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

This is a roll of first generation AFC stickers. It has the first generation AFC logo, which is a red outlined oval with the letters “AFC” and an image of two pieces of sushi inside. Underneath the logo reads “AFC Corp. 19205 S. Laurel Park Rd.
Description
This is a roll of first generation AFC stickers. It has the first generation AFC logo, which is a red outlined oval with the letters “AFC” and an image of two pieces of sushi inside. Underneath the logo reads “AFC Corp. 19205 S. Laurel Park Rd. Rancho Dominiguez, CA 90220” and “For most enjoyment eat on day of purchase” written in both English and French.
These stickers are used to seal the prepackaged sushi and mark them as AFC products. The suggestive phrase, “for most enjoyment eat on day of purchase” reminds the customer to consume the product on the day of purchase to ensure freshness, and avoid cases of food poisoning that develop from eating old raw products.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980s
maker
unknown
ID Number
2012.3099.08
catalog number
2012.3099.08
nonaccession number
2012.3099
A gold first generation AFC badge that belonged to Saori Minota, a member of the Special Projects Department at the AFC Corp. headquarters.
Description
A gold first generation AFC badge that belonged to Saori Minota, a member of the Special Projects Department at the AFC Corp. headquarters. On the left side of her name is the first generation AFC logo, which is an oval that contains the letters “AFC” and an image of two pieces of nigiri sushi. Below her name reads “Special project department”, indicating the department to which she belonged, and underneath, “The Premier Sushi Company” is printed in reference to the quality of AFC’s products.
AFC employees were required to wear name tags while on duty. The first generation AFC logo reveals that this badge was used sometime before 2003, which was when the “Southern Tsunami” trademark replaced the original AFC logo. The badge was a means to identify the employee and the department they worked under, as well as a means to advertise their business.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980s
maker
unknown
ID Number
2012.3099.03
catalog number
2012.3099.03
nonaccession number
2012.3099
Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation (AFC), known for their prepackaged sushi prepared and sold in supermarkets, extended their product line to include sushi related products.
Description
Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation (AFC), known for their prepackaged sushi prepared and sold in supermarkets, extended their product line to include sushi related products. This bottle of AFC’s first generation sushi rice/salad seasoning with vinegar is covered by green plastic, and the body is wrapped around by a printed label that includes the word “Natural,” the original AFC logo, the title "Sushi Rice/ Salad Seasoning with Vinegar" in black lettering, and a picture of three pieces of maki sushi on a bamboo mat and a picture of salad below. The images suggest that this product can be used to season rice to recreate the same taste as the rice used at sushi bars, and can be used as a substitute for vinegar in salad dressings as well. Underneath the images reads NET 12.7 FL OZ (375mL) in black lettering, and the directions are written to the left. To the right of the front cover, there is a list of ingredients and the nutrition facts.
The vinegar seasoning shows AFC’s attempt to popularize sushi making in American households. It’s versatility in being a substitute for salad dressing is also intended for the product to appeal to a wider market, and not exclusively to those interested in making sushi at home.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980s
maker
Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
ID Number
2012.3099.11
catalog number
2012.3099.11
nonaccession number
2012.3099
A first generation AFC ginger salad dressing bottle.Like other AFC products, this bottle has a green lid and a yellow printed plastic label that covers the top part of its body.
Description
A first generation AFC ginger salad dressing bottle.
Like other AFC products, this bottle has a green lid and a yellow printed plastic label that covers the top part of its body. The label includes the first generation AFC logo underneath the printed “NATURAL” letters, and “Ginger Salad Dressing” written in black over the image of a ginger root. The bottom right reads NET 10.6FL OZ (280ml) in black. To the right, the Nutrition Fact is listed, along with a “Distributed by: AFC Corp” print underneath. The left side of the container includes a barcode, a few sentences that suggest its use, the ingredients, and a caution note.
