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Over the last
two decades, locals from all around Baltimore made their way to the
heart of Dundalk to indulge in a succulent hot dog prepared fresh on
a moist potato roll steamed to perfection. These savory treasures were
served right from Ken Canterberys hot dog cart, located on Shipping
Place in front of the post office. Canterberys business was first established
in February 1988. He revealed that throughout the years he and his cart
have traveled to several locations around the area, but Historic Dundalk
is where he spent most of his days whipping up his creations and building
lifelong relationships. The little hot spot became the leading destination
to grab a midday snack or to satisfy your growling stomach after a hard
days work. Residents were not the only ones who appreciated Canterberys
services to the community. Several years ago I attended a luncheon at
Squires Restaurant, where Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger revealed that
someone in the audience was going to receive a proclamation declaring
a corner to be named after them in their honor, said Canterbery. To
my astonishment, I was the lucky person in the room and from that day
on my post was known to all as Canterberys Corner. According to Canterbery,
the idea to own his own hot dog cart came to be soon after he was diagnosed
as legally blind, 28 years ago. I met with members of the Opportunities
for the Blind Committee to discuss my future and how I was going to
redeem my independence by finding a job, noted Canterbery. After a week
or so of deliberating my thoughts I decided I wanted to sell hot dogs
because I enjoyed being outside and meeting new people. Thanks to the
help from the committee, Canterbery was granted his wish and was officially
a businessman and the owner of not one but two hot dog carts. It all
seemed like a dream come true until he realized he would have to overcome
a difficult battle with the law. At the time, in order to set up a hot
dog cart, you must continuously keep moving down the street. Being handicapped
this seemed almost impossible for me to do, so this is when I decided
to become involved in politics and have the law changed to help protect
people such as myself, revealed Canterbery. With the help of Senator
Norman R. Stone and Jake Mohorovic (former District 7 member of the
Maryland House of Delegates), the law was changed in 1992 allowing the
handicapped to remain in one spot. Not long after the law was changed,
business was booming and Canterbery was welcomed by the community and
invited to participate in several local parades and rallies. I have
received about 30 certificates over the years for hot dog vending for
churches, scout troops and basically whomever needed my help, said Canterbery.
Along with his involvement with the public, he also developed his very
own Canterbery Corner Deli Sauce with the assistance of Tulkoff Food
Products, Inc. who helped him patent the product. Since its creation,
the sauce has been distributed in Mars Supermarket, Superfresh, Geresbecks
and Valley ViewFarms. According to Canterbery, country radio station
93.1 WPOC broadcasted live from the pavilion across from the post office
to kick off the celebration for the new sauce. I enjoyed being able
to have fun with my business and involve the people. I would have hot
dog eating contests and many other fun events. Along with WPOC, my good
friend Ronnie Dove would make special appearances as well, noted Canterbery.
During my time at the cart, I had loyal customers that would travel
from all over just to see me and have one of my boiled hot dogs. I truly
enjoyed my job and have a lot of great memories. Tragically on May 19,
2011, Canterbery broke 22 bones throughout his body after taking a six-foot
drop into a ditch located on a property that was not ground level. Due
to the accident, Canterbery was diagnosed with congestive heart failure
and has had three of his toes surgically removed. Before my accident
I was outside, five to six days a week, weather and health permitting.
Now with everything Ive been through I will no longer be able to sell
my hot dogs, said Canterbery. He announced he is currently looking to
sell his cart to anyone who is interested. Even though I can no longer
work at the cart, I am still involved within the community. I am the
chairman for the Rosedale Flag Committee, member of the National Federation
of the Blind of Maryland, Baltimore County Chapter (former president)
and a proud member of the Women of Worth, just to name a few. Canterbery
made mention he is also involved in the Eagle Scouts and the 6th District
Democratic and Civic Club in Rosedale. Anyone who is interested in purchasing
Canterberys carts may call him at 410-780-0442.
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