Located in a town alive with character and a vibrant past, Dino and Harry’s is excited to share some stories about the great city of Hoboken.  Whether you live here or are visiting, the history of Hoboken  is like a good meal; something to be cherished and enjoyed. Sit back and take pleasure in some tales of the city to share with your loved ones on your next dinner at Dino and Harry’s!

 What’s in a Name

What is now known today as Castle Point, the highest point in Hoboken, was discovered in 1609 by Henry Hudson’s navigator. The men aboard the ship Half Moon are said to be the first Europeans to discover the land. They were followed by Dutchman, who called the land “Hoebuck” meaning “high land.” It is said that the name Hoboken is a manipulation of this Dutch word. The land was also referred to as “Hopoghan Hackingh,” or “Land of the Tobacco Pipe,” by the Lenape Indians.

The land was eventually purchased in 1784, by Colonel John Stevens, Colonial Treasurer of New Jersey. He came up with the name “Hoboken” where his family would become an important part of the city’s history. 

A Lovely Day for a Picnic

With the residents of New York City in mind, Stevens turned Hoboken into a resort town, transforming the picturesque waterfront into a recreation area. A riverfront walk and park was designed, that still holds up in downtown Hoboken today, which drew a crowd of 20,000 New Yorkers indulging in Sunday picnics.

Play Ball!

On land now known as 11th Street, the first organized game of baseball was played here in Hoboken, in 1846. This land was referred to as Elysian Fields, which is now the current site of Elysian Park. The New York Nine defeated the Knickerbockers, 23 to 1 in this very first baseball game. What a game!

Beer, Ice Cream and Zippers

There were many “firsts” in Hoboken aside from baseball. Hoboken is home to the very first brewery, the Tootsie Roll. Soft serve ice cream was also born in this historic town, as well as the ever so useful zipper.

“Heaven, Hell or Hoboken by Christmas”

While the town enjoyed a brief period as a resort town, it was a historically popular place for immigrants to settle down in due to its close proximity to Ellis Island. There were many jobs and affordable rents available, making this a haven for those starting a life in America.

The Hoboken Port was also a point of return for three million soldiers during the First World War. In hopes of a quick return, came the slogan “Heaven, Hell or Hoboken by Christmas.”

On The Waterfront

Hoboken was not a stranger when it came to fame. With its close proximity to New York City and unique characteristics, the city was a successful backdrop for films. On location for 36 days, Elia Kazan’s On the Waterfront used Hoboken as a setting to add realism to the film. This Hollywood drama used the docks located on waterfronts of Hoboken, where Dino and Harry’s is today!

The piers and warehouse which you will see in the film are long gone today, but the history still remains! The church which served as the setting on scenes in the film still stands today, at Our Lady of Grace Church located at 400 Willow Avenue. The park in front of the church, Stevens Park, and Saint Peter and Saint Paul Church, located at 404 Hudson Street, can also be seen in the film.

Fun fact: Hoboken’s own Frank Sinatra was the original choice to play the protagonist Terry Malloy, which was ultimately played by Marlon Brando. This Hollywood hit is also the only movie in which we can see the Andrea Doria, the Italian liner that sank in 1956 after a collision in the Atlantic Ocean.

With so much history to offer, Hoboken is a magnificent place to be! Here at Dino and Harry’s we are always proud to share the history of our town with a side of dry-aged steak and smooth jazz!  Don’t forget to ‘Like’ us on Facebook to find out more about our restaurant. To avoid a long wait and a headache, make reservations at Dino and Harry’s online. We hope to see you soon!