Hot Dog Joe's birth name was variously described in numerous newspapers. His first name might have been Casta, Castas, or Castis, while his surname was variously noted to be Kitakakides, Hitakakides, Hitalikides, Hitalakides, Hitaliaides, Hetelikedes, and Hetelekis. To add to the confusion, Joe also used the name "Gus George," although mainly when he was arrested by the police.
Around 1920, when he was about 24 years old, Joe began operating a hot dog truck in Scarsdale, in the Westchester County of New York, commonly parking near the high school. About this time, Scarsdale had a population of maybe 5,000, and by 1930, the population would reach close to 10,000. For about seven years, it seems that Joe operated his hot dog truck without any significant incident. If everything had continued in that manner, Joe might have been forgotten, just another nameless hot dog vendor of the period.
However, in July 1927, everything changed. According to The Buffalo Times, July 13, 1927, “The boys of Scarsdale will bite no more ‘weenies,’ will stuff themselves no longer with peanuts, and never again will top off these in-between meals with cooling drunks of lemon soda. The Village Board passed an ordinance, without a dissenting vote, banning forever from their village hot dog stands, peanut vendors and kindred purveyors of digestive dynamite to the splendid youth of Scarsdale.” Hot Dog Joe was now banned!
The Press and Sun-Bulletin, July 14, 1927, noted that Mrs. Ruth Johnson, the only woman trustee on the Village Board, had spearheaded the ban. Part of the reasoning behind the ban was that hot dogs were considered detrimental to the health of children. Clinton Leonard, the head of the physical training department of the high school, claimed that “the consumption of hot dogs, peanuts and soft drinks as his athletes left the field demoralized his training efforts.”
The Press and Sun-Bulletin, July 14, 1927, noted that Mrs. Ruth Johnson, the only woman trustee on the Village Board, had spearheaded the ban. Part of the reasoning behind the ban was that hot dogs were considered detrimental to the health of children. Clinton Leonard, the head of the physical training department of the high school, claimed that “the consumption of hot dogs, peanuts and soft drinks as his athletes left the field demoralized his training efforts.”
Days later, there was already pushback against the prohibition. The Buffalo Courier Express, July 17, 1927, mentioned that “bootleg frankfurters” were already being transported into Scarsdale from White Plains. It didn't appear that mere possession of a hot dog violated the new ordinance.
This was supported by an article in the Mount Vernon Argus, July 18, 1927. The article noted that the new ordinance might be discriminatory as it didn't include items such as apples, ice cream cones and roast chestnuts. It also mentioned that hot dogs could still be sold at delicatessen shops. Finally, the article stated that hot dog consumption was not a crime, so you could buy hot dogs outside of Scarsdale and consume them within the town.
Hot Dog Joe was also prepared to battle against this new prohibition. The Yonkers Statesman, July 19, 1927, noted that he had retained Attorney Stephen R.J. Roach to seek an injunction against the new ordinance. Joe, a veteran of World War I and who couldn't read or write English, could have easily moved his hot dog truck to other towns, but he chose to stay and fight. For seven years, he had been in Scarsdale, and wasn't going to let himself be pushed out.
The Herald Statesman, July 20, 1927 (Wednesday), stated that yesterday, Joe had parked his hot dog truck outside the high school once again, defying the police to arrest him. Based on advice from his attorney, they wanted to test the validity of the ordinance by having Joe arrested. However, no arrest came because technically the ordinance needed to be posted for 10 days before it legally came into effect. Thus, nothing could happen until at least Monday, July 25.
Although there had been other hot dog vendors in Scarsdale, Joe was the only one to step forward to fight the ordinance. Surprisingly, Joe quickly received significant support, legally and financially, from Adolf Gobel, Inc. of Brooklyn, which supplied Joe's hot dogs. It's amazing that such a large corporation, which made over $8 Million in sales in 1927, would jump in so quickly to support a small hot dog vendor in a small town.
Hot Dog Joe was also prepared to battle against this new prohibition. The Yonkers Statesman, July 19, 1927, noted that he had retained Attorney Stephen R.J. Roach to seek an injunction against the new ordinance. Joe, a veteran of World War I and who couldn't read or write English, could have easily moved his hot dog truck to other towns, but he chose to stay and fight. For seven years, he had been in Scarsdale, and wasn't going to let himself be pushed out.
