If history's what you're interested in, the drive-in was just one of the many profound changes that America's romance with the automobile created. As Henry Ford's effort to put a car in every garage by making it affordable for the ordinary family became more and more successful in the early 20th century, hundreds of changes ensued. For one, roads dramatically improved, making long-distance trips suddenly possible with a spontaneity and freedom that was previously impossible. And along those roads, the ordinary family needed affordable food, and the drive-in was born to cater to both.

But closer to home, the need to have a place to show off your car and get an affordable meal was another aspect of that romance. In Worcester, Speedy's was one of the many places to do both.

A drive-in restaurant differed from today's drive-through in many of the ways the modern world differs from the world of the 1950s and 1960s, when Speedy's was in business: Social interactions were in person; burgers, fries and shakes were consumed while sitting in the parking lot; and uniformed workers (for some time, on roller skates!) delivered the food to the car.

Today, the speed of the world dictates driving through and eating elsewhere, the restaurant is not necessarily a home-grown business but a chain or franchise, and any social interaction during the meal is more likely done by text.

This chain is no longer in business due to forces beyond the owners' control. Even if it had survived, it might have eventually lost business to the speedy drive-through, but it seems clear its owners would never lose the loyalty of their local patrons.

Hint: if you think that statue holding the hamburger looks familiar, you're not crazy.

— Melissa McKeon
