Happy McAnniversay

Sharon and Robert Kays, of Granite City, celebrated the 50th anniversary of their April 22, 1965, first date in style — at McDonald’s in Granite City.

When they arrived at the Johnson Road fast-food restaurant, they were seated at a table with a green tablecloth, flowers and two candles. Over the table was a reservation sign with their names and congrats.

“When I went up to order French fries, I was old my money was no good that night, so we got our French fries and soft drinks for free,” Robert wrote in a note he sent along with photographs of the big night. ... The manager came by to tell us we could have dessert free, but we declined.”

How did that happen?

Well, here’s the letter the Kays wrote back in March.

“Dear McDonalds,

“Just thought I might share a little tidbit with you. On April 22, 2015, my wife and I will celebrate our 50th anniversary of our first date. We were teenagers way back then, and our date started at church. Back in those days, you didn’t want your date to know you ate. We decided on McDonald’s on Jefferson Road in Granite City, where we got an order of French fries. This was before ketchup packets or dispensers. We purchased what was called a dunk cup for 3 cents filled with ketchup. We sat and talked and fed each other French fries. The building has been torn down twice and is currently on its third time around.

“On April 22, you will find us at McDonalds with our traditional order of French fries just as we have done in previous years. We now bring a small bowl from home that resembles our original dunk cup. We still feed each other French fries as we talk of all the happenings of bygone years.

“We will be married 47 years this coming September. I’m soon to be 70, and my wife is soon to be 65 years young. Just thought I would share our Special Event with you and say ‘Thanks’ for the 50 years of our most Favorite French Fries.”

After the big anniversary night, the Kays sent a thank-you note to McDonald’s for making their anniversary “a night to remember. ... You can be assured that when April 22 rolls around that youi can find us at McDonald’s earing out French Fries.”

This story was originally published June 14, 2015 at 10:59 PM with the headline "Happy McAnniversay."