Hot dogs, penguins and shopping on the Avenue: Readers remember the Highlandtown of their youth

Rafael Alvarez’s April 25 column, “Highlandtown hot dogs — from the heart,” was another home run. I took my two youngest to G&A Coney Island Hot Dogs this winter figuring there was a part of their DNA that needed to be fed. I think they tired of my stories about shopping Eastern Avenue as a kid, but they liked the hot dogs.

A few years ago, my oldest daughter, raised in the suburbs, was out with some friends who told her they were going to take her to a great place for a hot dog. When they got to G&A, she told them with smug aplomb that she had been there before with her dad. They were suitably impressed. Apparently G&A is *gasp* hip!

Leo Ryan

Towson

I read Rafael Alvarez’s article on G&A Coney Island Hot Dogs in Highlandtown. My birthday was last Saturday, and I knew that one day there would be something that would make me feel finally older (not a bad thing) and reminisce about my youth.

His article brought back such nice memories for me! When I was a kid, I hated that my mom would drag me to Epstein’s, but the candy store always was the treat — of course after a Combination (hot dog and hamburger with chili) at G&A!

Thanks for such a good article and happy tears thinking of the memories!

Tina Sulewski

Abingdon

I usually don’t respond to newspapers but couldn’t help myself after reading Rafael Alvarez’s article on Highlandtown and the G&A. As a little girl, my mom, sister and I enjoyed trips to Highlandtown from Rosedale, and were always rewarded for being good with a lunch at the G&A — whether it was the yummy chili dogs and fries with gravy, the delicious hamburgers with their sauce and onions, or a real dinner — I remember the roast veal with mashed potatoes.

My main reason for writing is to let you know that your wife is correct — there were penguins at Eastpoint! They weren’t just there for “one Christmas,” but for a couple of years. They were in a glassed enclosure right outside of Hoschild Kohn department store, which is the current location of Value City. Please let Mrs. Alvarez know that you now believe her.

Thanks for the stroll down memory lane. I now live in Cub Hill but wonder if I could talk my husband into a quick trip to Highlandtown to pick up a few of those chili dogs. Hmmmm.

Betty Barton

Cub Hill

In regards to the April 25 column on Highlandtown, I’m afraid your ex was right. Back in the late 1950s and ’60s, Hoschild Kohn department store actually had live penguins. The penguin pool was in a glass-enclosed corner of the lower level. It was temperature-controlled, and it was a big treat to watch at feeding time.

Also, Hess shoe store, in the middle of the mall, had a glass-enclosed monkey cage. This was on the side of the store that is now a walkway entrance to J.C. Penney.

Tom DeNardo

Rosedale

I love Rafael Alvarez’s columns! I am too nostalgic at times and have a hard time finding people who remember the Baltimore that I knew and loved. It is gone forever. But his occasional reminders, such as the one on G&A Coney Island Hot Dogs, are words for sore ears! And yes, I too recall the live penguins in the window of Hoschild Kohn. No one I tell that to remembers!

Thanks for the great columns.

Scott A. McWilliams

Timonium