Are You Ready For a Real Cheeseburger? Sedalia, Missouri
Eddie’s Drive-In
This story really is not about the painting, but the wonderful legacy a family gave to Sedalia’s identity. Way back in the ‘Great Depression, ‘not unlike today’s ‘Modern Depression’ families have been working, struggling to survive. This unique story dovetails with my own family in the same time and people interaction. It also carries forward with my own family hamburger business, Sonic Drive-In.
In 1932, Jesse D. Garst died in Sedalia, at the age of 50. My Grandfather Benjamin Roy Klein died in 1939 at 614 S. Ohio at the age of 60. Times in Sedalia were very tough. Men with no jobs depended on their women and families to make money. These women were pioneer girls, learning how to cook, clean, and sew from an early age. Jesse Garst married Fannie Winstead, Benjamin Roy Klein married Mora Williams. Both women were self-sufficient, and most probably friends living only two blocks apart. Mora Klein owned and operated the ‘Klein Helpie Selfie Laundry’ out of the basement of 614 South Ohio.
After Jesse died, Fannie went to Illinois to help run her sisters’ root beer stand cooking and baking pies for the patrons. They served steak burgers, soft drinks, and malts to the delight of everyone. The drive-in service was unique and cutting edge for this hip age. Although the Winstead family had originally lived in Smithton, as did Benjamin Roy, Fannie wanted to return to Missouri. They decide to come Sedalia and purchase a prime block in Sedalia at the southwest corner of Broadway and Ohio Streets. In the summer of 1937, my father, Benjamin Eads Klein, aged 19, and his sister, Joyce, aged 16, applied for a job at the new drive-in just two blocks from their apartment. No doubt, Grandman Klein was very protective of where her children worked and watch over. She must have been reassured by Fannie’s leadership. I have no idea how long my father and aunt worked there, but they had a great time.
Fast forward, Fannie past away on 1947, so her daughters,son, and long time enployee decided to run the restaurant. Three families were supported by the drive-in that was open early and late with three shifts.
Eddie Boydel, bought the drive-in and ran it until his death in 1989. George Goetz, who worked there as a teenager, is the manager. He tried closing the place this last of September,citing low customers and retirement. That totally backfired, as everyone called and flocked to the drive-in in total remorse! How could you do this??!!
George has the drive-in open and flipping burgers! Go George.
Just a brief bio of the painting just in case your are interested. While I was taking photos of the family apartments, I took photos of Eddie’s Drive-in before they took out the old counter service and stools. I had lived during all my years in Sedalia at the drive-in, waiting in line in front of the grill waiting for the best made-to-order burger, before BS, before Sonic!, in the land to put onto my mouth, remembering my dad and aunt. I love the burger and experience. There is nothing like it anywhere, even today. Please do not close! Peace.
Update the shows later.
Great story Shirley ! Wonderful photos!
I just read it after watching on the Hallmark Channel ” The town that Christmas forgot” about a little town that almost closed till the folks believed in the great character of the people and history of the town. Just like Sedalia !
Thanks, Roger! It is a true story!
I have always liked this painting–loved the narrative.
AND, I’m glad you finally included the downtown Phoenix garage and the story of how that was created. You told me that history soon after you painted it; I thought it should be shared with everyone. I was going to suggest you include that and Sedalia/Cheeseburger in your Art of the Week postings. But now you have.
I am still waiting for you to tell me all of these will be in a book, Shirley.
Onward,
Ruth
Ruth
Hi Shirley, Thank you for the great piece about the drive-in. We love our picture of the drive-in and cherish all the memories. Hope we can get together again soon. Becky and Don Garst