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

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1950 - 1959
1950 - 1959
date produced
ca. 1950
associated dates
1992 06 02 / 1992 06 02
designer
Kogan, Belle
maker
Kogan, Belle
ID Number
1992.0257.12.ab
accession number
1992.0257
catalog number
1992.0257.12ab
This clear plastic McDonald’s® premium toy bag was used to distribute toy #2, “Mr. Potato Head and Mrs. Potato Head.” The bags were used to package McDonald’s® toys inside the Happy Meal® box.
Description
This clear plastic McDonald’s® premium toy bag was used to distribute toy #2, “Mr. Potato Head and Mrs. Potato Head.” The bags were used to package McDonald’s® toys inside the Happy Meal® box. The premium bag has Ronald McDonald and the golden arches logo printed on one side and pertinent toy information printed inside a blue box. On the reverse, warning information regarding the toys has been printed for consumers. The Happy Meal® was released in 1979 as a way to package a meal together in a fun, collectible container that appealed to children. Happy Meals® have since become progressively more elaborate in the type of food offered (with various healthier options) and the premiums available with the meal. In 1996, McDonald’s® and Disney signed a 10 year, exclusive partnership agreement where McDonald’s® was able to use Disney characters for Happy Meal® premiums and Disney would receive free promotion of upcoming movies through McDonald’s®. This partnership appeared like a natural fit for the two companies since they had an overlapping market base. From November 26, 1999 through December 23, 1999, McDonald’s® marketed the Toy Story 2 Happy Meal® premiums.
The McDonald’s Corporation is one of the most recognizable hamburger restaurants in the United States. As of 2011, the McDonald’s Corporation and franchisees were operating in 119 countries with 1.9 million employees, making it the 4th largest employer in the world.
In 1940, Richard (Dick) and Maurice (Mac) McDonald opened the first McDonald’s Bar-B-Q drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino, California. In 1948, the brothers redesigned their menu, centering on the 15 cent hamburger. In 1954, Ray Kroc, a Multimixer (milkshake machine) salesman, became interested in the McDonalds brothers’ high volume restaurant. He worked out a deal with the brothers to be their franchising agent and opened the first franchise location in Illinois the following year. Under Kroc’s direction, the company grew to become the giant we know today.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1999
ID Number
2012.3045.06
catalog number
2012.3045.06
nonaccession number
2012.3045
Julia Child whisked eggs for an omelet in this French copper bowl on the first test episode of The French Chef in 1963. Julia acquired it, as she did much of her copperware, from Dehillerin, a French kitchenware store in the old market at Les Halles.
Description
Julia Child whisked eggs for an omelet in this French copper bowl on the first test episode of The French Chef in 1963. Julia acquired it, as she did much of her copperware, from Dehillerin, a French kitchenware store in the old market at Les Halles. Julia, as The French Chef, created a run on copper bowls, omelet pans, and whisks that had not been commonly available in stores in the United States. That demand has never ceased, and has been extended to the many tools, utensils, and appliances that Julia introduced and championed, as well as to many others that have filled out the American batterie de cuisine.
Copper bowls, unlike their stove-bound relatives, are unlined, and it is the somewhat scientifically demonstrated belief of chefs who use them that the interaction of air with agitation on copper produces fluffier and airier eggs than any other cooking material. With their legendary ability to conduct heat evenly, the copper pots, most tin-lined (and re-lined over and again), reflect cooking methods typical for the French food Julia taught America to appreciate. Modern copper pots are typically lined with stainless steel, and many may have a copper-over-aluminum bottom to further create an even heat.
date made
ca 1940 - 1990
owner
Child, Julia
maker
E. Dehillerin
ID Number
2009.0091.21
accession number
2009.0091
catalog number
2009.0091.21
A white cup with the first generation AFC Corporation logo on the front. The logo consists of a red outlined oval with the letters “AFC” and an image of two pieces of nigiri sushi. On this cup, “SUSHI” is printed in green right above the logo.
Description
A white cup with the first generation AFC Corporation logo on the front. The logo consists of a red outlined oval with the letters “AFC” and an image of two pieces of nigiri sushi. On this cup, “SUSHI” is printed in green right above the logo. The back of the cup includes a drawing of a mountain, fields, a blue sky, three travelers, and Japanese inscriptions. It is an illustration of the landscape of the Japanese countryside.