AFC extended their product line to include sushi related products to diversify the consumer’s sushi eating experience, and popularize ingredients used in traditional Japanese foods. This salad dressing is advertised to be versatile, as it can be used for salads, stir-fry dishes and a marinade for barbeques.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980s
maker
Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
ID Number
2012.3099.17
catalog number
2012.3099.17
nonaccession number
2012.3099
First generation AFC teriyaki sauce bottle:The plastic bottle is clear with a green plastic lid. The graphic on this label includes the original AFC logo, which is an oval consisting of the letters “AFC” and an image of two pieces of nigiri sushi below.
Description
First generation AFC teriyaki sauce bottle:
The plastic bottle is clear with a green plastic lid. The graphic on this label includes the original AFC logo, which is an oval consisting of the letters “AFC” and an image of two pieces of nigiri sushi below. “Teriyaki Sauce” is printed in the center, with an image of a red Japanese fan and a skewer of beef and vegetables behind it. The combination of the red fan and the beef and vegetables skewer markets this product as a fusion flavor. While the American favorite beef and vegetable skewer provides comfort to the consumers, the Japanese fan marks this product as Asian-inspired. “All Natural” is written across the top, implying that the product is healthy. The contents have a NET of 6.8FL. Oz. (205 ml), and underneath the weight, it reads 2003.1.5. On the back of the container there is a barcode, the nutritional facts, the ingredients, and the AFC Corporation address.
Teriyaki sauce is made of soy sauce, mirin, sugar and ginger. It is typically used to marinate meats and vegetables before cooking, or used as a dipping sauce for cooked meats and vegetables. It has a tangy sweet taste that appeals to a wide range of audience, and has become a staple for Asian-inspired flavors.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980s
maker
Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
ID Number
2012.3099.09
catalog number
2012.3099.09
nonaccession number
2012.3099
Roger Hecht created this poster in 1986 to announce a party celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Maryland Food Co-op. Printed on yellow/gold typing paper, it features the Co-op’s slogan, “Food for People Not for Profit,” and the image of a fist punching through a sandwich.
Description
Roger Hecht created this poster in 1986 to announce a party celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Maryland Food Co-op. Printed on yellow/gold typing paper, it features the Co-op’s slogan, “Food for People Not for Profit,” and the image of a fist punching through a sandwich. Portraits of the leftist revolutionaries Che Guevara and Augusto Sandino appear in the top left and right corners, respectively. Che is pictured wearing a black beret in the style of the iconic photograph, “Guerillero Heroico,” taken in 1960 by Ablerto Korda. Sandino is shown wearing his characteristic wide-brimmed hat. The evocation of these two figures emphasizes the connection between food movements like the Maryland Food Co-op and broader political activism of the era. Hecht, the artist who created the design, worked at the Co-op from 1981 to 1985 and donated the poster.
The Maryland Food Co-op was founded in 1975 in the midst of unrest. Students at the University of Maryland, College Park, had been advocating for changes to the university’s food system for several years, citing poor food quality, customer service, and questionable sanitation. Their agitation increased when they learned in 1974 that food facilities in the Stamp Student Union might close for failing to meet county food sanitation standards. In August 1975 student Matt Mayer submitted a proposal to the Student Government Association to organize the Maryland Food Collective, which became known as the Co-op. Before Mayer’s proposal for the Co-op was approved, some students are believed to have taken action by making sandwiches at home and selling them on the campus as part of a “Guerilla sandwich line.” This detail in the Co-op’s origin narrative is echoed in the fist and sandwich graphic on the anniversary poster.
The Co-op continues to operate on the university campus, selling sandwiches, produce, and healthy food items. Staffed by both paid workers and volunteers (who exchange their labor for credit at the store), the Co-op is a worker’s collective, where everyone has an equal voice.
date made
1986
ID Number
2012.3009.01
nonaccession number
2012.3009
catalog number
2012.3009.01
AFC first generation single serving cup of instant miso soup.The yellow container is covered by a sealed paper lid that reads “MISO SOUP Traditional Japanese Soup, with a three step instruction printed below.
Description
AFC first generation single serving cup of instant miso soup.