The Herald Statesman, July 20, 1927 (Wednesday), stated that yesterday, Joe had parked his hot dog truck outside the high school once again, defying the police to arrest him. Based on advice from his attorney, they wanted to test the validity of the ordinance by having Joe arrested. However, no arrest came because technically the ordinance needed to be posted for 10 days before it legally came into effect. Thus, nothing could happen until at least Monday, July 25.
Although there had been other hot dog vendors in Scarsdale, Joe was the only one to step forward to fight the ordinance. Surprisingly, Joe quickly received significant support, legally and financially, from Adolf Gobel, Inc. of Brooklyn, which supplied Joe's hot dogs. It's amazing that such a large corporation, which made over $8 Million in sales in 1927, would jump in so quickly to support a small hot dog vendor in a small town.
Why was this matter so important to Adolf Gobel, Inc.? Were they worried that such prohibitions might spread across New York and wanted to squash it at the start? How did they learn so quickly about this matter, as they seemingly knew about this matter within a week? Did Joe's attorney, Stephen Roach, have a connection to Adolf Gobel, Inc.?
The Herald Statesman, July 25, 1927, reported that Attorney Roach claimed that Adolf Gobel, Inc. was prepared to hire Clarence Darrow, Samuel Untermyer, or Charles Evans Hughes (all very prominent attorneys at the time), if needed to fight the ordinance. Joe was still selling hot dogs. “His clattering truck with its brazen coat of many colors passed down the tranquil streets of the village, veering toward any groups of adolescents that appeared in his line of vision.” Joe also told the newspaper, “Always my hot dogs they are clean and good. Nobody gets sick from Joe’s good hot dogs. The Health Department gives me a permit to sell my good hot dogs because they are what you call sanitary dogs.”
It was now noted that the ordinance would go into effect on July 26, but that didn't occur either. The Village Board decided to meet that evening to discuss the matter, and no action would be taken until after that meeting.
The Herald Statesman, July 26, 1927, noted that many residents of Scarsdale, who had first supported the prohibition, had started to waver, due to all the negative press. One man was quoted, “There’s nothing really vicious about a hot dog. It’s all right for a man, or even a boy, to have a hot dog now and then in the privacy of his home, if he knows when to stop. But the public hot dog stand ought to go.” It was also mentioned that the police hadn't shown any desire to arrest Joe, and might have even eaten his hot dogs before.
Attorney Roach supported by Morton Lexow, the district attorney of Rockland county and also an attorney for Adolf Gobel, Inc., confronted Mayor Warren Cunningham about the ordinance. The mayor backpedaled, claiming that the nutritive value of hot dogs was not the issue, but that the ordinance was passed as a traffic measure. Joe’s hot dog stand was mounted on an automobile chassis and usually parked in front of the high school.
The Daily News, July 28, 1927, reported that Joe was finally handed a summons by the police at his hot dog truck, and the police were booed by the large crowd around the truck. And the Mount Vernon Argus, July 28, 1927, then reported that, on advice of counsel, Joe failed to appear that morning before Police Justice Charles M. Carter to answer the summons. Subsequently, the judge issued a warrant for Joe’s arrest, to be served that afternoon at 2pm in front of the high school. After his arrest, Joe would have to spend about 3 hours in jail until his arraignment at 5pm. Curiously, more detail was provided on the specifics of the Scarsdale ordinance, which made it illegal for vendors to park within 1000 feet of the high school.
A lengthy article concerning the matter appeared in the Times Union, July 29, 1927. Joe had been arrested yesterday, but was quickly released on a writ of habeas corpus. It was stated that Joe had been selling hot dogs since 1914 in Scarsdale, although a number of other newspapers noted he had only been selling hot dogs for seven years. The 1914 date appears to be an error, as Joe only arrived in the U.S. in 1919. 