Along with other AFC paraphernalia, this was given to AFC employees as a seasonal gift.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980s - 1990s
maker
unknown
ID Number
2012.3099.28
catalog number
2012.3099.28
nonaccession number
2012.3099
This off-white, polystyrene clam shell food container held one McDonald’s Big Mac™. Writing on overall container is brown for “Big Mac™” and the name “McDonald’s®” with McDonald’s® golden double arches logo.
Description
This off-white, polystyrene clam shell food container held one McDonald’s Big Mac™. Writing on overall container is brown for “Big Mac™” and the name “McDonald’s®” with McDonald’s® golden double arches logo. The Big Mac™, introduced in 1968 to the national market, consists of two regular beef patties with an extra bun slice separating them. The Big Mac™ was created as a way to compete with a similar sandwich offered at Big Boy®.
The McDonald’s Corporation is one of the most recognizable hamburger restaurants in the United States. As of 2011, the McDonald’s Corporation and franchisees were operating in 119 countries with 1.9 million employees, making it the 4th largest employer in the world.
In 1940, Richard (Dick) and Maurice (Mac) McDonald opened the first McDonald’s Bar-B-Q drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino, California. In 1948, the brothers redesigned their menu, centering on the 15 cent hamburger. In 1954, Ray Kroc, a Multimixer (milkshake machine) salesman, became interested in the McDonalds brothers’ high volume restaurant. He worked out a deal with the brothers to be their franchising agent and opened the first franchise location in Illinois the following year. Under Kroc’s direction, the company grew to become the giant we know today.
Location
Currently not on view
Associated Date
1975-1990
ID Number
1998.0349.06
accession number
1998.0349
catalog number
1998.0349.06
This square button has green text on a white background that reads: Feeling Lucky? Visit the Apple Suite Sunday 6-8pm. (Enter to win a Mac). It has an image of a green shamrock covered by a fabric multi-color Apple logo.Currently not on view
Description
This square button has green text on a white background that reads: Feeling Lucky? Visit the Apple Suite Sunday 6-8pm. (Enter to win a Mac). It has an image of a green shamrock covered by a fabric multi-color Apple logo.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
maker
Apple Computer, Inc.
ID Number
2009.3071.167
catalog number
2009.3071.167
nonaccession number
2009.3071
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date produced
1946
date designed
1941
associated dates
1992 06 02 / 1992 06 02
maker
Federal Glass Company
designer
Kogan, Belle
maker
Federal Glass Company
ID Number
1992.0257.02
catalog number
1992.0257.02
accession number
1992.0257
This yellow, polystyrene clam shell food container held one McDonald’s Quarter Pounder® with cheese. It is yellow with red writing all over, which says “Quarter Pounder® with cheese,” “100% pure beef. Wgt. ¼ lb. before cooking,” the name “McDonald’s®” and the double arches logo.
Description
This yellow, polystyrene clam shell food container held one McDonald’s Quarter Pounder® with cheese. It is yellow with red writing all over, which says “Quarter Pounder® with cheese,” “100% pure beef. Wgt. ¼ lb. before cooking,” the name “McDonald’s®” and the double arches logo. The Quarter Pounder® was introduced in 1973 to the national market for customers who wanted a larger hamburger patty than McDonald’s® standard hamburger.
The McDonald’s Corporation is one of the most recognizable hamburger restaurants in the United States. As of 2011, the McDonald’s Corporation and franchisees were operating in 119 countries with 1.9 million employees, making it the 4th largest employer in the world.
In 1940, Richard (Dick) and Maurice (Mac) McDonald opened the first McDonald’s Bar-B-Q drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino, California. In 1948, the brothers redesigned their menu, centering on the 15 cent hamburger. In 1954, Ray Kroc, a Multimixer (milkshake machine) salesman, became interested in the McDonalds brothers’ high volume restaurant. He worked out a deal with the brothers to be their franchising agent and opened the first franchise location in Illinois the following year. Under Kroc’s direction, the company grew to become the giant we know today.
