How often can you say you had your meal delivered by model train? The Hamburger Junction, whose sign is pictured here at the corner of Harford and Joppa roads, used a model freight train that ran along tracks set just inside the counter to bring your burger to you. The Hamburger Junction was torn down in May 1965. Taken by the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company in 1966, this black-and-white photo highlights the power lines that ran along the streets in this once rural area. Today, it is a bustling intersection with several stores and restaurants nearby and is almost unrecognizable 60 years later.
—Maggi Marzolf, archives manager at the Baltimore Museum of Industry
I have fond memories of Hamburger Junction. Back then, I was less than 10 years old and rather shy.
My parents never wanted to sit at the counter (where your meal was delivered on an actual model train). They preferred a booth or table. They wanted to relax after a long trip from our home in the South East corner of Harford County.
A unique item on their menu was named “The Flaming Sundae”. It was a large version of a typical Ice Cream Sundae of your choice.
I arrived in a tall, fancy, clear Sundae glass with all the yummy extras you could select.
This was before the days of Cool Whip. It was topped with a huge pile of fresh whipped creme.
That’s just the starter. At the very top of the fresh whipped cream was a moderate sized sugar cube which had been saturated with shot of grain alcohol.
Just prior to serving this magnificent treat, someone would announce over the P.A.; “Someone at table #? has requested a Hamburger Junction, Flaming Sundae”.
All the lights would be dimmed, then they’d light up that flammable sugar cube,
Everyone would applaud. An amazing presentation!
I really wanted one of those, but like I said, I was too shy.
After witnessing that several times, I finally figured out the fix.
I ordered A Flaming Sundae, Without THE FLAME..
The waitres had a good laugh, I was able to fill my face without embarrassment.