The yellow container is covered by a sealed paper lid that reads “MISO SOUP Traditional Japanese Soup, with a three step instruction printed below. “Natural Tofu Miso Soup” is printed across the container, with the original AFC logo in the center and a graphic of a bowl of miso soup in the background. Underneath reads NET WT. 0.76 OZ. (22g). The “Fill line” printed on the upper right part of the container indicates how much water should be poured in. The left side lists directions for hot water and directions for microwave use, as well as a barcode and a general miso soup description. The right side lists the nutrition facts, the ingredients and the distributor.
Miso soup is a common Japanese soup that often accompanies a sushi meal. AFC has expanded their products from fresh pre-packaged products to other sushi-related products, and has included two types of instant miso soups.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980s
maker
Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
ID Number
2012.3099.25
catalog number
2012.3099.25
nonaccession number
2012.3099
This sample of wheat came from the first field test designed to chart the movement of genetically modified microorganisms after their release into the environment.
Description (Brief)
This sample of wheat came from the first field test designed to chart the movement of genetically modified microorganisms after their release into the environment. In November of 1987, genetically modified soil bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas were planted along with winter wheat in a field in Blackville, S.C. The project was a joint effort of Monsanto, which had modified the organisms in the lab, and Clemson University, which carried out the field test.
The microorganisms were modified to contain harmless “marker genes” allowing scientists to distinguish them from naturally occurring Pseudomonas bacteria. After their release, scientists kept track of the movement of the modified bacteria in order to create a model for how genetically modified microbes migrate upon their release. Several months earlier, the release of genetically modified “ice-minus” bacteria (see object number 1987.0770.01) in California was the center of public concern.
Sources:
Accession File
“After Release, Altered Bacteria Stayed Close to Their Roots.” Renseberger, Boyce. The Washington Post. February 22, 1988. p. A3.
“Release of Altered Microbes Is Approved in Tracking Test.” Schneider, Keith. The New York Times. October 21, 1987. p. A19.
“Clemson Scientists Begin Field Testing of Microbe.” The Item. November 3, 1987. p.4B.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1987
ID Number
1995.0055.01
accession number
1995.0055
catalog number
1995.0055.01
This 1988 IN-N-OUT Burger lap mat is made of white paper with the company logo printed in the top left corner. “Your Choice Made Fresh!” heads the list of menu items.
Description
This 1988 IN-N-OUT Burger lap mat is made of white paper with the company logo printed in the top left corner. “Your Choice Made Fresh!” heads the list of menu items. IN-N-OUT used this lap mat to explain their menu items, and to reinforce their message about the quality of their food.
While fast-food restaurants have been around since the 1920s, drive-thru dining came of age in car-crazy California in the 1950s. IN-N-OUT Burger was an early part of this trend, opening in 1948 at the intersection of Francisquito and Garvey in Baldwin Park, California. In the beginning, founders Harry Snyder and his wife Esther did all of the shopping, preparation, and accounting themselves. They also adopted a two-way speaker system, enabling customers to place their order without leaving their cars.
Eating in the car quickly caught on in the United States and IN-N-OUT’s decision in 1961 to offer customers paper “lap mats” to protect their clothing reflects the popularity of the practice. Harry Snyder began hand cutting the brown paper used by bakeries for packaging buns into rectangular mats. He soon switched to pink butcher paper thinking it would make dashboard dining a more enjoyable experience. When a printing company contacted Snyder in 1971 about replacing the butcher paper with printed lap mats, Snyder saw an opportunity to provide consumers with more information. Early versions of the lap mats featured maps of the local area and information on other IN-N-Out Burger locations. By the 25th anniversary in 1973, IN-N-Out Burger had 13 restaurants in Los Angeles County, all featuring a two-lane drive-thru and a limited amount of outdoor seating. In 1979, IN-N-Out opened its first single lane drive-thru facility with a large open dining room, a design that became the model for future expansion. In 2012, IN-N-OUT Burger had 281 locations in California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, and Utah and remains a popular destination for both locals and tourists who want to eat on the go.
date made
1988
ID Number
2012.0087.02
catalog number
2012.0087.02
accession number
2012.0087
Invitation for a Chinese New Year celebration held at The Mandarin on February 16, 1989 in honor of the upcoming year of the serpent. Includes image of the Chinese zodiac and Chinese characters conveying a traditional New Year's greeting.
