On October 15, 1984 — 40 years ago today — President Ronald Reagan visited the University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa for a re-election rally at Coleman Coliseum.
During his 45-minute remarks, President Reagan made several references to the Crimson Tide football program and to his friendship with Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. He was also presented with a Crimson Tide team jacket and posed for photos in it alongside the team’s Big Al elephant mascot.
Following his remarks, Reagan made a surprise visit to the McDonald’s in Northport for lunch. Before it was torn down in 2006, the restaurant housed a small exhibit commemorating the visit, which included the $20 bill that Reagan used to pay for his burger, fries, and iced tea. A plaque on the table where he sat read, “President Ronald Reagan ate here.”
A newly-constructed McDonald’s that replaced the old one still displays the original plaque and a bust of Reagan.
A Reagan Library video of his full remarks in Tuscaloosa is here:
A Reagan Library video showing highlights of his visit, including his stop at McDonald’s, is here:
The original ABC News coverage of the visit is here:
This story originally appeared in The Art of Alabama Politics, an outlet dedicated to the the wild, weird, and wonderful history of Alabama politics.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.