The origin of the Hoagie legend is steeped in history. It is said that an area of Philadelphia known as Hog Island, a shipyard during World War I, had many Italian immigrant workers who ate large Italian sandwiches made with sausages, spices, oil, tomatoes, onions and peppers for lunch. This is where the story of the Hoagie begins. Robboy, who is now 57 years old and is professor of sociology at the College of New Jersey, near Trenton, was at Temple University in the late 1960s when he delivered a final paper on the origins of the hoagie to his professor and possible co-author, Edwin Eames. This paper was the first to document the history of the Hoagie. The paper revealed that Dominic Conti, an Italian immigrant, owned a small grocery store in New Jersey where he sold Italian sandwiches made with a recipe he took from home.
This sandwich was called a “hoggie” and it was made with cold cuts, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and oil. It was served on a long roll. The sandwich became popular with local workers and eventually became known as the “hoagie”. The name “hoagie” is believed to have come from the Hog Island shipyard workers who would call out “Hoagie!” when they wanted one of these sandwiches. Today, the hoagie is a popular sandwich all over the United States. It is usually served on a long roll with cold cuts, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and oil.
It can also be served with other ingredients such as peppers or pickles. The hoagie has become an iconic sandwich in New Jersey and it is enjoyed by people all over the world. The next time you are in New Jersey, be sure to try one of these delicious sandwiches!.