Description
Invitation for a Chinese New Year celebration held at The Mandarin on February 16, 1989 in honor of the upcoming year of the serpent. Includes image of the Chinese zodiac and Chinese characters conveying a traditional New Year's greeting. Printed in black ink on yellow cardstock.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1989
ID Number
2011.0115.09
catalog number
2011.0115.09
accession number
2011.0115
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
David Lance Goines is known as a writer and lecturer as well as an illustrator and printer of both letterpress and offset lithography, his work much exhibited and collected throughout the country.
Description
David Lance Goines is known as a writer and lecturer as well as an illustrator and printer of both letterpress and offset lithography, his work much exhibited and collected throughout the country. But his Arts and Crafts influenced design is best known on his posters and in books. Goines was a recognized activist in Berkeley, associated with the Free Speech and Anti-War movements, and he did poster and book work for these movements.
Alice Waters, who founded the Berkeley restaurant, Chez Panisse, was a founding inspiration of the fresh, local, and organic food movement. She met David Goines in the Berkeley Free Speech movement. They began to collaborate on a column, “Alice’s Restaurant” for the local alternative paper. She wrote the recipes and he provided the artwork. He collected and printed each column as Thirty Recipes for Framing and the entire set and individual prints from the set began to appear on Berkeley walls and beyond, establishing him with enough profits to buy the Berkeley Free Press, rechristened the St. Hieronymus Press.
He issued his first Chez Panisse poster, "Red-Haired Lady," in 1972 and his most recent, "41st Anniversary," in 2012. In between is a series of anniversary posters, plus occasional others celebrating the restaurant's book releases, such as the Chez Panisse Café Cookbook, and other ventures. These works established his place as the primary artist associated with food and wine in the so-called Gourmet Ghetto. His early posters for Chez Panisse were soon followed by requests from other food and wine related sites and events, as well as from many other commercial entities.
The design for this 1987 poster by David Lance Goines was first commissioned as a bottle label by Corti Brothers Grocery in Sacramento to note the introduction of some of the first extra-virgin olive oil made in the United States. According to Corti, the labels were originally made for Antinori, the great Italian wine (and olive oil) producer, but a freeze knocked out the olive crop. Antinori returned the labels to Corti, whose grocery was to carry the Antinori oil. Corti got Goines to re-do the labels for the Pallido and Verdesco oils, “Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Spring Harvest Mission Olives,” simultaneously requesting a large number of the 4 color posters (unsigned, number130 in the Goines repertory) which he (Corti) could sell in the store. He also obtained the progressives from Goines, eventually giving the set of progressives and several of the posters to the National Museum of American History in 2012. The poster documents the arrival in the U.S. of the first wave of soon-to-be well known and much favored California-produced olive oils.
Many credit Darrell Corti for introducing chefs, food writers, and food critics to some of the high grades of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, American wines such as Zinfandel, and other foods that have become staples across America.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1987
maker
Goines, David Lance
ID Number
2011.0252.04
accession number
2011.0252
catalog number
2011.0252.04
A first generation AFC pack of shoyu (soy sauce). This aluminum-made packet has the first generation AFC logo, the word NATURAL printed largely above, and the phrases “Naturally Brewed” and “No Preservatives” below to indicate the healthy nature of the product.
Description
A first generation AFC pack of shoyu (soy sauce). This aluminum-made packet has the first generation AFC logo, the word NATURAL printed largely above, and the phrases “Naturally Brewed” and “No Preservatives” below to indicate the healthy nature of the product. The back of the packet has a white background with red lettering of the word KIMLAN, and Japanese characters to its right. Underneath the characters reads "soy sauce" and NET 1/4 FL. OZ. The listed ingredients are water, soybeans, wheat, salt, and sugar, and the bottom of the packet reads the distributor’s name, GOLDEN ORCHID LTD, and their company address. The red arrow on corner of the front indicates where the packet should be torn.
