Historian’s Corner

By Dan Shine

Voice Columnist

Days of the Nickel Hot Dog Noted

This week we will reprise the words of West Haven’s beloved Historian Harriet C. North, as offered on Oct. 13, 1988:

Images courtesy of Marc Friedland.

In our newspapers today we read about the pros and cons of the eventual use of the land in front of Jimmie’s and Casino restaurants.

I wonder how many remember what was once down there. The picture I show this week will jog your memory, I suspect.

Remember when we came down Beach Street heading towards Rock Street?  We went by the skating rink, pas the Sippican House (formerly the O’Connell House) and went up towards Kelsey Hill.  On the right was the Italian Villa, a brick building with a dining room and lounge at the side, going east to west.  A big parking lot out front.  They advertised charcoal broiled steaks, hot dogs and French fries.  I remember going there and the food was good.

In back of that was Turk’s.  It was originally run by a Mr. Montesi who was an in-law of the Ramadons, who later ran it.  They had a big Turkish fez on their sign.  They too served hot dogs, delicious soft-shelled crabs, fried clams, scallops, onion rings, etc.

Next in line was “Jim’s” where there was a figure of a young man holding a big hot dog aloft.  There was a large house in back of all this and a huge willow tree.  In the picture I see only one piece of litter.  Why did we become so sloppy with our discards?

Down at that corner is where the father of the Gagliardi’s started the split hot dog.  He served them to motormen on the trolleys were in a hurry to get them, eat them, and be on their way.

I knew Sal Gagliardi ever since he was in high school and when other kids were out playing ball and having fun, he was working splitting hot dogs.  He was a great guy.  He worked long and hard for what he eventually enjoyed.  It is sad that he had to die so soon.

At one time there was another Gagliardi that had a stand called “Tony’s” on Rock Street.  It was sometimes referred to as Hot Dog Alley.

Phyllis’ was the other side.  They too had super foods.  At one time the famous Clydesdale horses with the Budweiser beer wagon was down there on that street.

Can’t you just remember the delicious aromas of big fat clams, oysters and scallops frying in those baskets then into those cardboard boxes with the wire handles?  French fries, tartar sauce, all of which probably cost a dollar and a half, maybe less. 

We all loved the hot dogs too and some preferred Jake’s, some Turk’s, some Jimmie’s.  Tastes varied, some piled on sauerkraut, mustard, ketchup, piccalilli or onions.

I can’t wind up this mouth-watering article without mentioning the lobster rolls, plenty of real lobster, lots of butter, all for a dollar.

Our eyes were often bigger than our stomachs because when hungry we ordered two dogs, French fries, onion rings and a soft drink.

We drove around the side of the Rock itself and ate our food while looking out at  the water.  We didn’t heave our debris on the ground when we finished either.

What memories!  Now, how dreary for me to think of my lunch with none of the aforementioned in my larder.  Even if I had them, they wouldn’t taste the same.  I just wouldn’t have the touch.