Charlie Nagreen facts for kids
Charles R. Nagreen (born May 2, 1870 – died June 5, 1951) was an American man known as "Hamburger Charlie". He is famous for claiming to have invented the hamburger. Many people believe his story about how this popular food began.
How the Hamburger Idea Started
Charles Nagreen was born in Hortonville, Wisconsin. When he was just 15 years old, in 1885, he worked as a seller at the Seymour Fair. He was trying to sell meatballs, but it wasn't going very well.
A Clever Solution for Hungry Fairgoers
Charlie noticed that people at the fair were hungry. They wanted to eat while they walked around and looked at all the exhibits. But it was hard to walk and eat a meatball at the same time. This gave him a great idea! He decided to flatten a meatball. Then, he placed it between two slices of bread. This made it much easier for people to hold and eat while they explored the fair.
The Birth of the "Charlie Burger"
His new idea was a big hit! People loved being able to enjoy their food on the go. Because his idea was so successful, Charlie Nagreen returned to the Seymour Fair every year. He kept selling his special "Charlie Burgers" until he passed away in Appleton, Wisconsin, in 1951.
