your week!

    X

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  21. Thanks for the smiles.... I enjoyed this read, Ron, even though it left me feeling a bit hungry.

    Hope everything is okay with you. Yes, I am back. See blog for info.

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  22. Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! So great to see you, Valerie! I've been thinking about you the past few days, wondering if you got everything corrected with your computer.

    I'm on my way to work, but tonight when I get home, I'll be sure to stop by and catch up!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! See ya soon!

    X

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  23. Good for you! I'm sure this did a lot to instilled the work ethic you have now. You might find it interesting....when I worked for the ad agency in town, I was responsible for the McDonald's account for the local stores. The local owners were fantastic to work with AND I can proudly say I met Ronald McDonald. In fact, I was his "bodyguard" when accompanying him to school shows and public events when he came to town. It's really one of the only parts of working at the agency I truly miss. I hope you have a warm and wonderful weekend. We're slated to get a lot of ice and snow in middle Missouri. Looks like it's going to be a hot cocoa, Bailey's and fuzzy slipper weekend. X

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  24. "when I worked for the ad agency in town, I was responsible for the McDonald's account for the local stores. The local owners were fantastic to work with AND I can proudly say I met Ronald McDonald. "

    OMG, that's AWESOME, Lisa? And you were his "bodyguard?!?!" Now THAT'S impressive!

    Yes, can you believe how warm it's going to be this week, here in the northeast? Tomorrow it's going to be almost 70 degrees, and very humid. And then next weekend we're getting cold and snow. This, by far, has been the strangest winter.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your story, my friend. Have a fantastic weekend!

    X

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  25. McDonald's was my first job (other than babysitting), too! I was 16, though, because I had to drive to it. We were NOT allowed a free meal, but we all took them anyway.

    And incidentally, I'm with you on buns being the most attractive part of a man. ;-)

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  26. OMG, that's UNCANNY that you and I both had first jobs a McDonald's!!!!!!!

    And good for you for taking a free meal. I can't believe they didn't offer you one!?!

    "And incidentally, I'm with you on buns being the most attractive part of a man. ;-)"

    HA! Aren't they yummy? Which is why I like walking "behind" guys to check them out!

    Great to see you back, my friend. You've been very missed. Hope all is going well with your new job/career.

    X

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