Numerous individuals stepped forward, promoting the benefits of the consumption of hot dogs. “The daintily seasoned frankfurter is as harmless as a well cooked lamb chop, declared one doctor.” It continued, “Physicians are almost unanimous in endorsing the meat product and say that properly cooked and properly eaten, it can do no harm to a sophisticated digestive system.” In addition, “In the opinion of these physicians, …the prohibition on his wares and trade is unjustified and was made without first examining the food contents of this popular roadside delicacy.” And, “The frankfurter, if eaten judiciously, would put the doctor out of business,’ one physician, nameless here, declared.”
The article also quoted a notable doctor, “Dr. C.R. Moulton, director of the Department of Nutrition at the Institute of American Mat Packers, in Chicago, endorses the frankfurter and says that, when made by a reputable from from the best grade, clean, and wholesome meat and pork trimmings, carefully processed and handled, it is excellent food.” He continued, “This kind of ‘hot dog’ does not need to be highly seasoned. It is the seasoning which makes food indigestible.”
It was also noted that. “Village health officers, who have inspected Joe’s stand, say they found it extremely sanitary.” In addition, “One staunch devotee of the ‘hot dog,’ analyzed the subject carefully. His findings are that it isn’t the ‘dogs’ themselves which are responsible for the decline in favor. It’s the mustard. French mustard is no good with frankfurters, he has discovered. There is something in the inner construction of French mustard which does not combine gracefully with the meat.”; “But German mustard, ah, that’s something else. Germany, the home of the frankfurter, also evolved a mustard which fits the frankfurter like a well-made glove fits the hand. That combination means true delicacy of flavor, true enjoyment, and true nutrition.”
The Daily News, December 1, 1927, published the above cartoon after Joe's legal win, and even provided a poem about Hot Dog Joe. : PIC of cartoon of HDJ and judge with song
Then, the Daily Times, December 1, 1927, reported that the authorities in Scarsdale might appeal the decision to the Court of Appeals in Albany, the highest tribunal in the State. Or, they might try to retry Hot Dog Joe. Attorney Roach was already preparing new and additional evidence for another potential trial. Joe was told by his attorney to hold off returning to Scarsdale until a final decision was made.
The Daily Item, December 16, 1927, mentioned that the Village board of Scarsdale had decided not to arrest Joe again, and actually were unsure how they could stop him. Then, the Herald Statesman, January 17, 1928, reported that the Supreme Court Justice William F. Bleakley had ruled that a hot dog is mostly meat, so Joe couldn't be arrested under the Scarsdale ordinance, which makes an exception for the selling of meats. Joe now returned to Scarsdale with his hot dog truck.
Near the end of the year, the Daily Item, November 12, 1928, reported that Hot Dog Joe would soon travel to Europe, researching hot dogs in other countries. His primary objective was to seek a new type of roll for his hot dogs. Before he left for Europe, he sold his hot dog business in Scarsdale to John Handjis, a fellow Greek immigrant and war veteran.
Joe spent about ten months touring Europe and Russia, returning in August 1929. The Mount Vernon Argus (NY), August 30, 1929, stated, “The man who made the lowly ‘dog’ famous from coast to coast two years ago this month, when he fought an edict that attempted to oust him from exclusive Scarsdale, has returned." His objective had been to find “a better means of serving the rolls that encase the luscious morsels in which he used to specialize.” However, he returned with few new ideas and claimed it would take him about 4-6 months to decide his next endeavor.
However, his next endeavor was similar to his original one, the sale of hot dogs. The Mount Vernon Argus (NY), May 24, 1930, mentioned that Joe now possessed a new hot dog wagon, which had been built to his specifications by a Tarrytown concern. It took five men about one month to construct it. Joe now envisioned owning a fleet of wagons, with “The Famous Hot Dog Joe of Scarsdale” on one side, and “Here Comes Hot Dog Joe” on the other. The plan was to purchase 3-4 wagons and send them through the county during the Summer. In the Winter, he will just operate his personal wagon.
Soon after the return of Hot Dog Joe, he encountered more legal difficulties. The Mount Vernon Argus (NY), May 26, 1930, reported that he had been arrested in New Rochelle for illegally selling hot dogs, and would be represented again by Attorney Stephen R.J. Roach of White Plains. Then, the Mount Vernon Argus (NY), June 6, 1930, followed up, noting that Joe was convicted, fined $10, and an appeal was filed. The judge claimed that Joe needed more than just his veterans peddling license, that he also needed one from the city.
