Harry M. Stevens

Harry M. Stevens

Harry M. Stevens (June 14, 1855 – May 3, 1934) was a British-born American food concessionaire who is often credited with popularizing the hot dog in the United States. He was a pioneer in the field of sports concessions and played a significant role in shaping the way food is sold at sporting events.

Early Life

Harry Mozley Stevens was born in Derby, England. He emigrated to the United States in the late 19th century, settling in Niles, Ohio. Initially, Stevens worked in various jobs, including as a bookkeeper and salesman.

Career

Stevens' career took a significant turn when he began selling food at baseball games. He noticed that fans were often hungry and that the food available at the time was inadequate. In 1901, while working at the Polo Grounds in New York City, he introduced the concept of selling hot sausages in rolls, which later became known as hot dogs. This innovation is often credited with making the hot dog a staple of American cuisine.

Innovations

In addition to popularizing the hot dog, Stevens is also credited with introducing the modern scorecard for baseball games. His scorecards became so popular that they are still used in a similar format today. Stevens' company, Harry M. Stevens Inc., expanded its operations to include various sports venues and events, becoming a major player in the food concession industry.

Legacy

Harry M. Stevens passed away on May 3, 1934, but his legacy lives on. His innovations in the food concession industry have had a lasting impact on how food is sold at sporting events. The company he founded continued to operate for many years, maintaining a significant presence in the industry.

See Also

• Hot dog
• Baseball
• Polo Grounds
• Scorecard (baseball)
• Concession stand