Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop (Springfield, Illinois) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 118 N. Pasfield St., Springfield, Illinois |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1921 |
| NRHP reference No. | 84001146 |
| Added to NRHP | August 16, 1984 |
The Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop in Springfield, Illinois is a very special restaurant. It's one of the oldest Maid-Rite restaurants still open in the United States. This shop, built way back in 1921, has a cool claim to fame: it might have been the very first place in the U.S. to have a drive-thru window! Imagine getting your food without even leaving your car. This historic building is located along the famous U.S. Route 66 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
Contents
What is a Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop?
A Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop is a type of fast-food restaurant. It is known for its unique "loose meat" sandwiches. These sandwiches are made with ground beef that is steamed and served on a bun. Unlike a hamburger, the meat is not formed into a patty. The Maid-Rite company started in Iowa in 1926. It grew into a chain of restaurants, much like other popular fast-food places today.
The First Drive-Thru Window
The Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop in Springfield, Illinois, is famous for possibly having the first drive-thru window in the United States. This means customers could order and pick up their food without leaving their cars. This was a very new idea in 1921. It made getting food much faster and easier for people traveling by car. Today, drive-thrus are common, but this shop was a pioneer!
Why Drive-Thrus Became Popular
Drive-thrus became popular because more and more people started owning cars. They offered a quick and easy way to get food on the go. This was perfect for travelers on long trips or for busy families. The idea of a drive-thru changed how people thought about fast food and convenience.
A Stop on Historic Route 66
The Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop is located on U.S. Route 66. This road is one of the most famous highways in American history. Route 66 stretched from Chicago, Illinois, all the way to Santa Monica, California. It was a main road for travelers, especially during the mid-20th century.
The Importance of Route 66
Route 66 was more than just a road. It was a symbol of freedom and adventure. Many families traveled on Route 66 for vacations or to move to new places. Along the way, they would stop at diners, motels, and roadside attractions. The Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop was one of those classic stops. It offered a taste of local food and a break from the long drive.
A Place on the National Register of Historic Places
In 1984, the Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list kept by the United States government. It includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.
What Being Historic Means
When a building is on the National Register, it means it is recognized for its historical value. It helps protect the building and reminds us of important times or events in the past. The Maid-Rite shop is important because it represents early fast-food culture and the history of drive-thrus. It also shows the kind of businesses that thrived along Route 66.