Individual servings of soy sauce contained in aluminum packets, along with disposable chopsticks, are provided for customers purchasing pre-packaged sushi. The disposable nature of the clear sushi trays, chopsticks, and the soy sauce packets makes eating sushi convenient.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980s
maker
unknown
ID Number
2012.3099.12
catalog number
2012.3099.12
nonaccession number
2012.3099
The jacket was worn by James Kyaw a sushi chef for Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation (AFC). The design is based on the Japanese happi coat, a straight sleeve coat. It is gold with a navy trim and fastens with one button in the front.
Description
The jacket was worn by James Kyaw a sushi chef for Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation (AFC). The design is based on the Japanese happi coat, a straight sleeve coat. It is gold with a navy trim and fastens with one button in the front. The AFC logo, “Southern Tsunami,” is embroidered on the left breast panel.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1986
ID Number
2012.0204.01
accession number
2012.0204
catalog number
2012.0204.01
A first generation AFC Roasted Sesame Seed Bottle.It has a green plastic top, and the body is covered by a printed green label. The label reads “Roasted Sesame Seed”, “Natural”, with the original AFC logo underneath. At the bottom, NET Wt. 4 oz.
Description
A first generation AFC Roasted Sesame Seed Bottle.
It has a green plastic top, and the body is covered by a printed green label. The label reads “Roasted Sesame Seed”, “Natural”, with the original AFC logo underneath. At the bottom, NET Wt. 4 oz. (113g) is printed in white lettering. The left side of the bottle has the barcode and suggestions for its use. The right side includes the Nutrition Facts and its distributor.
Sesame seeds are widely used in Asian cuisine, and are often used as a garnish for sushi. They are sprinkled on the outside of California rolls and other cut rolls, and add a nutty flavor to any food. AFC has extended their product line to include sushi related products to diversify the consumer’s sushi eating experience, and popularize ingredients used in traditional Japanese foods.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980s
maker
Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
ID Number
2012.3099.19
catalog number
2012.3099.19
nonaccession number
2012.3099
A single serving cup of instant miso soup, and is a first generation AFC product.The product is covered by a sealed paper lid that reads “MISO SOUP Traditional Japanese Soup, followed by a three step instruction.
Description
A single serving cup of instant miso soup, and is a first generation AFC product.
The product is covered by a sealed paper lid that reads “MISO SOUP Traditional Japanese Soup, followed by a three step instruction. “Natural Miso Soup” is printed largely across the container, with the original AFC logo in the center and an image of a bowl of miso soup in the background. NET WT. 0.64 OZ. (18g) is printed at the bottom. There is a “Fill line” that indicates how much boiled water should be poured in. The left side has two sets of directions; one for boiling water and the other for microwave. The barcode is printed underneath, as well as a description of miso soup. The right side has the nutrition facts, the ingredients and the distributor.
Miso soup is a common Japanese soup that often accompanies a sushi meal. AFC has expanded their products from fresh pre-packaged products to other sushi-related products.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980s
maker
Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
ID Number
2012.3099.24
catalog number
2012.3099.24
nonaccession number
2012.3099
Photocopy of a concept drawing of a sushi bar for the AFC Corporation.In the drawing, the sushi chef is wearing a red and white striped uniform with a red apron. The red banner with “SUSHI” printed in white hangs above her as advertisement.
Description
Photocopy of a concept drawing of a sushi bar for the AFC Corporation.
In the drawing, the sushi chef is wearing a red and white striped uniform with a red apron. The red banner with “SUSHI” printed in white hangs above her as advertisement. The employee stands behind the sushi bar as she publicly prepares fresh products for customers. The open refrigerated space contains a variety of round sushi platters as well as rectangular pre-packaged sushi plates, all neatly organized. Above are a menu and a few samples of hand rolls. There is only one visible employee operating the sushi bar.
This concept drawing reveals AFC’s vision for their sushi bars across supermarkets nationwide. The drawing shows the sushi bar fully stocked and organized. The sushi chef is at work preparing the sushi in full view of the customer showing it is freshly made. The drawing also envisions the sushi bars to be operated solo, though in reality, many of AFC’s sushi bars were operated by more than one employee.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980s
maker
unknown
ID Number
2012.3099.29a
catalog number
2012.3099.29a
nonaccession number
2012.3099
A packet of wasabi powder from AFC’s first generation product line.As evident on their packaging, no preservatives, food colors nor artificial flavors were used to create this product. The packet is a simple white and green print, with “ALL NATURAL” written across the top.
