The richard james mcdonald house stands as a testament to American entrepreneurial success and the lasting impact of fast-food innovation. This property tells the story of a man who helped shape modern dining culture and built a comfortable life through his business ventures. When people search for information about this historic residence, they’re looking to understand how one of McDonald’s co-founders lived and what his home reveals about his success.
This article dives deep into the details of Richard James McDonald’s house, exploring its features, location, and significance in understanding the life of this fast-food pioneer.
Who is Richard James McDonald?
Richard James McDonald, commonly known as Dick McDonald, was an American entrepreneur who co-founded the McDonald’s restaurant chain with his brother Maurice McDonald in 1940. Born on February 16, 1909, he became one of the most influential figures in the fast-food industry. Throughout his lifetime, Dick McDonald accumulated significant wealth through his business ventures, though he and his brother sold their stake in McDonald’s to Ray Kroc in 1961 for $2.7 million.
Dick McDonald’s net worth at the time of his death in 1998 was estimated to be around $1.8 million. Unlike many modern celebrities, he didn’t own multiple luxury homes, private islands, yachts, or private jets. Instead, he lived a relatively modest lifestyle compared to what the McDonald’s brand would eventually become worth. His focus remained on simple living and enjoying the fruits of his labor without excessive extravagance. The McDonald brothers chose to settle down after selling their business interest, with Dick eventually making his home in New Hampshire where he lived out his later years.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard James McDonald |
| Date of Birth | February 16, 1909 |
| Date of Death | July 14, 1998 |
| Place of Birth | Manchester, New Hampshire, USA |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Fast-Food Pioneer |
| Known For | Co-founding McDonald’s Corporation |
| Net Worth | Approximately $1.8 million (at death) |
| Spouse | Dorothy McDonald |
| Business Partner | Maurice “Mac” McDonald (Brother) |
| Major Achievement | Revolutionary Speedee Service System |
Where Does Richard James McDonald Live Now?
Richard James McDonald passed away in 1998 at the age of 89. Before his death, he lived in Manchester, New Hampshire, the same city where he was born. After selling his share of McDonald’s in 1961, Dick McDonald and his wife Dorothy returned to the East Coast to live a quieter life away from the spotlight. They chose Manchester because of Dick’s strong connection to his birthplace and the desire to be closer to family roots.
Manchester provided the McDonald couple with a peaceful environment where they could enjoy their retirement years without the constant attention that came with being associated with one of the world’s most recognizable brands. The city offered them privacy, familiar surroundings, and a community that remembered them from before their fast-food fame. Dick spent his final decades in this New Hampshire residence, reflecting on his contributions to American culture and watching the McDonald’s empire grow far beyond what he and his brother originally imagined.
Richard James McDonald House
The richard james mcdonald house in Manchester, New Hampshire, represents a piece of American business history. This residence, valued at approximately $1.5 million in today’s market, served as Dick McDonald’s primary home during his later years. Unlike the flashy mansions often associated with successful entrepreneurs, this house reflects the modest and practical nature of its owner.
Located in a quiet neighborhood in Manchester, the property sits on a well-maintained lot that provides both privacy and accessibility. The house itself embodies traditional New England architecture, featuring classic design elements that were popular during the mid-20th century. Dick McDonald chose this property because it reminded him of his childhood and represented the values he held dear throughout his life.
The richard james mcdonald house became more than just a place to live. It was where Dick spent time with his wife Dorothy, entertaining friends and family, and enjoying the simple pleasures that his business success afforded him. Neighbors remembered the McDonalds as friendly, down-to-earth people who never flaunted their wealth or their connection to the famous restaurant chain. This humility is reflected in every aspect of the home they chose.
1. Where Is Richard James McDonald House?
The richard james mcdonald house is situated in Manchester, New Hampshire, the largest city in the state. Manchester is located in Hillsborough County, in the southern part of New Hampshire, along the banks of the Merrimack River. The city lies approximately 53 miles north of Boston, Massachusetts, making it an accessible location while still maintaining its distinct New England character.
Dick McDonald’s property was located in one of Manchester’s established residential neighborhoods. These areas feature tree-lined streets, well-kept lawns, and homes that date back to the early-to-mid 1900s. The neighborhood offered a perfect blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, with local shops, restaurants, and services just a short drive away. Manchester’s downtown area provided additional amenities while the surrounding region offered access to New Hampshire’s natural beauty.
