You just have to go to Jack’s Hot Dogs. It just opened . . . in 1917. Sandy's father Jimmy went there and so did my dad, Joe Bacon. It is on Eagle Street, which is a one way street around the corner from the Mohawk Theatre.
I saw Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier there. Not at Jack’s, at the Mohawk. The real Crockett preferred to be called David.
Sandy and I live 200 miles from there but we went to Jack’s twice last month. Once by ourselves for Sandy's high school reunion trip and the next time with our friends John and Barb Cerri. They wanted a tour of Adams. Go figure. To see the lime stone quarry, Saint Stanislaus Polish Church,
Angelina's Sub Shop, Jaeschke’s (yes-keys) Orchard for apples,
the houses we grew up in , the schools we went to and of course Mount Greylock, the highest mountain in Massachusetts, which overlooks the town of Adams.
The town was named after Samuel Adams because of all the drinking that goes on there.
Jack’s is really small. There are only 13 stools -- the old kind that swivel but do not have backs on them.
Service is fast and efficient. If the stools are full, you just line up against the wall and wait your turn. When you are up against the wall waiting, you can touch the person sitting in front of you by simply putting your arm out straight.
For your drink and if you are a veteran you always say "tap," meaning tap water, instead of soda. In the Berkshires it's soda, not tonic or pop. Water in the Hoosic Valley is delicious. Also, subs there are called grinders. “Aye” is used a lot, as in, "So how yah been, aye?” There are many former French Canadians in North Adams.
One employee only takes take-out orders over the phone. Twenty-seven dogs can be a typical order. Williams College is fairly close by and so is the new Mass Moca Museum, which is definitely worth seeing.
Oh yah, the old North Adams State College (now Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts) is really close by also.
The food is great if you like hamburgs, hot dogs and fries. The cheeseburgers are soooooo hot when they are put in front of you that you will burn your mouth if you bite in right away. I like you so I will tell you this secret. When you are down to the last two bites of your hamburger, order a second one. Then use the same plan for the third one. No really, I know you can do this.
The rolls, oh the rolls, are steamed and piping hot. I always get raw onions on mine but go ahead and have it your way. The slogan "Have It Your Way” was stolen by a big hamburg chain.
Hamburgers are 98 cents and cheeseburgers a little more. We ate like pigs when we went with the Cerris and lunch was $15.00 for the four of us. Barb had a chili cheese hot dog and a cheeseburger and John had a chili cheese dog and two cheeseburgers. Yes of course they shared french fries.
Well they do have a hot dog eating contest. It is in October.
Like the writing on the front window says, "Fit For A King."
This has been a total non-fictional story and thanks for listening.
Bobby Bacon was the winner of the hot dog eating contest in October of 1961
OK . . . really , really close to non fiction
SOME COMMENTS:
Oh my gosh great post...we had Jacks at Baci's last Feb. Uncle Chet turned me on to them. I had a burger and knew instantly why he suggested two or three. I think I could have had five. Mmm good. Thanks for the memory. - Chris Bailey
I may have to start eating hotdogs, Aye? - Marnie Bacon
Great story and pictures. Locals won't be happy when all of Bob's World shows up! About the name of the town though????? - Barb Sylvester
You should make sure Jack sees this!! - Angela Scieszka
This is a great post with great pictures. I felt like I was back in Adams. And if I ever have the chance to return – I’m definitely going to Jack’s. I don’t remember Dick mentioning that place. - Pam Brodalski
Hi Bob, next time I'm up that way I will definitely find Jack's. The area is a great riding destination. Thanks for the blog. - Diane Colligan
