McDonald's "Archy Dancing" advertisement (lost commercial from fast food franchise; early 1960s)

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Archy McDonald, retired mascot of the popular fast food chain

Status: Lost

Tags: Historic Food Fast Food Advertisements Mascots

Archy was a McDonald's mascot that predated Ronald McDonald and other characters such as Grimace and the Hamburgler.

The existence of Archy is documented through a scattered collection of memorabilia, from gift bags to pin badges, to toys from early proto-Happy-Meals. He was introduced as a replacement to the older mascot, Speedee, some time between 1961 and 1962. Sources are disputed as to the exact year; vlog footage from a McDonald's museum (recorded by Adam The Woo) shows an informational plaque stating 'circa 1961' , but multiple online news reports give 1962, suggesting that this may be more accurate, or roll-out of the character was perhaps done in stages.

Archy would of course go on to be replaced by Ronald McDonald, who first started appearing in TV advertisements in the mid 1960s.

By 1965, one source suggests discussions to officially 'retire' Archy were underway . One alternate source suggests a lawsuit by a DJ named Archie was a contributing factor, although this claim has not been substantiated as of yet.  Despite this, the McDonald's museum source claims that a TV featuring Archy did in fact air, though it has apparently been lost to time. This is also corroborated by a previously discussed article.  Both sources describe an ad in which Archy is dancing on a countertop.

Gallery

Images

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  Museum Plaque

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  One of many examples of Archy promotional goods

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  A 60s toy featuring Archy