An innocuous 3-foot tall granite marker commemorating the invention of the cheeseburger in 1935 has become the center of a heated controversy near the intersection of Speer Boulevard and Zuni Street in Colorado. The monument, now situated by a Key Bank, marks the location of the former site of the Humpty Dumpty Barrel, which was considered Colorado’s first drive-in restaurant. The marker pays tribute to Louis Ballast, who is credited with creating the iconic American food staple.
The controversy arises from conflicting claims to the invention of the cheeseburger. A printed restaurant menu from 1934 in Louisville, Kentucky, showcases a cheeseburger, casting doubt on Ballast’s claim. Additionally, a line cook from Pasadena, California, alleges to have served the cheeseburger in 1924. These claims pose a challenge to the legitimacy of Ballast’s invention.
However, what remains indisputable is that Ballast initiated the trademarking process for the cheeseburger in 1935, although he never completed it. His son, David Ballast, acknowledged this fact and lamented that his father’s failure to trademark the cheeseburger prevented him from becoming a millionaire. It is worth noting that Ballast also experimented with various toppings including peanut butter and Hershey’s bars before settling on cheese.
The Humpty Dumpty Barrel was not only known for creating delicious cheeseburgers but also for its ambiance. Longtime Denver resident Rita Segura fondly recalls the gathering of older people and young kids at the restaurant. For her, ordering a cheeseburger and root beer at the Humpty Dumpty Barrel was a cherished childhood memory.
The controversy surrounding the invention of the cheeseburger demonstrates the difficulties in determining the true origin of a beloved dish. While Ballast’s claim is supported by the presence of the marker and his initiation of the trademarking process, the existence of a printed menu from 1934 and the testimony of a line cook from 1924 pose compelling alternative narratives. As debates continue, food enthusiasts and historians alike will undoubtedly follow the developments closely, eager to uncover the true creator of the iconic cheeseburger.
