Happy Days

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.

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

 

 

Eddy 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).

 

Become a Member!

Our members make history happen.

Join Now

You May Also Enjoy

The Story of Omaha Police Fingerprint Expert Emily Byram

The Story of Omaha Police Fingerprint Expert Emily Byram

Marker Monday: Cather Childhood Home

Marker Monday: Cather Childhood Home

Yutan Tornado – March 23, 1913

Yutan Tornado – March 23, 1913

About History Nebraska
History Nebraska was founded in 1878 as the Nebraska State Historical Society by citizens who recognized Nebraska was going through great changes and they sought to record the stories of both indigenous and immigrant peoples. It was designated a state institution and began receiving funds from the legislature in 1883. Legislation in 1994 changed History Nebraska from a state institution to a state agency. The division is headed by Interim Director and CEO Jill Dolberg. They are assisted by an administrative staff responsible for financial and personnel functions, museum store services, security, and facilities maintenance for History Nebraska.
Explore Nebraska
Discover the real places and people of our past at these History Nebraska sites.

Upcoming Events

View our new and upcoming events to see how you can get involved.

Become a Member

The work we do to discover, preserve, and share Nebraska's history wouldn't be possible without the support of History Nebraska members.

Latest Hall of Fame Inductee

The Nebraska Hall of Fame was established in 1961 to officially recognize prominent Nebraskans.

Listen to our Podcast

Listen to the articles and authors published in the Nebraska History Magazine with our new Nebraska History Podcast.

Nebraska Collections

History Nebraska's mission is to collect, preserve, and open our shared history to all Nebraskans.

Our YouTube Video Collection

Get a closer look at Nebraska's history through your own eyes, with our extensive video collections.

Additional Research Resources

History Nebraska Research and Reference Services help connect you to the material we collect and preserve.

Support History Nebraska
Make a cash donation to help us acquire, preserve, and interpret Nebraska’s history. Gifts to History Nebraska help leave a legacy and may help your taxes, too! Support the work of History Nebraska by donating to the History Nebraska Foundation today.

Volunteers are the heroes of History Nebraska. So much history, so little time! Your work helps us share access to Nebraska’s stories at our museums and sites, the reference room, and online.