DOWNEY – For many, the old McDonald's on the corner of Florence and Lakewood is just that: it’s the old McDonald's. For others, the site is a source of joy and pride as one of Downey’s many historical gems.

But for nearly 81-year-old Don Herlinger, the oldest-operating McDonald's is a source of fond memories and nostalgia.

Herlinger and his family moved into Downey in 1952. He was briefly a Downey High School Viking, before he exited in the middle of his 10th grade year to “seek his fortune.” He found himself at the all too familiar golden arches, hired as one of the original employees when the restaurant opened in 1953.

“McDonald's was a great experience for me,” said Herlinger. “I made 85 cents an hour, and all the hamburgers I could eat.”

The very same McDonald's that Herlinger once worked for now has the cachet of being the oldest McDonald's still in operation.

McDonald's showcased a much simpler menu back in 1953, consisting of burgers, fries, and malts.

“That was just about their menu. No Big Macs or anything like that,” said Herlinger.