Lake Stevens
Historical Society and Museum
The Chicken
The chicken was first “kidnapped” in 1969 from The Chicken Drive In; located at the site of the current Walgreens. It has become a yearly tradition for the graduating seniors to locate,"kidnap" and present the chicken at Homecoming.
Original 1969 Chicken snatchers. Bernie Palmer (top), Steve, Tomlinson (middle), Rick Finkbonner (bottom).
History of "The Chicken"
Early 1960s: The fiberglass Chicken makes its first perch atop Gerry’s Drive-In, Lynnwood
1968: Jean Kiniry, a former Gerry’s employee, buys the Chicken, purchases the Hillcrest Drive- In and renames it The Chicken Drive-In.
1969: The Chicken is stolen for the first time by
Bernie Palmer, Steve Tomlinson and Rick Finkbonner.
1970s-present: High school seniors steal the Chicken during homecoming each year
1975: New Years Eve. Second kidnapping of Chicken by Greg Buttke, Todd Agostinelli, Craig Suhadolnik and Paul Magnuson. They manage to hide it for six months.
1976: June 6, 1976. The Chicken is hoisted onto the roof of the old "Pink Palace" and then brought to graduation party.
1976: Jean Kiniry says the Drive-In was painted red, white and blue for the 1976 Bicentennial, for three years, and then blue and white after that.
1995: The Chicken Drive-In is sold and closes several years later
2007: A new version of the restaurant opens downtown Lake Stevens
2016: The Chicken resides at Norms Market, surrounded by beer.
Want more information on the chicken tradition?
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Take a look at the following articles from the Everett Herald!
Jean Kiniry says the Drive-In was painted red, white and blue for the 1976 Bicentennial, for three years, and then blue and white after that.
The Chicken is showing wear and tear after all these years. It is currently residing at the entrance to Norms Market