Ken Eddy's Drive-In was located at 48th and O Streets in Lincoln, Nebraska. This photograph was taken by the Macdonald Studio on July 11, 1952. (RG2183.PH001952-00711-2)
There is just something about old drive-ins that brings out the nostalgia in people. In Lincoln, Ken Eddy’s was a legend. In 1952, Ken Lydic and Eddy Gold opened their drive-in restaurant at the corner of 48th and “O” Streets. Cleverly named Ken Eddy’s, they served up a full menu of burgers, barbeque, steaks, and seafood. You could enjoy your Big Boy burger in the dining room or have it delivered to the window of your car by the carhops.
Eddie Gold passes a tray of food out the window to a carhop at Ken Eddy's in 1953. They appear to be serving up the quintessential 1950's drive-in meal: a hamburger, French fries, cherry pie and a cola. (RG2183.PH001953-000205-4)
Eddy Gold hands a plate over the diner counter to a waitress at Ken Eddy's in 1953. (RG2183.PH001953-00205-13)
Close-up image of the Big Boy burger served at Ken Eddy's Drive In. This photograph was taken by Macdonald Studios in July 1953 likely for use in an advertisement campaign. (RG2183.PH001953-000702-1)
Do you remember Ken Eddy’s sign animated with three-color starburst? I would love to hear your memories of Ken Eddy’s or your hometown’s favorite drive-in.
Karen Keehr
Curator of Photographs
I lived about 8 blocks from Ken Eddy’s so remember it well. Although, I don’t remember eating there very often. North 48th street was known as the Miracle Mile in those days.
My other favorite Lincoln drive-ins were the Yum Yum Hut at 29th and O, the Circle drive in at 44th and O and the granddaddy of them all, Tastee Inn and Out at 48th and Holdrege. Another hang out during my college days was Chubbyville on north 27th St. They had HUGE hamburgers.
Thanks for the trip back in time.
One of the first jobs I held in Nebraska was at the King’s Food Host, just across the street from Ken Eddy’s on 48th Street in Lincoln. I remember it more as just Eddy’s, and had become a nightclub by then.
Chuck,
You have brought back great memories of the Yum Yum Hut. I loved their sandwiches and soft serve ice cream. But my biggest memory was getting in trouble with my parents for spending my school lunch money on the pinball machine in the Yum Yum Hut.
Mike
I was stationed at Lincoln Air Force Base in 1958/1958 and I attended the University at 14th and O. I had many friends in Lincoln and spent many nights at Ken Eddys. A great place to meet great looking Cornhusker-ettes in those days. A good friend of mine became a country-western singer (Brenda Allacher). I LOVE Nebraska and Lincoln. I’m from New York City but part of my heart still resides at 48th and O…go ‘huskers!
This is Marti (Goeden) Ayers. I was the original singing partner. Brenda and I met in Lincoln High School’s gym class. We soon discovered that we both enjoyed singing and playing the guitar.
We performed at many Lincoln and small town venues, Nebraska State Fair and regular on The Mary and Mr. Bill Show, KOLN-TV Lincoln. After HS graduation I moved to Scottsdale, Arizona and pursued a graphic artist career. Brenda continued her singing career with Helen Taylor and the Taylor Sisters performing throughout the country. She has performed with country greats such as Minnie Pearl, Tex Ritter, Box Car Willie and even Johnny Cash. The group also performed in Vietnam and headlined at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas in 1971-1972. Unfortunately Helen Taylor died 1976 of cancer and group disbanded. Currently she plays 30 minute sets at Open Mic, and Sunday nights at the 21st Saloon, Omaha, NE. Performers sign up to sing at these nightclubs. Sometimes she just comes in and hopes there is an open slot. Brenda and I meet annually to catch up on life.
I remember Ken Eddys but it was more for the time when my brother was is in high school. I went to Lincoln Northeast and we use to go to Kings Drive Inn and got the cheese frenchees and their thick shakes. They also had great cheeseburgers. I also loved Chubbyville after I graduated high school and loved the huge amounts the food and big burgers. I don’t live in Lincoln anymore, but I also loved Valentinos pizza and Runza Drive Inn, which are still around today. Good memories.
I have lived in Lincoln,Ne. all my life,42 years now. I have seen lots of changes in my time, some of which I hated to see go. It’s pretty cool to go to the Tastee Inn & Out from time to time, It sounds like it has been around for quite awile. Still tastes the same as it did when I was a kid! King’s Resturant was a good place to,they are all gone now. Runza is still a big favorite in Lincoln for many people. They are doing well in this town that;s for sure!
Some of the Kings Classic/Amigos combo restaurant drive ins are still in Nebraska. They offer the cheese frenchee…