O, the memories

I loved the article in Sunday's paper about Sid Simon, who was head of a true Pittsburgh landmark, the Original Hot Dog Shop ("All About the 'O,' " The Next Page, Feb. 15).

It was 1978 and "Shattered" by the Rolling Stones was blaring from inside the O's jukebox. Behind the hot dog counter were Sid and his kids, Larry and Bruce, with Terry back working the fries.

An assortment of musicians, students, academicians, artists and others were gathered together en force to serve hot dogs and beer to the locals who gathered there. Steve Abreu, Bob Price, Karl Mullen, Pete MacBeth, Phil Ciotti, Michael Doman, Mick and an old guy named Tony were all behind the counter greeting customers. A short, friendly security guard was there every time I went until he was shot and killed by a burglar in the Market Square state store at his other job.

In my life, the O was a bridge from college to the rest of my life. It was and is a gathering place like no other, and I for one am glad it's still there. I'll keep my Big "O" T-shirt for old time's sake, and stop to get a hot dog the next time I'm in Oakland.

 

JEANNIE BOHINCE
Level Green