1965–70

This McDonald’s (below) stood where Lester’s Roadside BBQ is today, at 376 Cambridge Street. Despite the Jim Lonborg promotion, and the playground that opened in the early 1970s, it was all for naught. It closed after a few years, when the town refused to grant a drive-through due to the existing congestion. Can you think of any other McDonald’s location on planet Earth that somehow didn’t work out?

Bonus — note the original McDonald’s logo on the sign.

Before Barnes&Noble and Chili’s came to town, this Howard Johnson Motor Lodge occupied that area. On the big brochure, notice the ad for Skandia Sauna Senter, one of two massage parlors that police shut down for being a little too thorough with their rubdowns.

Howard Johnson’s Motor Lodge keys, Burlington MA. Photo credit: Greg Purvis

Towne House is now Bickford’s, near the Woburn line on Cambridge Street

Kemp’s Hamburgers location is now a Rockland Trust bank, corner of Forbes Ave. and Cambridge Street.

Lincoln Brogi operated this turkey farm where Cafe Escadrille is today, on Cambridge Street near the Woburn line. It later became an auction barn and antique store before burning to the ground in 1968.

Goodbye old town hall (background) and hello new one.

Two Town Halls? The one on the left came down in 1969, after the newer one was completed.

The Fresh Spot was roughly where CVS is now, at Skilton Lane and Cambridge St.:

This was a slot racing headquarters! Fun! Then the location was Butcher’s Pride, then Blockbuster Video, and now a series of Indian restaurants:

Where TD Bank is now, Cambridge St. near Dunkin’ Donuts:

Before Ray’s:

The Fox Hill Elementary School was called the Snowflake School in its conceptual stage, before the name was changed at the 11th hour.

Snowflake School rendering 1965

Snowflake School mention 1965

Snowflake School on playground list

Moreno’s Pizza. Full story here.

The library building on Sears Street:

The middle school when it was the high school:

Marshall Simonds Middle School — when it was Burlington High School

Graduation day at the old high school. Photo credit: David Chisholm

Before there was a Route 62 plaza:

The Invaders:

Burlington police get radar:

July 4 parade, 1967:

1967 July 4 parade

Girl scouts at the July 4 parade, 1965:

Woodward’s store, where Middlesex Turnpike meets Wheeler Road, held various monikers through the years. The Woodward family lived above the store and still owns the property. They lease it to Dunkin’ Donuts nowadays.

Woodward’s Luncheonette, on “Wood’s Corner,” the old name for Blanchard Rd. at the Middlesex Turnpike. The Woodward family lived above the store, which was razed to make way for a Dunkin’ Donuts. The chain is leasing the location from the Woodward family to this day.

TABCO stands for Tom’s Auto Body Company

Nothing to see here, except Carol’s and Ray’s in the background.

The Stardust, Burlington MA. From left: Dom Molinaro, George Capadais, John Sousa and Tom Green, all from Burlington.

New England Executive Park under construction

Police station under construction, early 1970s.

Here’s a 1968 time capsule composed by John Lancaster and some of his students.