Cult-status burgers still providing comfort through disasters and pandemics 107 years later

Back in 1913, Miamisburg's Hamburger Wagon was born out of a need to feed the hungry and weary during the Great Flood of 1913. More than a century later, the eatery is fulfilling that same mission.

Back in 1913, Miamisburg's Hamburger Wagon was born out of a need to feed the hungry and weary during the Great Flood of 1913. More than a century later, the eatery is fulfilling that same mission.
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By Ashley Moor
March 31, 2020
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Many great ideas are crafted in times of crisis — and for one Dayton institution, this great idea came in the form of cult-like burgers.

Throughout the centuries, Daytonians have overcome quite a few natural disasters and pandemics. Perhaps the most catastrophic of these disasters was the Great Flood of 1913, which flooded the city of Dayton and surrounding communities with water (some streets were hidden under 10 feet of water) and killed approximately 123 people. Thousands were left without food or shelter. Despite these trying times, Sherman “Cocky” Porter came up with an idea to help these displaced individuals.

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Using a favorite family recipe, Porter began serving up hamburgers to the flood victims and relief workers in downtown Miamisburg. Porter’s hamburgers served as a delicious distraction atop Mound Hill, where the Red Cross had set up a tent city for the displaced flood victims.

Miamisburg Hamburger Wagon Even with the tiny space it occupies( most of the time parked at 12 E. Central Ave) the...

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Eventually, his burgers became so popular that, even after the flood waters receded, the locals requested that Porter begin making them again for the masses. So, for a while, when he wasn’t working his day job as a wheelmaker at the Enterprise Buggy Company on Pearl Street in Miamisburg, he was serving up his “Porter Burgers” to those who could afford the luxury.

The first iteration of the now-famous symbol of the restaurant, the wagon, was crafted by Porter at the Enterprise Buggy Company, and was based on an old-fashioned milk delivery truck. Eventually, Porter became equally famous for his “booming cat call” to potential customers: “Pickle in the middle and onion on top makes your belly go flippity-flop.”

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Porter and his descendants owned the wagon until 1970, and then it was passed from owner to owner until the current owner, Jack Sperry, purchased the wagon.

More than a century later, the Hamburger Wagon is doing its part to feed the hungry in Miamisburg and Dayton during turbulent times.

“Like we did in 1913 for the Great Flood, the Hamburger Wagon will continue to provide hot, delicious food to our community,” the restaurant stated in a recent Facebook post.

At least for the foreseeable future, the Hamburger Wagon will be open to the public from its post on 12 E. Central Ave. in downtown Miamisburg from noon to 5 p.m., seven days a week.

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To keep up to date on all the happenings at the Hamburger Wagon, customers can pay a visit to the restaurant's Facebook page or website.

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About the Author

Ashley Moor