HS McDonald's forced to retire nostalgic arch

November 8, 2011 at 6:00 a.m. | Updated November 8, 2011 at 6:00 a.m.

The 1959 orginal-style neon McDonald's sign has been removed and replaced with its modern equivalent at the Holts Summit McDonald's as part of the restaurant's renovations.
The 1959 orginal-style neon McDonald's sign has been removed and replaced with its modern equivalent at the Holts Summit McDonald's as part of the restaurant's renovations.

The neon arch no longer shines over the Holts Summit McDonald's restaurant.

The City of Holts Summit refused the application for a second sign to be installed at 123 Northstar Drive.

A familiar "M" sign was erected as part of a modern, company-wide remodeling initiative.

So owner Jim Baumgartner had no choice but to take down the golden arch last week.

It's the second time the 52-year-old sign has been retired.

"I have a lot of mixed emotions," said Baumgartner, who had hoped to use both signs.

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.