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Hackettstown – Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie, and Fireworks are all part of how we define the wholesome identity that is America. July is "Hot Dog Month" and what better way to celebrate than to have a hot dog with fries and an ice-cold birch beer. Of course, America is far more complex than the images conjured up into the imagination by those simple tropes. Among the examples of what is distinctly American, hot dogs have spanned the American zeitgeist since German immigrants introduced them in the mid 1800’s.

Among the iconic images that bring joy to the summer are hot dogs on the grill, hot dogs at the ballpark, and hot dogs at the summer street fairs. With all the hot dog stands that dot the American landscape, there are few places in all of America that are as iconic as Hot Dog Johnny’s in Buttzville, New Jersey. Located on Route 46 along the Pequest River, Hot Dog Johnny’s has been a part of New Jersey’s history for the last 77 years. Hot Dog Johnny's is one of a kind. There is no other stand, no franchise, no Hot Dog Johnny's Two. Just the one and only stand nestled along the Pequest River in Buttzville. On any given afternoon, particularly in the summer, the parking lot of this historic restaurant is packed with cars, trucks, buses, and particularly motorcycles. It is not unusual on a warm summer afternoon to see lines 20 persons long for each of the four windows serving customers. The Hot Dogs are served the way they’ve always been served, fried in peanut oil along with French fries, (in my opinion are one of the best anywhere) shakes, and of course their famous cold frosty mugs of Birch Beer or Buttermilk.

This last year’s pandemic forced the stand to close only two days keeping alive the work ethic instilled by the founder but with no glass mugs of birch beer, (only served in take-out cups). However, their frosty glass mugs will return when this pandemic is finally far behind us.

Hot Dog Johnny’s is family owned, one of a kind, and has been continuously operated since 1944. Founder John Kovalsky started Hot Dog Johnny’s with his wife Louise in 1944 opening on Palm Sunday with a small shack sharing space with a gas station at the intersection of Route 46 and Route 31. Kovalsky worked in the Dover mines during the day and operated the stand at night serving travelers along the Route 46 corridor long before Rt. 80 was even on the map. The stand quickly outgrew the small shack (which can still be found on the property) and Kovalsky bought the property along the Pequest River on Rt. 46 where it still stands to this day.

There are no real overnight success stories in America in spite of the myths and Hot Dog Johnny’s is no exception. John Kovalsky believed in hard work, and it is the ethic that still runs through the iconic roadside stand to this day. Hot Dog Johnny’s founder John Kovalsky's daughter, Patricia Fotopoulos, can be found everyday standing behind the windows proudly handing out the "Best Hot Dog’s ever, to the most loyal customers ever.” Patricia, who has been involved with the business since it opened in 1944, started at 8 years of age standing on Coca-Cola crates opening bottles and handing out sodas. Today, as the restaurant approaches 80 years in business, she still calls it “a labor of love.”

There is no place this reporter hasn’t been where someone didn’t know about Hot Dog Johnny’s. I saw a man in Amsterdam wearing a Hot Dog Johnny’s tee shirt. A business associate in Dubai who found out I was from New Jersey asked me if I knew of Hot Dog Johnny’s. From Canada to Mexico, and from California to Maine, Hot Dog Johnny’s has garnered a reputation as one of the best places for that purely quintessential American Hot Dog. Ms. Erin Amato and Ms. Casey Eck along with Connor Eck, Mackensie Eck, Cameron Eck, Madelyn Amato, and Ryan Hoffman (featured in the photo) are just some of the patrons who enjoy a visit to Hot Dog Johnny’s passing on the legacy they will hopefully continue to pass down. As their website states, “the testimonies of customers over the years prove Hot Dog Johnny’s visions were on target as they tell stories of coming to Hot Dog Johnny’s as kids with their parents and now come as parents themselves with their own children.” Hot Dog Johnny’s is a place for family and friends. It is a fun place for kids of all ages who wish to “ride on the swings,” have your meal at the tables on the patio or on the grass by the river. A visit to the 77-year-old Hot Dog Johhny’s stand is sure to be an experience for you, your friends, and your family for years to come.

Now more than ever, who doesn’t want to take a step back in time? To return to a time when things were more simple, and not ruled by infection rates and social distancing?

And really, we’re not even talking about sliding into a DeLorean next to some wacky scientist for some serious time travel. No, thanks to COVID, we’d be happy if you dropped us anywhere before March of this year.

But it turns out here in New Jersey, there are plenty of old-timey places where you can eat and feel like you’ve taken a step back to when dining was a simpler affair. Where you can find all of the comforts of foods that, with just one bite, jettison us back in time to when we could hug and shake hands and gather in big groups around a table to share a meal. No time machine required.

