Hudson Beer Gardens, 419 Hudson Street, The Burg
The corner of Hudson Street and Mott Street.
This building was the Burg legends' location for
many years. I still remember the phrase "I'm goin
to the Hudson" like it was yesterday.
God Bless The Old Burg:)
16 comments:
HI MAC....THE ONE THING THAT I REMEMBER SO MUCH ABOUT THE HUDSON BEER GARDEN IS THE WAY GAETANO, THE OWNER, WAS ABLE TO READ THE DOLLAR BILLS AT THE BAR. HIS EYES WERE SO BAD HE HELD THEM FOR SOME TIME TO SEE THE AMOUNT. LATTER ON "SNAKE" WORKED THE BAR, WHILE TOMMY AND ROSE CARRIED ON. THEY WERE ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR TAVERNS IN THE BURG.
Let me ask. Does the "garden" in the name indicate that there was an outdoor aspect of the place? The beer garden was a German thing. Gaetano was the original owner? Just wondering about the history of the name and whether it reaches way back. Thanks.
....HI, AS FAR AS I KNOW, I DON'T BELIEVE THEY EVER HAD ANY OUTDOOR FACILITES. CHAMBERSBURG WAS HIGHLY POPULATED AND SPACE WAS AT A PREMIUM,THE BIGGEST PROBLEM WAS PARKING BUT THEN AGAIN DURING THAT ERA THERE WERE VERY LITTLE CARS AROUND. EVERYTHING WAS WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE.
I going to guess the Garden thing had to do with Prohibition. Back in Tom Glover's post from 1935 Trenton NJ Night Life (http://glover320.blogspot.com/2010/09/1935-trenton-night-life.html) there were a few "Gardens" in that listing, and I doubt they were all for the roses. I'll bet it had to be a way getting or keeping a license to operate during the dry years. Maybe they were even speakeasies. There weer a couple of those on our 800 block of South Clinton.
Ralph, any memories of such establishments?
I'M QUITE SURE THERE WERE A FEW SPEAKEASIES IN THE BURG ALONG WITH GAMBLING DURING THE PROHIBITION ERA. KID EMMONS AND OTHERS WERE CONSIDERED GAMBLERS WHILE BOOTLEGGING WAS COMMON IN MANY SECTIONS OF THE CITY. THE NUMBERS RACKET WAS WIDE OPEN, AND EVEN IF YOU BET JUST PENNIES, IT WAS EASY TO PLACE BETS. WHEN PROHIBITION WAS OVER, THINGS GOT BACK TO NORMAL AND MOST PEOPLE WENT BACK TO WORK.
Ralph, Do you know what is the oldest operating bar in the Burg? I want to say Rossi's but that's only a guess. Thanks. Ed
I CAN'T ANSWER ANONYMOUS QUESTION CAUSE I'VE BEEN AWAY FROM THE BURG FOR QUITE SOME TIME. BUT I BELIEVE ROSSI'S IS CERTAINLY AMONG THE OLDEST. SORRY.
I grew there. My family owned that restaurant. Started by my Great Grandparents, ended with my Uncle John. Only place in the country with a charcoal pit at the time. Mother still has the beauty shop across the street. you can put 1000 more restaurants in that spot,and they will never last as long as the gardens. As far as the "Garden", for years my Great Grandmother grew the produce in the back!!
i remember going there as a kid , then as a student when i went to helene fuld . what memories
I worked as a waitress there in 1975 for a couple of years....I remember an older woman who made the pasta Fagioli every day...the best I have ever eaten and to this day I compare all other pasta Fagioli to hers....I don't remember her speaking English, but she would tell me to "eat, eat" because I was too skinny...Loved working there....
Debby, my favorite dinner at the Hudson was the veal Parmesan several generations of our family frequented there never being disappointed. I have tried and tried to get close to the texture and flavor never succeeding. It was not ground veal it was likely chopped through a shredder or blades left nice and plump and juicy. It's been years and I still yearn fi that dish! Anyone know their recipe? I have the T sauce mastered. jrobx17@gmail.com
JR
Grew up at 411
They were not known for the food.
Not a garden within sight but loved the mystic
Gaetano and Rose (Pica) Chiacchio were a critical part in the foundation of one of the strongest communities in NJ at the time. Chambersburg was the safest place you could be. There were rules and that was stronger than the Law.
Best steak sandwiches ever
I remember the Hudson Beer Garden really well. Been gone from there for sixty years. The steak sandwich beat anything Philly had to offer. I used to get one or two while in the USAF to take back to Fl with me. Could stand it and would usually eat the whole thing while night time driving. Wish the Garden was still there!!! TJD
No question. The onions!
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