Charles’ 
Slide of the Week: June 24th, 2004
The Hot Dog Show, Ontario, 1950
In my hometown of Ontario, five years ago when I was running around out there looking for images to include in my first book, Cruising the Pomona Valley 1930 thru 1970, I ran across this amazing slide. I got it from the owner of the Hot Dog Show, Norma Jones. I wonder if she ever noticed that those red and white striped curtains look more like a rather large person squatting -therefore making those hot dogs with angel wings and halos very unappetizing.
Before the San Bernardino Freeway was extended through the Pomona Valley in 1955, Hollywood stars would pass by the Hot Dog Show on their way to and from Palm Springs. Norma told me about the time that Joan Crawford pulled up in a big chauffer driven black limousine. But before she ordered a round of hot dogs for the chauffer, nanny, twins and precious little Christina, she insisted upon inspecting the cleanliness of the kitchen. After it passed her test, she sat in the kitchen and smoked a cigarette while they sat patio and ate their hot dogs.
In 1960 the Hot Dog Show burned to the ground - grease fire in the kitchen. It was replaced by a taco stand. There is one Hot Dog Show still standing -across the street from Bob’s Big Boy in Toluca Lake.
God Bless Americana!
Charles Phoenix
Los Angeles
June 2004
Sets this Slide belongs to:
Roadslide
6 Comments on “The Hot Dog Show, Ontario, 1950”
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January 20th, 2007 at 11:38 am
A blast from MY past. There was a Hot Dog Show in Pacific Palisades, a “westside” community in Los Angeles. As kids in the late 60s we would ride the bus, eat at The Hot Dog Show , then walk across the street to see a movie at the neighborhood theatre for $0.50. Thanks for the trip!
May 29th, 2007 at 9:28 am
I also (fondly) recall the Palisades Hot Dog Show (and worked there as a teen in the mid-1970s). It closed in about 1979, and while I knew of the Toluca Lake location, I was very surprised to learn there was one in Ontario. They (all three “shows) are spitting-images architecturally. Thanks for the memory picture. Long live the “Beagle!”
November 9th, 2007 at 2:09 pm
I had do do a double take. Just now (okay a minute ago) I opened a “Surf” and saw the Hot Dog Show in the Palisades and remeber the .50 cent shows at the Bay Theater too. I’ll bet .50 cents that if there is a theater near the “Show” in Ontario it no longer will be less than the dollar!
February 1st, 2008 at 3:41 am
The Palisades Hot dog Show was the 1st place I ever ate a hamburger. I thought it was the greatest thing I’d ever tasted (chargrilled as I remember) We would throw fries at the toy train that circled the restaurant up near the ceiling to try and derail it. The Palisades was so great to grow up in back in the sixties and seventies before all the millionaires moved in and took over. On a side note, I just saw The Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) tonight and The Burbank Hot dog Show was shown in one scene. Cool!
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:02 am
This is great. The Hot Dog Show in Ontario with my dad. Both real hot dog lovers. The Hot Dog Show was my favorite. Valley Drive In was the place on Friday and Saturday nights. Thanks.
April 11th, 2008 at 8:21 am
OH…MY…GOD!!!This slide is sooooo bizarre…yes, Charles, this does indeed look like a giant person squatting…and those hot dogs underneath…ugh. What were the owners thinking??? I don’t know whether to barf or laugh at this…me thinks I’ll do
both!!