Location
Currently not on view
Associated Date
1975-1990
ID Number
1998.0349.04
accession number
1998.0349
catalog number
1998.0349.04
This gingham off-white and brown, polystyrene clam shell food container held McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets. On the lid of the container in brown lettering it says “Chicken McNuggets™,” “McDonald’s®” with the double arches logo.
Description
This gingham off-white and brown, polystyrene clam shell food container held McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets. On the lid of the container in brown lettering it says “Chicken McNuggets™,” “McDonald’s®” with the double arches logo. In the early 1980s, McDonald’s® Corporation tasked a small group of people to solve the technical problem of machine producing a chicken nugget that appeared to be cut by hand. In 1983, the Chicken McNugget® was introduced to the national market and was a huge success.
The McDonald’s Corporation is one of the most recognizable hamburger restaurants in the United States. As of 2011, the McDonald’s Corporation and franchisees were operating in 119 countries with 1.9 million employees, making it the 4th largest employer in the world.
In 1940, Richard (Dick) and Maurice (Mac) McDonald opened the first McDonald’s Bar-B-Q drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino, California. In 1948, the brothers redesigned their menu, centering on the 15 cent hamburger. In 1954, Ray Kroc, a Multimixer (milkshake machine) salesman, became interested in the McDonalds brothers’ high volume restaurant. He worked out a deal with the brothers to be their franchising agent and opened the first franchise location in Illinois the following year. Under Kroc’s direction, the company grew to become the giant we know today.
date made
1980 - 1989
Associated Date
1975-1990
ID Number
1998.0349.08
accession number
1998.0349
catalog number
1998.0349.08
This white, polystyrene clam shell food container held one McDonald’s® Quarter Pounder™ with cheese. “Quarter Pounder™ with cheese,” “100% pure beef. Wgt. ¼ lb.
Description
This white, polystyrene clam shell food container held one McDonald’s® Quarter Pounder™ with cheese. “Quarter Pounder™ with cheese,” “100% pure beef. Wgt. ¼ lb. before cooking,” the name “McDonald’s®” and the double arches logo appear on the lid of the container in red and orange lettering. The Quarter Pounder™ was introduced in 1973 to the national market for customers who wanted a larger hamburger patty than McDonald’s® standard hamburger.
The McDonald’s Corporation is one of the most recognizable hamburger restaurants in the United States. As of 2011, the McDonald’s Corporation and franchisees were operating in 119 countries with 1.9 million employees, making it the 4th largest employer in the world.
In 1940, Richard (Dick) and Maurice (Mac) McDonald opened the first McDonald’s Bar-B-Q drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino, California. In 1948, the brothers redesigned their menu, centering on the 15 cent hamburger. In 1954, Ray Kroc, a Multimixer (milkshake machine) salesman, became interested in the McDonalds brothers’ high volume restaurant. He worked out a deal with the brothers to be their franchising agent and opened the first franchise location in Illinois the following year. Under Kroc’s direction, the company grew to become the giant we know today.
Location
Currently not on view
Associated Date
1975-1990
ID Number
1998.0349.02
accession number
1998.0349
catalog number
1998.0349.02
This clear plastic McDonald’s® premium toy bag was used to distribute toy #8, “Disney & Pixar’s Jessie.” The bags were used to package McDonald’s toys inside the Happy Meal® box.
Description
This clear plastic McDonald’s® premium toy bag was used to distribute toy #8, “Disney & Pixar’s Jessie.” The bags were used to package McDonald’s toys inside the Happy Meal® box. The premium bag has Ronald McDonald and the golden arches logo printed on one side and pertinent toy information printed inside an orange box. On the reverse, warning information regarding the toys has been printed for consumers. The Happy Meal® was released in 1979 as a way to package a meal together in a fun, collectible container that appealed to children. Happy Meals® have since become progressively more elaborate in the type of food offered (with various healthier options) and the premiums available with the meal. In 1996, McDonald’s® and Disney signed a 10 year, exclusive partnership agreement where McDonald’s® was able to use Disney characters for Happy Meal® premiums and Disney would receive free promotion of upcoming movies through McDonald’s®. This partnership appeared like a natural fit for the two companies since they had an overlapping market base. From November 26, 1999 through December 23, 1999, McDonald’s® marketed the Toy Story 2 Happy Meal® premiums.