More legal problems. The Daily Item, June 11, 1930, printed that Joe and John Handjis (who previously bought Joe's Scarsdale business) were arrested for selling hotdogs and soda at the Maple Moor Gulf Club. Joe also had been recently arrested in Bronxsville for a similar offense. At the gold club, its was alleged that Joe had pushed a soda and hot dog through a fence to a golfer. However, as the property line couldn't be established without a surveyor, the judge had to dismiss the charges. Fortunately, the charges in Bronxville Court were also dismissed around June 20.
Another arrest, in the same location. The Daily Item, June 28, 1930, reported that Joe had been arrested once again at the Maple Moor Gulf Club. However, this time, which was probably a set-up, the police possessed blue prints of the property lines and could show Joe had sold the hot dogs on the golf course property. He was fined $25, but that was dropped to $10, and his lawyer stated they would appeal.
A photo of Joe's truck, which sold hot dogs as well as ice cream, in the New York Evening Journal, April 4, 1934.
Finally, one more hot dog supporter was mentioned. “Babe Ruth, it is said, is a devotee of the frankfurter.”
It's important to mention that in July and August, newspapers all across the country reported on this hot dog battle, including in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont and Washington. D.C. The Times Union (NY), August 1, 1927, proclaimed that Hot Dog Joe had become famous all across the country. In only about 45 days, Joe had gone from a relative nobody to a national celebrity.
It's important to mention that in July and August, newspapers all across the country reported on this hot dog battle, including in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont and Washington. D.C. The Times Union (NY), August 1, 1927, proclaimed that Hot Dog Joe had become famous all across the country. In only about 45 days, Joe had gone from a relative nobody to a national celebrity.
All of these newspaper mentions placed the issue of the health benefits of hot dogs on a national scale, providing much publicity for the hot dog, and helping to spread its popularity. Who would have thought that a small town battle would become such a national spectacle? This matter became "viral" within a few weeks, long before the start of the Internet and social media.
Joe's case was put over to Monday, August 1, at 8pm. The Daily News, August 2, 1927, reported on the results of the trial the night before, noting it had been well-attended. Unfortunately, Joe was found guilty and assessed a $10 fine, although his attorney stated they would appeal the decision. The Mount Vernon Argus, August 2, 1927, provided some additional details. Joe paid his fine, although the matter could be appealed next Wednesday before County Judge William F. Bleakley. The conviction was based on “using other than a hand drawn vehicle in connection with hawking or peddling.”
The Herald Statesman, August 2, 1927, provided the full details of the ordinance, which stated: "No person, firm or corporation shall use any vehicle except a hand drawn vehicle in connection with hawking or peddling (except with respect to meats, fish, fruits or farm products) in any street, avenue, alley, lane, or park in the Village of Scarsdale; nor stand nor remain in any one place or within 1,000 feet thereof longer than 10 consecutive minutes.”
Joe's case was put over to Monday, August 1, at 8pm. The Daily News, August 2, 1927, reported on the results of the trial the night before, noting it had been well-attended. Unfortunately, Joe was found guilty and assessed a $10 fine, although his attorney stated they would appeal the decision. The Mount Vernon Argus, August 2, 1927, provided some additional details. Joe paid his fine, although the matter could be appealed next Wednesday before County Judge William F. Bleakley. The conviction was based on “using other than a hand drawn vehicle in connection with hawking or peddling.”
The Herald Statesman, August 2, 1927, provided the full details of the ordinance, which stated: "No person, firm or corporation shall use any vehicle except a hand drawn vehicle in connection with hawking or peddling (except with respect to meats, fish, fruits or farm products) in any street, avenue, alley, lane, or park in the Village of Scarsdale; nor stand nor remain in any one place or within 1,000 feet thereof longer than 10 consecutive minutes.”
Attorney Roach claimed the ordinance, due to the last semicolon, ungrammatical and would actually prevent a person from standing in one place more than 10 minutes. In addition, he claimed that Joe was not a hawker or peddler. Neither defense apparently was sufficient to the judge. In addition, it was mentioned that some of Joe's supporters at the trial included: Frank Fior, president of Adolf Gobel, Inc., Pendleton Dudley, Eastern director of the Institute of American Meat Packers, and Dr. C. Robert Moulton, director of the bureau of nutrition of the institute.