This doesn’t mean that any of the eateries listed below have remained trapped in their old-school bubbles, shunning face masks or limited seating to go against state mandates that help minimize the spread of the coronavirus. While they still serve up old-timey grub in nostalgic settings, all have made adjustments to ensure a safe experience. And right now, that’s just what we want to dig into.

Who hasn’t watched Guy Fieri, the flamboyant host of the Food Network’s iconic “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives,” bite into a Dagwood burger at a Midwestern dive and think, “I need that?” Same. Luckily, we’ve got plenty of diners right here in Jersey serving up menus with pages and pages of classic diner fare that would surely make Fieri proclaim these joints to be “the real deal.” In fact, the Garden State is known as the “Diner Capital of the World,” with over 500 of the quintessential eateries still operating across the state.

Here’s a completely unscientific rundown of a couple of our favorites that will make you want to tuck into a booth or slid onto a barstool.

Summit Diner in Summit. (Photo was taken before the pandemic.) Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media

Summit Diner, Summit: Arguably New Jersey’s oldest and best-known diner, if you were searching for an iconic diner vibe for a scene in your movie, Summit Diner would check all of the boxes. But it’s not just its classic stainless steel exterior or rows of booths inside that fit the quintessential diner bill. The food experience is also classic Jersey, with its Taylor ham/pork roll sandwich (known as a “slider”) recently voted tops in the state and a breakfast and brunch menu featuring everything from omelets to cheesesteak to spanakopita. Oh, and leave your credit cards at home because, just like the 1950s era this time warp echoes, cash is the name of the game.

Angelo’s Glassboro Diner in Glassboro. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media

Angelo’s Glassboro Diner, Glassboro: This downstate institution, opened in 1946, also is cash-free but quickly pivoting to accommodate COVID requirements. A big, white tent is pitched next to the vintage exterior of the tiny diner to accommodate guests in a socially distanced fashion. And the menu? Fuggedaboutit. Angelo’s is open seven days a week with dinners available Thursday through Sunday.

Step on the gas and head to one of Jersey’s drive-in joints for a real blast from the eating past. Of course, there’s always one of the retro 16 Sonic Drive-In restaurants scattered throughout the state, where customers sit in their cars and get their orders delivered by carhops zipping around on roller skates. Stewart’s Drive-In, another Jersey drive-in staple, also is offering carhop service at many of its locations throughout the state.

But a couple of traditional eateries have started to offer car service in response to the coronavirus. Because it turns out some times the older ways really are best.

Brownstone Pancake Factory in Englewood Cliffs. Photo by Jeffrey Duran

Brownstone Pancake Factory, Englewood Cliffs: The “killer pancakes” served up at Brownstone Pancake Factory that were featured on a “Big Breakfast” episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives” can actually be delivered right to your car window on select Saturdays and Sundays at its Englewood Cliffs location. Call (201) 945-4800 to make your reservation and you, too, will be saying, “Winner, winner, chicken dinner,” and learning why, pre-COVID, folks would be lining up for the outrageous takes on classic diner fare.

Weber’s Drive-In in Pennsauken. (Photo was taken prior to pandemic.) Photo by Mod Betty

Weber’s Drive-In, Pennsauken: There’s still time before it gets too cold to enjoy a root beer float in the comfort of your vehicle at Weber’s Drive-In. The classic Americana menu features burgers, dogs, grilled cheese, pork roll and tuna fish sandwiches that you can wash down with chocolate or vanilla milkshakes. If that doesn’t make you feel like someone just wrapped you in a blanket, we don’t know what will.

We can’t in good conscience write about all the old-timey eating spots in New Jersey without mentioning one that’s close to our heart (and stomach).

Hot Dog Johnny’s in Buttzville. Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media

Hot Dog Johnny’s, Buttzville: We’re not sure if it’s the hot dog itself or the toppings they slather them in, but Hot Dog Johnny’s — a total joint on the side of Route 46 — is a blast from the past. What started out as a roadside stand in 1944, Hot Dog Johnny’s is the kind of place folks drive hours out of their way for its icy mugs of birch beer and buttermilk, and deep-fried dogs accompanied by a pickle slice while enjoying the view of the nearby Pequest River.

Maybe a proper diner BLT or bite into a deep-fried dog would help us forget about quarantines and remaining six feet apart. In fact, maybe what we all need to be reminded of is just how much we want to get back to more normal times, which might give us the incentive we need to put that mask on at the grocery store or think twice about that big holiday gathering. Indeed, maybe one bite of a crisp, perfect onion ring would be the thing that helps us get back to the future.

