Originally uploaded by Rural Rose
My grandparents had their first date here. According to my grandpa (who is 89 now), they had their first kiss in the parking lot.
I took this picture several years ago for a photography class, the kind where you develop film in the darkroom. The class was in Galesburg, Illinois, but drove down to Macomb to try to capture this spot (as well as the soda fountain in the Ford Hopkins drug store and the still-standing-but-not-functioning drive-in theater screen: a couple of random places around Macomb that, in my opinion, give it character and also a bit of the feeling that time hasn’t advanced much here.)
I ate at this Maid Rite a couple of times about 10 years ago; the steamburgers and greasy fries were tasty, but you also left there smelling like the place for the rest of the day.
It’s such an obvious little anachronism, this mom-and-pop place where my grandparents would have gone as kids, that it easily catches your eye when you drive by. And in fact, I have come to learn since my attempt at black-and-white photography here that it’s a frequent site of inspiration for photographers.
It’s closed and for sale now—has been for awhile—and I wonder what will become of it.
Tags: Dining Deprivation, family, landmarks, McDonoughCounty, pics
is this place for sale?
Yep, last time I drove by, the “For Sale” sign was still in the window.
How much are they asking for it? Do you know?
Hi John,
I have no idea. I can try putting a post up to see if anyone has the details on this. The ‘for sale’ sign in the window, last time I checked, was kind of random-looking, i.e., just a phone number, rather than a company name and logo. That’s not much help…sorry.
Let me know if there is a number, I;d love to revitalize this place, I’m an out of town, old Macomb person who hates to see a landmark go to waste.
by the way, great photography!!!! love your stuff!!
Wow, thanks! I will try to remember to drive by soon and write the number down. Send me your e-mail (privately) and I’ll mail it to you.
Realtor is Joylene Frye (who actually lives with the owner, J.W. Collins) and the asking price varies based on who is asking. At the present time it seems to be in the $300,000 range if you’re the City of Macomb.
Be warned, it will cost that much or more to bring up to code and sits on a brownfield site.
There was an article back in December in the McDonough Voice about the Maid Rite. Seems Bill Collins (the owner) is going to get local landmark money for renovations, though actual future use is still up in the air.
My mom worked there for about ten years from the early 70s-80s. It would be so cool if someone stepped forward to reopen it as the Maid Rite.