PRINCE CASTLE/COCK ROBIN: “DADDY OF THE DRIVE-INS”

Presented by
Walter “Ted” Fredenhagen, Jr.

The story of Prince Castle and Cock Robin will answer the following questions:

  • Who developed and why did they use those square scoops?
  • What made their ice cream so exceptionally flavorful?
  • Why did they change their name from Prince Castle to Cock Robin?
  • What was their contribution to the development of milkshake, was it really “One in a Million?”
  • Just how did they make their hamburgers so delicious and memorable?
  • How did Prince Castle/Cock Robin influence McDonald’s? If imitation is the highest form of flattery, then you have just been offered a clue.
  • Why did Prince Castle/Cock Robin fade away?
  • What remains of Prince Castle/Cock Robin today?

Our program will begin with an hour showing of “One in a Million” The Prince Castles and Cock Robin Story, produced by Naperville Community Television.  Following the documentary, Walter “Ted” Fredenhagen, Jr., son of the Walter Fredenhagen who founded Prince Castles with his lifelong friend Earl Prince, will answer questions.

Walter Fredenhagen, Jr., nicknamed Ted, was born and raised in Naperville.  He graduated high school in 1943, then joined the Marines until 1946.  He attended North Central College, then continued at Northwestern night school.  He initially worked for Prince Castle, which eventually became Cock Robin.  Ted is a farmer and leader of Class Act, a 19-piece big band orchestra.

Program hosted at Kendall College.