Scott Charles Maat

WHITE TWP. — Buttzville United Methodist Church, located at 4 Green Pond Road, is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Charles Maat as its new pastor. The community is invited to join the congregation in welcoming Maat to the area for his inaugural service as pastor 10 a.m. on July 10. A luncheon will be held following the service.

“God has called me to be a Licensed Local Pastor and that is the route I am following,” said Maat, a self-employed cabinet maker who resides in Lafayette with his wife of 25 years, Diane. The couple has three sons: Daniel, 22; Andrew, 19; and Joshua, 17; as well as an Australian Shepherd named Breezy.

Maat, 45, is a Certified Lay Speaker whose background in ministry includes leading a Men’s Bible Study group; co-hosting with his wife a Christian Accountability group; and being involved in Food Pantry and Free Community Dinners, Interfaith Hospital Network, Appalachian Service Project, Christian Outreach Project (COP), Disciple Bible Study, and choir.

In addition to his spiritual leadership, Maat is an active member of his community. He has served as a volunteer firefighter in the Lafayette Fire Department for 19 years and co-leads the junior firefighter program there. He is Assistant Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 850, where his two older sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and his youngest is currently working on his Eagle as well. Maat enjoys sailing, camping, and learning to play guitar.

“Life experiences, the grace of God and the help of others have prepared me for this role,” said Maat, adding that the opportunity to preach the Good News of Christ as a Certified Lay Speaker has been both a privilege and an invaluable experience.

“We are all created by God on purpose for a purpose; all callings are important to Christ,” Maat said. About two years ago, he felt that there was a small congregation out there somewhere that the Lord was calling him to lead. It turns out that small congregation was Buttzville United Methodist Church.

“It is with joyful hearts that we welcome Scott Maat as our new Pastor,” said Cara Quick, who chairs the church’s Staff Parish Relations Committee and serves as Lay Speaking Director for the Skylands District. “The parishioners of Buttzville UMC are excited to grow with him and work with him to continue our missions, both locally and globally.”

There’s really no kind way to say this, so we’re just going to come out with it: What were our Jersey forefathers thinking when they dubbed Buttzville Buttzville? Well, it was named after the founder, Michael Robert Buttz; and that poor guy had to go through life with the initials M. R. Buttz (say it fast with a twang, and you’ll feel his pain). Clearly they had to flip a wooden nickel to choose from all the possibilities: Buttztown, Buttzland, Buttzberg … and it’s tails for Buttzville! (Oh, the puns are bottomless!)

All in jest, of course; but the fact remains that New Jersey doesn’t lack for towns with peculiar names. Let’s explore.

Ho-Ho-Kus (pronounced ho–HO–kus)

With a name that sounds as if it might conjure a spell, this cozy residential town may be a magical place to live; but there’s no hocus-pocus to the story of Ho-Ho-Kus. Despite a bit of a ru-ru-ckus over how the name came to be, the widely held belief is that it’s contracted from the Delaware Indian term Mah-Ho-Ho-Kus, which means “the red cedar.” Ho-hum.

Photo by John | Flickr

Hi-Nella (pronounced like it’s spelled)

A town that sounds like a neighborly greeting on a Mayberry lane, Hi-Nella is a blink of a borough snipped from the now-defunct township of Clementon back in 1929. Less than 1,000 people live in this tiny town whose name is either derived from the Native American term for “high ground” or is a tribute to the coincidentally christened Nella, wife to the developer of Hi-Nella estates. In response to New Jersey’s push to merge smaller towns with larger municipalities to “ease tax burdens,” the borough’s officials resist — leaving the state’s task force with little more to say than, “Bye-Nella.” For now.

Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media

Moonachie (pronounced moo-NAH-key)

If you’re from New Jersey, you know the key to pronouncing “Moonachie” is getting un-hooked on phonics — that “ch” can’t fool you, and you know on which syllable the emphasis goes! Moonachie is one of those fun words to say, like “lollygag” and “snickerdoodle;” but the backstory, though interesting, is rather bland. It’s named for the Iroquois Chief Monaghie, who lived in the cedar forests in the 1600’s. That’s it. If only Moonachie were right next to Buttzville … now that would be fun!

Photo by E. Kalish | Flickr

Succasunna (pronounced suck-uh-sun-uh)

Another entry on the “Fun to Say” list (unless you’re Sylvester the Cat) is Succasunna. Once known as Suckasunny (just try to say that without smiling), its name comes from the Lenni-Lenapi term for “land of black stones” because of the abundant iron ore found there in the early 1700s. Isn’t it IRONic?

Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media

Shamong (pronounced sha-mawng)

Well, “shamong” us for poking fun when we have a town right here that can toot its own horn. The name literally means “place of the horn” because of the abundance of deer that supplied food and clothing for centuries of Native Americans. Not only is Shamong home to the first and last Indian reservation in the state, it’s also home to one of the most heartwarming roadside attractions in Jersey: Mighty Joe the Gorilla, a go-kart mascot salvaged and restored to stand as a memorial to the owner’s son at Mighty Joe’s Gas, Grill and Deli on Route 206.

Photo by Vicky Vinch

Harvey Cedars and Loveladies (pronounced like they’re spelled)

These neighboring towns shore have made a name for themselves on Long Beach Island, luring beachgoers to recreate by the sea for so long that the names sound less and less peculiar. And while there is no man named Harvey Cedars — the name evolved from its original designation as Harvest Quarters — there was a man called Lovelady. Thomas Lovelady, a sportsman who loved hunting, and perhaps ladies, too.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Quibbletown (pronounced like it’s spelled)

Including Quibbletown on this list leaves room for debate. Technically, this 18th century settlement is today an unincorporated community in Piscataway called New Market; but a park and middle school still bear the original argumentative name. Quibbletown is unusually descriptive, reflecting the dispute among different religious denominations as to when to celebrate the Sabbath: Saturday or Sunday. With a little grace, they might have compromised and simply called it Sabbathtown.

Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media

Tavistock (pronounced like it’s spelled)

Tavistock is what happens when people come together for a good cause. You know, like golf. Increasingly teed off by the blue laws prohibiting them from playing the game on Sundays, members of the Haddon Country Club put on their big boy knickers and set off on a new course; that is, they built an entirely new one. One club member had recently acquired the Tavistock estate, and he offered part of it to carve out 18 new holes. Ultimately, the estate and its new golf club seceded from the oppressive borough of Haddonfield, dropping the blue laws in the process. Today, this tract of land measuring less than three-tenths of a square mile is home to approximately five people and the Tavistock Country Club; and its name remains on par with its original designation — a nod to the English hometown of its founder.

Photo by Betsy Kiesling

Honorable Mentions

Thanks to Native Americans, explorers and early settlers, the list of Jersey’s quirky town names is far from finished. And while we poke good-natured fun at these curious designations, we must also make mention of the fact that each one honors a person, family, tribe or language that came before us. It’s legacy. No ifs, ands or Buttz.

Here at New Jersey 101.5, we like to keep things high-minded and informative. It's our goal as your trusted source for what matters in New Jersey.

It's a goal we're totally missing with this post.

So without further ado — the dirtiest town names in New Jersey. Enjoy. We won't tell anyone.

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Nasty NJ town nicknames — Have you heard of them?

Dennis & Judi asked their listeners for the nasty nicknames they've heard their towns referred to. How many have you heard? Which ones would you add?

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Barnegat

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Brick

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Hightstown

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Cranbury

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Howell

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Long Branch

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Keansburg

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LBI

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Madison

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Manalapan

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Perth Amboy

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Netcong

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Ocean Township

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Rumson

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Pittsgrove

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Scotch Plains

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Seaside Heights

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Weehawken

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Woodcliff Lake

Red flags for someone who claims to be from New Jersey

EzumeImages

“You know… I don’t have a hard opinion on whether people say ‘pork roll’ or ‘Taylor ham’”

AtlasStudio

“Don’t you wish they’d make a candle that smelled like the turnpike?”

chat9780

"Best way to start my day? Behind a PA driver in the left lane!"

Michael Symons

“That Motor Vehicle Commission is one well oiled machine!”

Getty stock / Thinkstock

“Well, actually, I pronounce it ‘NEW JOISEY’”

Pe3check

“I don’t think there even really is Central Jersey.”

LorenzoPatoia

“I love it when I get to pump my own gas.”

AndreyPopov

“Property taxes? Never noticed them”

bhofack2

“Bagels are pretty much the same wherever you get them”

Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

“I’ve never seen The Sopranos, where did that take place?”

Petardj

“Diners are fine, but I wish they weren’t open so late.”

AP

“Springsteen? Bon Jovi? It’s all the same to me!”

Getty stock / Thinkstock

“Honestly? I prefer Chicago style pizza”

Dino Flammia

“Oh, I don’t mind the beach fees”

Irina Igumnova

“You know who handles winter storms extremely well? Governor Murphy!”

Darrin Klimek

“I’ve never heard of Mischief Night”

Simona Dumitru/ Think stock

“The Statue of Liberty is located in New York, I’m sure of it!”

SIphotography

“I have to travel to ‘MAN-uh-LAP-in’ this weekend”

Andrew Burton/ getty images

“There’s no WAY Chris Christie knew about Bridgegate beforehand.”