The Daily Item, August 3, 1927, reported on the greater effects of the trial. For example, even though received he a $10 fine, he also received “about $1,000,000 worth of publicity.” Frank M. Fior, President of Adolf Gobel, Inc., noted that Joe’s battle had “promoted hot dog sales throughout the country and was responsible in part for the record sales made by the company in the first six months of the year.” However, there was one negative effect, as the matter had also “virtually wrecked the advertising campaign of the meat packers to substitute the name ‘red hot’ for ‘hot dog.” Maybe without the attention from this trial, "red hots" might have become the most prominent term around the country.
In addition, Mount Vernon Argus, August 5, 1927, spoke with Edward Holden, who claimed to have been Joe's manager for the past five years. He also alleged he had received an offer of a contract for a movie about Joe's struggles. He wouldn't provide any details though of the offer. Interestingly, Holden ran the fountain at the Scarsdale drugstore, and made deliveries. He wasn't a professional agent, and nothing more was ever mentioned about this potential movie.
Hot Dog Joe now had to start selling hot dogs in other communities as he awaited his appeal. The Herald Statesman, August 20, 1927, mentioned that Joe was "permitted to peddle throughout the county because of a special license granted to him as a World War veteran.” Since WWI, the federal government has provided free peddler's license to veterans and such licenses are still granted today.
The Daily Item, August 3, 1927, reported on the greater effects of the trial. For example, even though received he a $10 fine, he also received “about $1,000,000 worth of publicity.” Frank M. Fior, President of Adolf Gobel, Inc., noted that Joe’s battle had “promoted hot dog sales throughout the country and was responsible in part for the record sales made by the company in the first six months of the year.” However, there was one negative effect, as the matter had also “virtually wrecked the advertising campaign of the meat packers to substitute the name ‘red hot’ for ‘hot dog.” Maybe without the attention from this trial, "red hots" might have become the most prominent term around the country.
In addition, Mount Vernon Argus, August 5, 1927, spoke with Edward Holden, who claimed to have been Joe's manager for the past five years. He also alleged he had received an offer of a contract for a movie about Joe's struggles. He wouldn't provide any details though of the offer. Interestingly, Holden ran the fountain at the Scarsdale drugstore, and made deliveries. He wasn't a professional agent, and nothing more was ever mentioned about this potential movie.
Hot Dog Joe now had to start selling hot dogs in other communities as he awaited his appeal. The Herald Statesman, August 20, 1927, mentioned that Joe was "permitted to peddle throughout the county because of a special license granted to him as a World War veteran.” Since WWI, the federal government has provided free peddler's license to veterans and such licenses are still granted today.
The Herald Statesman, August 12, 1927, reported that another hot dog vendor, George Kolpas of Mount Vernon, set up a hot dog stand in Scarsdale near the high school. He was subsequently arrested and fined $10. Scarsdale wasn't going to tolerate any hot dog vendors.
There was another lengthy article in the Brooklyn Citizen, August 15, 1927, giving much support to Joe. It began, “Editorials are appearing in hundreds of papers throughout the country, nearly all of these writers taking side with Hot Dog Joe, who is variously described as the ‘hot dog king’ or ‘bologna bandit.’ As a result, Scarsdale has become famous over night. It has ridden to fame on a hot dog.”
There was another lengthy article in the Brooklyn Citizen, August 15, 1927, giving much support to Joe. It began, “Editorials are appearing in hundreds of papers throughout the country, nearly all of these writers taking side with Hot Dog Joe, who is variously described as the ‘hot dog king’ or ‘bologna bandit.’ As a result, Scarsdale has become famous over night. It has ridden to fame on a hot dog.”
There were also mentions of two athletes who were big fans of hot dogs. “The redoubtable Babe Ruth banks heavily on hot dogs to keep his body and soul together after a hard game…More than once he has credited the extra energy necessary to lifting a home run over the fence to the nutritive value of a hot dog.” In addition, “Columbia Lou Gehrig…. is now said to include hot dogs in his athletic diet.”