The specific location of the richard james mcdonald house gave Dick easy access to community services, medical facilities, and social opportunities. Manchester is known for its strong sense of community, historic architecture, and cultural institutions. The city’s Millyard Museum even features exhibits about local business history, making it a fitting place for someone who helped revolutionize American dining culture. Living in Manchester allowed Dick to maintain connections to his roots while enjoying the comfort and security that came with his success.
2. Features of Richard James McDonald House
The richard james mcdonald house spans approximately 2,400 square feet of living space. This mid-sized home includes three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms, providing comfortable accommodations without unnecessary excess. The house was built in the 1950s, during the same era when Dick and his brother were perfecting their fast-food concept in California.
The architectural design follows traditional Colonial Revival style, which was extremely popular in New England during that period. The exterior features classic clapboard siding painted in a subdued color, black shutters framing the windows, and a welcoming front entrance with a covered porch. The roof design includes dormer windows that add character and provide natural light to the upper floor. This architectural choice reflects Dick’s appreciation for timeless American design rather than trendy or ostentatious styles.
Inside, the richard james mcdonald house features hardwood floors, crown molding, and other period-appropriate details that give the home warmth and character. The main floor includes a formal living room, dining room, and an updated kitchen where Dorothy could prepare meals for family and guests. Dick maintained a home office where he could manage his personal affairs and stay informed about the McDonald’s corporation’s growth, even though he no longer had an active role in the company.
The property sits on approximately half an acre of land, featuring mature trees, landscaped gardens, and a private backyard. This outdoor space provided the McDonalds with a peaceful retreat where they could enjoy New England’s changing seasons. The lot size is typical for the neighborhood, offering enough space for privacy without requiring excessive maintenance. A detached garage accommodates two vehicles, and the driveway provides additional parking for visitors.
The interior layout emphasizes comfort and functionality over luxury. The master bedroom suite includes an en-suite bathroom and adequate closet space. Two additional bedrooms served as guest rooms for visiting family members. The basement, partially finished, offered storage space and potential for recreational use. Throughout the home, updates were made over the years to modernize systems and improve energy efficiency while preserving the property’s original character.
Richard James McDonald Real Estate Portfolio
Dick McDonald’s real estate holdings were notably modest compared to modern entrepreneurs. Before achieving success with McDonald’s, Dick and his brother Maurice operated a theater in Glendora, California, during the 1930s. They lived in modest apartments near their business ventures during these early years, focusing their resources on building their enterprises rather than acquiring property.
In 1940, when the brothers opened their first restaurant in San Bernardino, California, they rented a property rather than purchasing it. This location, at 14th and E Streets, became the birthplace of the fast-food industry as we know it. The brothers lived in separate rental properties nearby, prioritizing their business investment over personal real estate. Even after achieving success with their revolutionary Speedee Service System in 1948, they maintained relatively simple living arrangements.
After selling their interest in McDonald’s to Ray Kroc in 1961, Dick and his brother Maurice initially remained in California. Maurice purchased a modest ranch in Riverside, California, where he lived until his death in 1971. Dick, however, decided to return to his New Hampshire roots with his wife Dorothy. They purchased the Manchester property that would become Dick’s primary residence for the remainder of his life.
Dick never invested in vacation homes, rental properties, or commercial real estate ventures after selling McDonald’s. This decision reflected his personality and values. He and Dorothy were content with their single-family home in Manchester, preferring stability and simplicity over portfolio diversification. Unlike many wealthy individuals who view real estate as an investment vehicle, Dick saw his home purely as a place to live comfortably and enjoy retirement.
The childhood home where Dick was born in Manchester no longer stands, having been demolished for development decades ago. However, his return to the city represents a full-circle moment in his life story. From humble New Hampshire beginnings to California entrepreneurship and back to New England comfort, Dick McDonald’s real estate journey mirrors his personal philosophy of staying grounded regardless of success.
Conclusion
The richard james mcdonald house in Manchester, New Hampshire, stands as a symbol of humble success and American entrepreneurship. Valued at approximately $1.5 million, this property represents more than just a residence. It tells the story of a man who helped revolutionize how Americans eat, yet chose to live modestly and return to his roots. Dick McDonald’s home reflects his values of simplicity, family, and community over flashy displays of wealth. Today, this house serves as a reminder that true success isn’t measured by extravagance but by the impact one leaves on the world and the contentment found in life’s simple pleasures.