The McDonald’s Corporation is one of the most recognizable hamburger restaurants in the United States. As of 2011, the McDonald’s Corporation and franchisees were operating in 119 countries with 1.9 million employees, making it the 4th largest employer in the world.
In 1940, Richard (Dick) and Maurice (Mac) McDonald opened the first McDonald’s Bar-B-Q drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino, California. In 1948, the brothers redesigned their menu, centering on the 15 cent hamburger. In 1954, Ray Kroc, a Multimixer (milkshake machine) salesman, became interested in the McDonalds brothers’ high volume restaurant. He worked out a deal with the brothers to be their franchising agent and opened the first franchise location in Illinois the following year. Under Kroc’s direction, the company grew to become the giant we know today.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1999
ID Number
2012.3045.08
catalog number
2012.3045.08
nonaccession number
2012.3045
This poster depicts recommendations for a healthy diet based on traditional foods associated with certain Mediterranean cultures.
Description
This poster depicts recommendations for a healthy diet based on traditional foods associated with certain Mediterranean cultures. The “Traditional Healthy Mediterranean Diet Pyramid” was published in 1994, in the midst of national debates about how much and which types of food might best improve overall health and nutrition in America. While the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) had been offering dietary guidance since 1894, the actual graphic of a pyramid illustrating the recommended varieties of foods and their proportions in a healthy diet was not released until 1992. Coming just two years later and published by the World Health Organization in collaboration with the esteemed Center for Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid was seen as a viable alternative to the USDA’s guidelines.
The creators of the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid based their recommendations on the food traditions of Crete, certain areas of Greece, and southern Italy in part because those regions had very low rates of chronic diseases and long life expectancy. They also correlated the food consumption patterns from those areas (using data available from 1960), with data on nutrition revealed by new research and clinical trials. The resulting pyramid shows a broad base of breads, pasta, rice, couscous, polenta, bulgur, and other grains; fruits, vegetables, beans, other legumes, and nuts, along with smaller amounts of olive oil, cheese, and yogurt for daily consumption; and fish, poultry, eggs, and sweets recommended only a few times per week. Red meat sits at the top of the pyramid with the note, “A few times per month (or somewhat more often in very small amounts.”
Unlike any other food pyramid, the Mediterranean Diet included wine as part of a healthy diet. The poster shows a glass of red wine with the note “Wine in Moderation,” which was defined as wine usually consumed with meals, “about one to two glasses per day for men and one glass per day for women.” The notes included the caveat “from a contemporary health perspective, wine should be considered optional and avoided when consumption would put the individual or others at risk. That this recommendation came from medical experts at the prestigious Harvard School of Public Health made it especially significant. While California’s Wine Institute had long advocated wine in moderation as part of a healthy diet, the publication of the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid was a major boon for American wine producers. John A. De Luca, the President and CEO of the wine Institute from 1975 to 2003, and his wife Josephine, donated this poster to the museum.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1994
ID Number
2012.0016.01
catalog number
2012.0016.01
accession number
2012.0016
This polystyrene clam shell food container held one McDonald’s® Filet-O-Fish™. It is primarily light blue in color with darker blue writing, which says “Filet-O-Fish™” as well as the McDonald’s® double arches logo in the same darker blue writing.
Description
This polystyrene clam shell food container held one McDonald’s® Filet-O-Fish™. It is primarily light blue in color with darker blue writing, which says “Filet-O-Fish™” as well as the McDonald’s® double arches logo in the same darker blue writing. The Filet-O-Fish™ was developed and sold in markets during the early 1960s which had large Catholic populations who could not eat meat on Fridays. The sandwich ended up being so popular, McDonald’s® made it available in 1965 to the national market every day of the week.
The McDonald’s Corporation is one of the most recognizable hamburger restaurants in the United States. As of 2011, the McDonald’s Corporation and franchisees were operating in 119 countries with 1.9 million employees, making it the 4th largest employer in the world.
