Who does America think really invented the Hamburger?
The Verdict Is In….. Seymour, WI
There have been some classic trials in American history, however, never before has the question that everyone is afraid to address been brought to the courtroom until August 12th, 2006 in Akron, Ohio at the National Hamburger Festival. A mock trial called “The Hamburger Hearings” was held to find out who really invented the hamburger.
Four cities gathered to stake their claim in American history. Each city had the opportunity to state their case in front of Judge Murphy and four jury members that comprised the “Burger Commission”. The jury could not come to a decision, therefore, the judge decided to have a two week on-line vote at hamburgerfestival.com. Seymour WI received the most votes. Bill Collar, Seymour representative said, "Hamburger Charlie tips his chef's hat to the people of Seymour and all our burger buddies in Wisconsin who voted to keep Seymour on top of the burger battle. Justice was served. Well done!"
It was a close vote. The final results are listed below:
1st Place…..Seymour, WI - The story of Charles Nagreen in 1885 (39.6%)
2nd Place…..Akron, Ohio - The story of Frank and Charles Menches in 1885 (30.1%)
3rd Place…..New Haven, CT – The story of Louis Lassen in 1900 (26.7%)
4th Place…..Athens, TX – The story of Fletcher Davis in 1904 (3.7%)
TOTAL VOTES: 6948
Could there be a rematch next year or even an appeal?
“The Menches family, as one of the four claims, tips their Top and Derby hats in congratulating the community of Seymour Wisconsin for their enthusiasm in winning the national vote in support of their claim”, said John Menches, great-grandson of Charles Menches.