More support came from Dr. C. R. Moulton, director of the department of nutrition at the Institute of the American Meat Packers, who stated, ‘The frankfurter is actually one of our finest American viands. A man can’t go wrong eating good frankfurters. Frankfurters are composed of roughly sixty per cent beef and forty per cent pork—that is the usual standard. In addition, there is a small percentage of flavorings and condiments, but in the really good frankfurters—such as those Hot Dog Joe sells—the percentage of spices is very low. A quality frankfurter needs very little seasoning. As food it cannot be excelled.”
Joe's appeal was first set for September 21, but it actually didn't occur until November 17, and a decision was due on November 21, although even that was delayed a week or so.
The Daily Times, November 30, 1927, reported that the County Judge had reversed Joe's conviction! The judge ruled that the prior justice had “erred in excluding certain testimony having to do with the unreasonableness of the ordinance under which the arrest was made.” In addition, the charge had been based only on the sale of a single hot dog, when it properly should have included multiple sales. Now, Joe could return to selling hot dogs in Scarsdale.
Then, the Daily Times, December 1, 1927, reported that the authorities in Scarsdale might appeal the decision to the Court of Appeals in Albany, the highest tribunal in the State. Or, they might try to retry Hot Dog Joe. Attorney Roach was already preparing new and additional evidence for another potential trial. Joe was told by his attorney to hold off returning to Scarsdale until a final decision was made.
The Daily Item, December 16, 1927, mentioned that the Village board of Scarsdale had decided not to arrest Joe again, and actually were unsure how they could stop him. Then, the Herald Statesman, January 17, 1928, reported that the Supreme Court Justice William F. Bleakley had ruled that a hot dog is mostly meat, so Joe couldn't be arrested under the Scarsdale ordinance, which makes an exception for the selling of meats. Joe now returned to Scarsdale with his hot dog truck.
Near the end of the year, the Daily Item, November 12, 1928, reported that Hot Dog Joe would soon travel to Europe, researching hot dogs in other countries. His primary objective was to seek a new type of roll for his hot dogs. Before he left for Europe, he sold his hot dog business in Scarsdale to John Handjis, a fellow Greek immigrant and war veteran.
Joe spent about ten months touring Europe and Russia, returning in August 1929. The Mount Vernon Argus (NY), August 30, 1929, stated, “The man who made the lowly ‘dog’ famous from coast to coast two years ago this month, when he fought an edict that attempted to oust him from exclusive Scarsdale, has returned." His objective had been to find “a better means of serving the rolls that encase the luscious morsels in which he used to specialize.” However, he returned with few new ideas and claimed it would take him about 4-6 months to decide his next endeavor.
However, his next endeavor was similar to his original one, the sale of hot dogs. The Mount Vernon Argus (NY), May 24, 1930, mentioned that Joe now possessed a new hot dog wagon, which had been built to his specifications by a Tarrytown concern. It took five men about one month to construct it. Joe now envisioned owning a fleet of wagons, with “The Famous Hot Dog Joe of Scarsdale” on one side, and “Here Comes Hot Dog Joe” on the other. The plan was to purchase 3-4 wagons and send them through the county during the Summer. In the Winter, he will just operate his personal wagon.
Soon after the return of Hot Dog Joe, he encountered more legal difficulties. The Mount Vernon Argus (NY), May 26, 1930, reported that he had been arrested in New Rochelle for illegally selling hot dogs, and would be represented again by Attorney Stephen R.J. Roach of White Plains. Then, the Mount Vernon Argus (NY), June 6, 1930, followed up, noting that Joe was convicted, fined $10, and an appeal was filed. The judge claimed that Joe needed more than just his veterans peddling license, that he also needed one from the city.
More legal problems. The Daily Item, June 11, 1930, printed that Joe and John Handjis (who previously bought Joe's Scarsdale business) were arrested for selling hotdogs and soda at the Maple Moor Gulf Club. Joe also had been recently arrested in Bronxsville for a similar offense. At the gold club, its was alleged that Joe had pushed a soda and hot dog through a fence to a golfer. However, as the property line couldn't be established without a surveyor, the judge had to dismiss the charges. Fortunately, the charges in Bronxville Court were also dismissed around June 20.