In 1940, Richard (Dick) and Maurice (Mac) McDonald opened the first McDonald’s Bar-B-Q drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino, California. In 1948, the brothers redesigned their menu, centering on the 15 cent hamburger. In 1954, Ray Kroc, a Multimixer (milkshake machine) salesman, became interested in the McDonalds brothers’ high volume restaurant. He worked out a deal with the brothers to be their franchising agent and opened the first franchise location in Illinois the following year. Under Kroc’s direction, the company grew to become the giant we know today.
Associated Date
1975-1990
ID Number
1998.0349.09
accession number
1998.0349
catalog number
1998.0349.09
This clear plastic McDonald’s® premium toy bag was used to distribute toy #9, “Bo Peep.” These bags were used to package McDonald’s® toys inside the Happy Meal® box.
Description
This clear plastic McDonald’s® premium toy bag was used to distribute toy #9, “Bo Peep.” These bags were used to package McDonald’s® toys inside the Happy Meal® box. The premium bag has Ronald McDonald and the golden arches logo printed on one side and pertinent toy information printed inside a gray box. On the reverse, warning information regarding the toys has been printed for consumers. The Happy Meal® was released in 1979 as a way to package a meal together in a fun, collectible container that appealed to children. Happy Meals® have since become progressively more elaborate in the type of food offered (with various healthier options) and the premiums available with the meal. In 1996, McDonald’s® and Disney signed a 10 year, exclusive partnership agreement where McDonald’s® was able to use Disney characters for Happy Meal® premiums and Disney would receive free promotion of upcoming movies through McDonald’s®. This partnership appeared like a natural fit for the two companies since they had an overlapping market base. From November 26, 1999 through December 23, 1999, McDonald’s® marketed the Toy Story 2 Happy Meal® premiums.
The McDonald’s Corporation is one of the most recognizable hamburger restaurants in the United States. As of 2011, the McDonald’s Corporation and franchisees were operating in 119 countries with 1.9 million employees, making it the 4th largest employer in the world.
In 1940, Richard (Dick) and Maurice (Mac) McDonald opened the first McDonald’s Bar-B-Q drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino, California. In 1948, the brothers redesigned their menu, centering on the 15 cent hamburger. In 1954, Ray Kroc, a Multimixer (milkshake machine) salesman, became interested in the McDonalds brothers’ high volume restaurant. He worked out a deal with the brothers to be their franchising agent and opened the first franchise location in Illinois the following year. Under Kroc’s direction, the company grew to become the giant we know today.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1999
ID Number
2012.3045.05
catalog number
2012.3045.05
nonaccession number
2012.3045
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date designed
1954
date made
c.1954
date produced
ca. 1960
associated dates
1992 06 02 / 1992 06 02
maker
Gailstyn Company
designer
Kogan, Belle
ID Number
1992.0257.11A.ab
accession number
1992.0257
catalog number
1992.0257.11Aab
This clam shell food container held 6 Chicken McNuggets®. In the early 1980s, McDonald’s® Corporation tasked a small group of people to solve the technical problem of machine producing a chicken nugget that appeared to be cut by hand.
Description
This clam shell food container held 6 Chicken McNuggets®. In the early 1980s, McDonald’s® Corporation tasked a small group of people to solve the technical problem of machine producing a chicken nugget that appeared to be cut by hand. In 1983, the Chicken McNugget® was introduced to the national market and was a huge success.
When Fred Turner became President of McDonald’s in 1968, he ushered in a new era of expansion, which required comprehensive national marketing campaigns. This box is decorated with the McDonald’s® Golden Arches logo and Disney’s Toy Story 2 advertising. It was used to promote the upcoming Toy Story 2 happy meal toys available from McDonald’s® beginning in November 1999. Mr. Potato Head and Rex the Green Dinosaur, both characters from Toy Story 2, appear on the lid of the container. In 1996, McDonald’s® and Disney signed a 10 year, exclusive partnership agreement where McDonald’s® was able to use Disney characters for Happy Meal® premiums and Disney would receive free promotion of upcoming movies through McDonald’s®. This partnership appeared like a natural fit for the two companies since they had an overlapping market base. From November 26, 1999 through December 23, 1999, McDonald’s® marketed the Toy Story 2 Happy Meal® premiums.
