Legendary Hot Dogs Sprang From Rockville's 1800s Textile Kingdom

VERNON, CT — A picture that is part of an updated display at the Vernon Historical Society depicts the origins of a popular hot dog brand that emerged in a hub of the Victorian Era textile industry.

The display showcases images from the society's book "Vernon, Our Town." One of them travels down West Main Street in the Rockville section of Vernon, across from what was Florence Mill, at the corner of West Main and Ward streets. It was 1890 and a team of butchers stands on the curb amid bunting to commemorate the opening of Grote & Weigel, a meat emporium whose hot dogs are still marketed today.

Grote & Weigel is recognized in business circles as one of the oldest meat companies in the nation. Its hot dogs are known for a snap that sound the release of natural juices that light a spark on even the most discerning of frankfurter palates. The fine print on the packages quietly remarks, "simply the best."

The famed 2-foot-long dog at Doogie's in Newington is one example of its products.

Grote & Weigel moved to Hartford in 1966 and is now located in Bloomfield. Amid bouts with financial consternation, Racheal's Food Corp scooped up the brand from the auction block in 2012 and the hot dogs are still marketed at giant stores like Big Y World Class Market and Sam's Club.

The original butcher shop location still stands and serves as a multi-family residence in Rockville. The mills across the street are also residences now.