Another arrest, in the same location. The Daily Item, June 28, 1930, reported that Joe had been arrested once again at the Maple Moor Gulf Club. However, this time, which was probably a set-up, the police possessed blue prints of the property lines and could show Joe had sold the hot dogs on the golf course property. He was fined $25, but that was dropped to $10, and his lawyer stated they would appeal.
Good legal news! The Mount Vernon Argus, October 4, 1930, noted that Joe's conviction in New Rochelle had been ordered stricken from the record as the appeals judge stated that his veteran’s peddler license was sufficient, and there was no need for an additional city license. And on October 8, it was reported that the charges in Bronxville had also been dismissed Joe had a veteran peddler's license.
However, the good news was countered by more legal woes. The Mount Vernon Argus, October 4, 1930, also reported that John Handjis was seeking a restraining order against Joe. John accused Joe of violating a contract with him, which had been signed on October 22, 1928, when Joe sold his business to John for $900 cash and the assumption of $300 in debt. The contract also barred Joe from engaging in a similar business in the vicinity of White Plains or Scarsdale. John claimed that Joe had committed two violations of the contract, on September 23 and October 1, both when Joe brought his hot dug truck to the Scarsdale High School. Handjis alleged that on those days of violation, his business dropped from $30 a day to only $12.
Less than three weeks later, the restraining order was granted, and Joe was prohibited from selling hot dogs to school children in White Plains, Hartsdale, and Scarsdale.
A few months later, Joe once again ran into legal trouble. The Daily Times, February 16, 1931, mentioned had Joe had received a summons for trespassing on town property and selling hot dogs without a license. On Valentine's Day, at the Silver Lake Park in East White Plains, there were hundreds of ice skaters so Joe set up his hot dog truck to sell to these skaters.
The Daily Item, March 28, 1931, reported that the Silver Lake case had been continued once again, but the court determined that no specific complaint had been drawn up. Plus, Joe possessed a veterans peddlers which allowed him to sell his hot dogs. The town counsel then responded that the charge might be obstructing traffic. However, at the start of April, the charge was decided to be violation of Chapter 26 of the town ordinance, charging Joe will selling hot dogs without first obtaining a permit from the authorities.
However, more changes to the charges came. The Daily Item, April 4, 1931, noted that the new charges would be for “creating a disturbance by disposing of goods, wares, etc, in Silver Lake, being an annoyance and disturbance to the citizens and travelers of the Town of Harrison” and “obstructing and incumbering Silver Lake Park, a public park, by disposing of goods, wares, etc.” However, a week later, the judge dismissed the first charge and reserved his decision on the second one.
It's interesting to see that around September 23, 1931, Joe obtained a peddler’s license for the Village of Scarsdale
The Mount Vernon Argus, July 26, 1932, reported that the County Court had reversed the judgement of the Judge in the Silver Lake case. The $10 fine which Joe had paid to the court was also ordered to be returned.
More could legal news for Joe. The Mount Vernon Argus, November 10, 1932, stated that John Handjis had discontinued his injunction and damage suit against Joe. For some reason, they had resolved their differences and now Joe could legally sell his hot dogs in Scarsdale.
And then the arrests continued once again. When would these towns learn better as Joe seemed to be able to defeat every one of those charges. The Mount Vernon Argus, June 21, 1933, reported that Joe had been arrested last week in Bronxville for violating a “new ordinance that prohibits the selling of food from a vehicle within 500 feet of a school.”
However, the good news was countered by more legal woes. The Mount Vernon Argus, October 4, 1930, also reported that John Handjis was seeking a restraining order against Joe. John accused Joe of violating a contract with him, which had been signed on October 22, 1928, when Joe sold his business to John for $900 cash and the assumption of $300 in debt. The contract also barred Joe from engaging in a similar business in the vicinity of White Plains or Scarsdale. John claimed that Joe had committed two violations of the contract, on September 23 and October 1, both when Joe brought his hot dug truck to the Scarsdale High School. Handjis alleged that on those days of violation, his business dropped from $30 a day to only $12.
Less than three weeks later, the restraining order was granted, and Joe was prohibited from selling hot dogs to school children in White Plains, Hartsdale, and Scarsdale.