The McDonald’s Corporation is one of the most recognizable hamburger restaurants in the United States. As of 2011, the McDonald’s Corporation and franchisees were operating in 119 countries with 1.9 million employees, making it the 4th largest employer in the world.
In 1940, Richard (Dick) and Maurice (Mac) McDonald opened the first McDonald’s Bar-B-Q drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino, California. In 1948, the brothers redesigned their menu, centering on the 15 cent hamburger. In 1954, Ray Kroc, a Multimixer (milkshake machine) salesman, became interested in the McDonalds brothers’ high volume restaurant. He worked out a deal with the brothers to be their franchising agent and opened the first franchise location in Illinois the following year. Under Kroc’s direction, the company grew to become the giant we know today.
date made
ca 1999
ID Number
2012.3045.01
catalog number
2012.3045.01
nonaccession number
2012.3045
This polystyrene clam shell food container held one McDonald’s Big Mac. The container is pink over all with pink etched writing which says “Big Mac™” and the name “McDonald’s®” with the double arches logo.
Description
This polystyrene clam shell food container held one McDonald’s Big Mac. The container is pink over all with pink etched writing which says “Big Mac™” and the name “McDonald’s®” with the double arches logo. The Big Mac™, introduced in 1968 to the national market, consists of two regular beef patties with an extra bun slice separating them. The Big Mac™ was created as a way to compete with a similar sandwich offered at Big Boy®.
The McDonald’s Corporation is one of the most recognizable hamburger restaurants in the United States. As of 2011, the McDonald’s Corporation and franchisees were operating in 119 countries with 1.9 million employees, making it the 4th largest employer in the world.
In 1940, Richard (Dick) and Maurice (Mac) McDonald opened the first McDonald’s Bar-B-Q drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino, California. In 1948, the brothers redesigned their menu, centering on the 15 cent hamburger. In 1954, Ray Kroc, a Multimixer (milkshake machine) salesman, became interested in the McDonalds brothers’ high volume restaurant. He worked out a deal with the brothers to be their franchising agent and opened the first franchise location in Illinois the following year. Under Kroc’s direction, the company grew to become the giant we know today.
Location
Currently not on view
Associated Date
1975-1990
ID Number
1998.0349.07
accession number
1998.0349
catalog number
1998.0349.07
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca. 1990s
date made
ca. 1995
designer
Diamond, Freda
maker
Libbey Glass Company
designer
Diamond, Freda
ID Number
1997.0157.14
accession number
1997.0157
catalog number
1997.0157.14
This polystyrene clam shell food container held one McDonald’s Quarter Pounder®. It is white with gold writing, which says “Quarter Pounder®” and “100% pure beef. Wgt. ¼ lb.
Description
This polystyrene clam shell food container held one McDonald’s Quarter Pounder®. It is white with gold writing, which says “Quarter Pounder®” and “100% pure beef. Wgt. ¼ lb. before cooking.” There is also the McDonald’s double arches logo in red all over the top, sides and bottom of the container. The Quarter Pounder® was introduced in 1973 to the national market for customers who wanted a larger hamburger patty than McDonald’s® standard hamburger.
The McDonald’s Corporation is one of the most recognizable hamburger restaurants in the United States. As of 2011, the McDonald’s Corporation and franchisees were operating in 119 countries with 1.9 million employees, making it the 4th largest employer in the world.
In 1940, Richard (Dick) and Maurice (Mac) McDonald opened the first McDonald’s Bar-B-Q drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino, California. In 1948, the brothers redesigned their menu, centering on the 15 cent hamburger. In 1954, Ray Kroc, a Multimixer (milkshake machine) salesman, became interested in the McDonalds brothers’ high volume restaurant. He worked out a deal with the brothers to be their franchising agent and opened the first franchise location in Illinois the following year. Under Kroc’s direction, the company grew to become the giant we know today.
