We don’t often take time in our everyday lives to think about how much the world and society have changed in the past few decades. But when you stop and think about it, things have changed tremendously in just a few decades. These vintage photos, captured well before the advent of mobile devices and online platforms, serve as a fascinating window into the past, revealing how different life once was—for better and worse. Do you miss these days, or are you thankful for what we have today?
#1: When McDonald’s Was Just Another Barbecue Joint
On the sunny day of May 15, 1940, in the bustling city of San Bernardino, California, two visionary brothers, Maurice and Richard McDonald, embarked on a culinary adventure. They flung open the doors of a barbecue joint at the junction of 14th and E streets. Little did they know, this humble establishment would soon become a global sensation, revolutionizing the fast-food landscape with its iconic burgers and fries.
With just a few burger-shaped stools perched at its outdoor counters, this quirky little establishment took a unique approach to dining. It was simple and unassuming, it was quick, it was kid-friendly, and most importantly, it was delicious. And that’s how the McDonald’s empire began.