A few months later, Joe once again ran into legal trouble. The Daily Times, February 16, 1931, mentioned had Joe had received a summons for trespassing on town property and selling hot dogs without a license. On Valentine's Day, at the Silver Lake Park in East White Plains, there were hundreds of ice skaters so Joe set up his hot dog truck to sell to these skaters.
The Daily Item, March 28, 1931, reported that the Silver Lake case had been continued once again, but the court determined that no specific complaint had been drawn up. Plus, Joe possessed a veterans peddlers which allowed him to sell his hot dogs. The town counsel then responded that the charge might be obstructing traffic. However, at the start of April, the charge was decided to be violation of Chapter 26 of the town ordinance, charging Joe will selling hot dogs without first obtaining a permit from the authorities.
However, more changes to the charges came. The Daily Item, April 4, 1931, noted that the new charges would be for “creating a disturbance by disposing of goods, wares, etc, in Silver Lake, being an annoyance and disturbance to the citizens and travelers of the Town of Harrison” and “obstructing and incumbering Silver Lake Park, a public park, by disposing of goods, wares, etc.” However, a week later, the judge dismissed the first charge and reserved his decision on the second one.
It's interesting to see that around September 23, 1931, Joe obtained a peddler’s license for the Village of Scarsdale
The Mount Vernon Argus, July 26, 1932, reported that the County Court had reversed the judgement of the Judge in the Silver Lake case. The $10 fine which Joe had paid to the court was also ordered to be returned.
More could legal news for Joe. The Mount Vernon Argus, November 10, 1932, stated that John Handjis had discontinued his injunction and damage suit against Joe. For some reason, they had resolved their differences and now Joe could legally sell his hot dogs in Scarsdale.
And then the arrests continued once again. When would these towns learn better as Joe seemed to be able to defeat every one of those charges. The Mount Vernon Argus, June 21, 1933, reported that Joe had been arrested last week in Bronxville for violating a “new ordinance that prohibits the selling of food from a vehicle within 500 feet of a school.”
The Mount Vernon Argus, March 3, 1939, stated that Joe had been arrested no fewer than 15 times during the 20 years he’s been selling his hot dogs. In July 1938, in White Plains, he had been arrested for selling ice cream from a vehicle parked within 250 feet of a school. He was fined $50 and the case was appealed. Unfortunately, Joe would lose his appeal, and when the matter was further appealed, he lost once again.
Newspaper references to Hot Dog Joe began to peter out over the next several years, although Joe encountered a few additional legal problems during the first few years of the 1940s. His next major references wouldn't be until his obituaries in September 1957.
The Reporter Dispatch, September 25, 1957, reported that Costas Hetelekis, also known as Hot Dog Joe and Gus George, died, at age 61, on September 24 in the White Plains Hospital. Joe, a veteran of WWI, came to Westchester County in 1919 and became a U.S. citizen in 1926. He operated a “brown snack wagon with its orange colored roof and gold letters reading ‘Here Comes Hot Dog Joe.” He was survived by his wife, Anna Hetelekis. Although it wasn't mentioned in the obituaries, Costas was also survived by a daughter, Anatacia, who was in high school when he died.
The Reporter Dispatch, September 25, 1957, reported that Costas Hetelekis, also known as Hot Dog Joe and Gus George, died, at age 61, on September 24 in the White Plains Hospital. Joe, a veteran of WWI, came to Westchester County in 1919 and became a U.S. citizen in 1926. He operated a “brown snack wagon with its orange colored roof and gold letters reading ‘Here Comes Hot Dog Joe.” He was survived by his wife, Anna Hetelekis. Although it wasn't mentioned in the obituaries, Costas was also survived by a daughter, Anatacia, who was in high school when he died.
Hot Dog Joe was a simple hot dog vendor, selling his popular products near a high school in the small town of Scarsdale. When the town tried to ban his hot dog truck, he fought back, and his struggle quickly took center stage across the country. Backed by many supporters, Joe was successful in battling this ban, elevating the status of the hot dog, possibly solidifying its name (rather than "red hots"). This Greek immigrant was a hot dog Champion! He would spend many years fighting for the hot dog, being arrested multiple times for selling his popular product. He never surrendered and the hot dog industry owes him a great debt.
2 comments:
Now I want a hot dog...thanks, Richard !
Ruth Johnson is The original Karen.....
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