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[Gen. Discussion] Hot Dog Wagon history
Posted By: Louie's daughter Evelyn
Date: Sunday, 5 February 2006, at 12:52 p.m.
After reading all the comments about the hot dog wagon, its now my turn to speak.
My father started the business back in 1955. He had a push cart then you could get a hot dog and orange drink for 25 cents.
The stand was originally located where the municipal building now stands (in front of the old "Tarzan woods") He would stand out there in the freezing cold all winter all bundeled up. He even went there to shovel out his spot in snow storms. That was in the beginning.
He then bought a Vespa 500 and had that for many years until it broke down and could not be fixed and then he used to tow it up there with his car (remember that?)
When they built the municial complex he moved across where Harry is now. Sometimes he would be on the side of Memorial Park (depending on the hot sun).
He then purchased the truck that Harry originally had. When he got sick and could no longer work the business was sold to the late Joe Ciccone, then to Harry.
To my knowledge there has never been anyone hurt crossing the street there all the time my father ran the stand or since Joe or Harry have had it.
Everyone knows its there, and people enjoy stopping by Harry for a break from their busy dayBack in the 50's you had to be a veteran to get a vendor's license. Way back when there was another
hot dog vendor in town Bobby Moppert. Then later on, on Walker St by Marburns- Frank Ruscigno.My father was loved by all the kids who went to CPHS. Years ago they were allowed out at lunch time and you could not get near the stand it was that crowded. If my dad knew a kid had no money and was hungry he would give him a free lunch, and his only request was to remember that, and someday, whenever in live, if you see someone hungry take care of them, repay the favor.
Some graduating classes gave him a yearbook so he would never forget them, and he didn't. I still have those yearbooks.All these men, good people trying to support their families making an honest living. They all served their country. It bothers me to think that some of you could find fault with where Harry's stand is. It's one of the few things still around from "The Good Old Days". Please don't try and destroy that. Although Harry and my dad never met, its really nice to know that Harry treats people the way my dad did.
My dad will be gone 25 years on May 6th. I'm glad that most of you here still remember him and speak of him, and for this I say THANK-YOU, he would be proud to know he has not been forgotton.
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