The Hamburger Wagon is approaching its 105th anniversary. Some love them, some don’t. If you have not tried them yet, what are you waiting for ?? **

** NOW IS YOUR CHANCE, COMMENT BELOW and YOU WILL BE ENTERED TO WIN 10 Burgers or 5 Doubles!**

Sherman “Cocky” Porter in the soaked streets from the 1913 Great Flood

HERE’S THE SKINNY on the BEGINNING OF THE HAMBURGER WAGON:

The year was 1913. Daytonians know this as the year of the Great Flood of 1913. The city was decimated by flood waters and finding fresh food that had not been contaminated was tough. Miamisburg was no exception as floodwaters from the Great Miami River wreaked havoc in the village. Miamisburg was virtually under water. In emergency response, the Red Cross set up tents for displaced residents and workers at the top of the Mound Hill.

One of volunteers, made a decision that day, that would change history in Miamisburg. His name was Sherman “Cocky” Porter. He knew with the cold weather, people needed a warm food which was easy to produce in mass quantities. He decided on an old favorite family recipe of hamburgers. The tasty burgers were a huge hit and grew in popularity across the city.

The Book that put The Hamburger Wagon in the top 100 in the USA”

As the floodwaters receded, the tent city closed and life in Miamisburg returned to normal. But by then an addiction had been started. Miamisburg residents loved the little “Porter Burgers” so much that he kept up with the demand and served customers everyday. After the flood, Sherman Porter kept his hamburger wagon open, selling burgers on Saturdays. They were so popular it soon became a full-time operation and the rest is history. Fast forward to 2018 – One Hundred and Five Years Later, and not much has changed.

HERE’S THE SKINNY on TODAY‘S HAMBURGER WAGON:

—The wagon you see today is not the original on, it is a refurbished , close replica.

— in 2018 The Hamburger Wagon menu has 5 items:
Hamburger $1.25
Chips $1.25
Can of Pop $1.25
Double Burger $2.50

—The burgers are smashed cooked/flash fried in a deep, iron pan in an inch of oil. They are topped with a round white onion slice, a pickle sliced long ways. The burgers are given a shake of salt and pepper. The result is a one of a kind taste and a signature crunch.

The Legendary Burger from Hamburger Wagon

— On very busy days, the wagon sells around 1,500 burgers

—Super Secret Hamburer Wagon Meat Recipe: For over 100 years the recipe has been a guarded and secured in a vault of secrecy. Rumors abound of a little bit of sausage being in the meat, but Food Adventures cannot confirm or deny this.

—The Hamburger Wagon’s mantra is “We don’t need no stinking condiments, no cheeses or sloppy sauces.”

Six people have owned the Hamburger Wagon over the century, the latest being Dayton native, Jack Sperry.

HERE’S THE SKINNY ON THE OWNER, JACK SPERRY:

— In 2008 Jack bought the Hamburger Wagon, and has since launched 2 more mobile wagons for private events, parties

Wagon Owner, Jack Sperry

and festivals.

— Jack is a former All State Football player at Centerville High School for the class of 1980. He is also an Ohio state graduate.

— Mr. Sperry has 2 daughters and is very involved with Miamisburg happenings. For example, he is instrumental in organizing the Rock N Green tomato festival each year in Miamisburg.

NATIONAL RECOGNITION:
The Book “Hamburger America” gave The Hamburger Wagon a national shout out in their book. The book highlights their opinion of the best 150 hamburgers in the USA.

Smashing and splashing – frying up burgers

MUST EATS at the HAMBURGR WAGON:

—THE HAMBURGERS:
You have to try the legend. Take a bite out of the icon with the crisp onion and pickle. Devour the crunchy patty, and take a step back in time. The burger bun also adds to the goodness.

—THE DOUBLE:
The Big Ragu says this is the best thing on the menu. Why? Because the onion can be a little powerful, and the double deadens some of that. Breathe less fire, get the double burger.

The bottom line is that if you are bit of a Food Adventurer, you will have already tried these or will be trying them soon. Go for the single and double – tell us which one you like better.

*****WANT TO WIN 10 BURGERS or 5 DOUBLES? You can have lunch with the Big Ragu and Food Adventure Crew on a bench or get them to go . TO ENTER THE CONTEST COMMENT BELOW AT THE END OF THE PHOTOS *****

Feel free to browse the gallery of photos below.

For more of Dayton’s iconic foods, follow FOOD ADVENTURES on Facebook by clicking here. Don’t forget to check back each and every week for our feature article right here on Dayton Most Metro !