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.