By Michael Karl Witzel ©2007-2008
In 1947, Art Lacey opened a small, five pump filling station along Highway 99E in Milwaukie, Oregon. It was the same year he had his biggest—and his best—idea: Why not mount a full-sized, four-engined airplane on top of a roadside gas station business?
When he heard that the military was scrapping [...]

By Michael Karl Witzel ©2007-2008
Richard and Maurice McDonald were planning to franchise their successful burger system in 1952.  To stand above the visual noise created by miles of drive-ins, motels, car washes, bowling alleys, service stations, and coffee-shops—they decided a new structural style was needed.  Without a unique design, nationwide recognition for their walk-up stand [...]

By Michael Karl Witzel ©2007-2008
What’s 38 feet long, has 22 windows, four legs, an 18 square foot living room, 26 foot tail, two eyes 18 inches in diameter, two 22 feet tusks, stands 65 feet tall, has a neck circumference of 48 feet, a pair of 17 foot ears, and a trunk? It’s [...]