Food

Part of a nation's history lies in what people eat. Artifacts at the Museum document the history of food in the United States from farm machinery to diet fads.

More than 1,300 pieces of stoneware and earthenware show how Americans have stored, prepared, and served food for centuries. Ovens, cookie cutters, kettles, aprons, and ice-cream-making machines are part of the collections, along with home canning jars and winemaking equipment. More than 1,000 objects recently came to the Museum when author and cooking show host Julia Child donated her entire kitchen, from appliances to cookbooks.

Advertising and business records of several food companies—such as Hills Brothers Coffee, Pepsi Cola, and Campbell's Soup—represent the commercial side of the subject

One of a pair of blue-green porcelain spoons that were made in China and used in Mendocino, California. This type of spoon was known by white Californians as a "railroad spoon," presumably because of its association with Chinese railroad laborers.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
One of a pair of blue-green porcelain spoons that were made in China and used in Mendocino, California. This type of spoon was known by white Californians as a "railroad spoon," presumably because of its association with Chinese railroad laborers.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1850 - 1875
ID Number
CL.65.1374B
accession number
280280
catalog number
65.1374B
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1875 - 1899
ID Number
CL.64.0533
catalog number
64.0533
accession number
251849

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