Skilled Tradies is excited to bring you a series of mysteries and out-of-the-ordinary stories related to renovations across the world. The stories are captured from varied sources and renovators worldwide; this is one of the many intriguing stories to come.
When Rob and Gracie Jones began renovating their 1959 home in Crystal Lake, Illinois, they expected to find dust and perhaps some old plumbing quirks. However, on April 16, their project took a strange turn, offering them a glimpse into mid-20th-century fast food history. They uncovered a decades-old McDonald’s bag tucked behind the bathroom wall. Let’s have a closer look at the full story.
A Surprising Discovery During Renovations
As Rob Jones worked on removing the old toilet paper holder in the front half-bathroom, he noticed a rag stuffed into the wall. Intrigued, he and his wife Gracie carefully pulled it out, only to realize it wasn’t just a rag. Inside was a vintage McDonald’s bag containing burger wrappers and what appeared to be very old, half-eaten french fries.
“We pulled the rag out and could feel something wrapped inside it. “We were happy to find just the McDonald’s bag and not something worse.” Rob shared.
The couple found some humor in their discovery, with Rob joking, “Had we not been renovating, they probably would’ve sat there another 60 years.”
A Glimpse into McDonald’s History
The bag and its contents weren’t just any leftovers—they were a time capsule of 1950s fast food culture. The bag featured McDonald’s original mascot, Speedee, who predates the well-known Ronald McDonald. Holding a sign that read, “I’m Speedier” and “Custom built hamburgers,” Speedee symbolized the fast-food boom of the era.
This branding connects the find to the 1950s, aligning with the Jones’ home, built in 1959. It turns out their house is just down the road from one of the original McDonald’s in the area, making the discovery even more fitting.
Preserved Fries: A Modern Mystery
Among the bag’s surprises were the intact, nearly 70-year-old french fries. Surprisingly, the fries didn’t have any noticeable odor. Despite their age, they appeared to be well-preserved.
“An additional and somewhat frightening bonus: the leftover fries did not smell,” Rob remarked.
The discovery sparked curiosity online about how such items could remain intact for so long. Fast food, particularly McDonald’s fries, is known for its resistance to decomposition, and this find certainly adds to that reputation.
One Reddit commenter humorously described the fries as “petrified potato dust” and joked, “So good. I recommend pairing them with ketchup.” Another quipped, “You, sir, are officially an archeologist.”
Internet Buzz and Cultural Nostalgia
Rob’s Reddit post showcasing the McDonald’s bag and fries quickly went viral. Comments flooded in, with many suggesting he save the fries for examination or even taste them. The discovery also stirred feelings of nostalgia for the 1950s, a time when McDonald’s was just starting its journey to becoming a global icon.
This find highlights how ordinary objects, like a fast-food bag, can hold significant historical and sentimental value. They remind us of the cultural trends of their time and how even mundane items can connect us to the past.
Conclusion
What started as a simple home improvement project for Rob and Gracie Jones became an unexpected adventure into history. Their discovery of a 1950s McDonald’s bag with its preserved contents was more than just a quirky find—it was a glimpse into a bygone era.
Who knows what other hidden stories lie within the walls of old homes? For the Joneses, this peculiar find made their renovation project unforgettable. If you’ve ever unearthed something surprising in your own home, share your story—who knows, it might just reveal a fascinating piece of history. Stay with us for more mysteries in bathroom renovation.
Also read,