Associated Date
1975-1990
ID Number
1998.0349.03
accession number
1998.0349
catalog number
1998.0349.03
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1940 - 1959
date made
ca. 1940 - 1959
date produced
ca. 1964
associated dates
1992 06 02 / 1992 06 02
designer
Kogan, Belle
maker
Libbey Glass Company
ID Number
1992.0257.07
catalog number
1992.0257.07
accession number
1992.0257
This apple-shaped button has the multi-color stripes of the Apple logo.Currently not on view
Description
This apple-shaped button has the multi-color stripes of the Apple logo.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
maker
Apple Computer, Inc.
ID Number
2009.3071.151
catalog number
2009.3071.151
nonaccession number
2009.3071
This clear plastic McDonald’s® premium toy bag was used to distribute toy #17, “RC Car.” The bags were used to package McDonald’s toys inside the Happy Meal® box.
Description
This clear plastic McDonald’s® premium toy bag was used to distribute toy #17, “RC Car.” The bags were used to package McDonald’s toys inside the Happy Meal® box. The premium bag has Ronald McDonald and the golden arches logo printed on one side and pertinent toy information printed inside a blue box. On the reverse, warning information regarding the toys has been printed for consumers. The Happy Meal® was released in 1979 as a way to package a meal together in a fun, collectible container that appealed to children. Happy Meals® have since become progressively more elaborate in the type of food offered (with various healthier options) and the premiums available with the meal. In 1996, McDonald’s® and Disney signed a 10 year, exclusive partnership agreement where McDonald’s® was able to use Disney characters for Happy Meal® premiums and Disney would receive free promotion of upcoming movies through McDonald’s®. This partnership appeared like a natural fit for the two companies since they had an overlapping market base. From November 26, 1999 through December 23, 1999, McDonald’s® marketed the Toy Story 2 Happy Meal® premiums.
The McDonald’s Corporation is one of the most recognizable hamburger restaurants in the United States. As of 2011, the McDonald’s Corporation and franchisees were operating in 119 countries with 1.9 million employees, making it the 4th largest employer in the world.
In 1940, Richard (Dick) and Maurice (Mac) McDonald opened the first McDonald’s Bar-B-Q drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino, California. In 1948, the brothers redesigned their menu, centering on the 15 cent hamburger. In 1954, Ray Kroc, a Multimixer (milkshake machine) salesman, became interested in the McDonalds brothers’ high volume restaurant. He worked out a deal with the brothers to be their franchising agent and opened the first franchise location in Illinois the following year. Under Kroc’s direction, the company grew to become the giant we know today.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1999
ID Number
2012.3045.07
catalog number
2012.3045.07
nonaccession number
2012.3045
This square button has the multi-colored striped Apple logo. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: CDX '91.Currently not on view
Description
This square button has the multi-colored striped Apple logo. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: CDX '91.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1991
maker
Apple Computer, Inc.
ID Number
2009.3071.158
catalog number
2009.3071.158
nonaccession number
2009.3071
Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation (AFC), known as a distributor of pre-packaged sushi in supermarkets, expanded into other products related to the sushi eating experience.
Description
Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation (AFC), known as a distributor of pre-packaged sushi in supermarkets, expanded into other products related to the sushi eating experience. Sushi bars in Japan often serve green tea to accompany their sushi, and AFC’s box of green tea reveals their effort in replicating that authentic experience.
This box of individually wrapped tea is pale green that fades to white, with the original AFC logo printed below the word “NATURAL”, indicating that this item is natural without preservatives. The top of the box reads, “AFC Green Tea is made from the finest quality tea and packed in individual aluminum foil pouches to prevent the loss of its elegant flavor and taste”. There is also a red stripe across the sushi that reads "individually packed air-tight to preserve aroma and taste" in white lettering. The images of the cup of tea and sushi platter, consisting of traditional nigiri and non-traditional cut rolls, suggest that the product is to accompany a sushi meal. The bottom of the front display reads 16 tea bags and underneath it says Net WT. is 1.2 oz. (34g). The bottom of the package has both the barcode and instructions. This box of green tea can be bought at AFC sushi bars, their website www.afcsushi.com, or found included in AFC’s Ultimate Sushi Kit set.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1990s
maker
Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
ID Number
2012.3099.10
catalog number
2012.3099.10
nonaccession number
2012.3099

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