Description
A packet of wasabi powder from AFC’s first generation product line.
As evident on their packaging, no preservatives, food colors nor artificial flavors were used to create this product. The packet is a simple white and green print, with “ALL NATURAL” written across the top. “Sushi Wasabi Green Horse Radish” is printed in the center, along with AFC’s first generation logo. The bottom reads “NET WT. 0.88 oz. (25g)” and “AFC CORP.” is printed below. The backside has a white background with the barcode, ingredients, distributor, preparation and usage information, and a general description of wasabi.
Wasabi powder is made from wasabi root that is washed, ground into powder and immediately freeze-dried. Wasabi is traditionally used as a condiment for sushi, and has health benefits such as guarding against food poisoning. The wasabi powder can be mixed with water to create a thick wasabi paste.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980s
maker
Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
ID Number
2012.3099.27
catalog number
2012.3099.27
nonaccession number
2012.3099
AFC’s first generation packaged sushi seaweed.“ALL NATURAL SUSHI SEAWEED” is printed in white letters across the front, with the first generation AFC logo in the center and an image of a plate of assorted sushi on the bottom right corner. NET WEIGHT 0.49 OZ.
Description
AFC’s first generation packaged sushi seaweed.
“ALL NATURAL SUSHI SEAWEED” is printed in white letters across the front, with the first generation AFC logo in the center and an image of a plate of assorted sushi on the bottom right corner. NET WEIGHT 0.49 OZ. (14g) 5 SHEETS is printed at the bottom, along with the phrases “No Preservatives,” “No Artificial Colors,” and “No Artificial Flavors”. The very bottom reads “AFC CORP”. The backside includes directions on how to hand roll sushi and cook sushi rice, as well as the nutrition facts.
Seaweed, “Nori” in Japanese, is one of the main ingredients in maki sushi (sushi rolls). The highest quality of seaweed is black, whereas more affordable options are green. Seaweed comes in a variety of shapes and forms, and can be used to garnish rice and noodles among other foods.
date made
ca 1980s
maker
Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
ID Number
2012.3099.26
catalog number
2012.3099.26
nonaccession number
2012.3099
The jacket was worn by James Kyaw a sushi chef for Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation (AFC). The design is based on the Japanese happi coat, a straight sleeve coat. It is white with a navy trim and ties in the front.
Description
The jacket was worn by James Kyaw a sushi chef for Advanced Fresh Concepts Corporation (AFC). The design is based on the Japanese happi coat, a straight sleeve coat. It is white with a navy trim and ties in the front. The AFC logo, “Southern Tsunami,” is embroidered on the left breast panel.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980s
maker
unknown
ID Number
2012.0204.04
catalog number
2012.0204.04
accession number
2012.0204
A jar of sushi pickled ginger “gari,” (term for ginger when associated with sushi) with the AFC Corp.
Description
A jar of sushi pickled ginger “gari,” (term for ginger when associated with sushi) with the AFC Corp. brand label, provided an ample supply for an individual or family to keep on-hand at home to supplement their sushi take-out.
A mound of lightly colored pink or yellow pickled ginger, along with a small spoonful of wasabi, is typically presented with sushi. Eating pickled ginger in between different types of sushi helps to cleanse an individual’s palate for the next sushi selection. The Japanese term “gari” mimics the sound that is produced when pickled ginger is being consumed.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980s
maker
Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp.
ID Number
2012.3099.20
catalog number
2012.3099.20
nonaccession number
2012.3099
Before the 1980s, when built-in cup holders were becoming standard equipment in new cars for the American market, motorists had few choices for keeping a beverage upright while driving.
Description
Before the 1980s, when built-in cup holders were becoming standard equipment in new cars for the American market, motorists had few choices for keeping a beverage upright while driving. The plastic, window-mounted holder, purchased separately from gas stations and other retail outlets was one popular alternative that filled the need, but introduced safety concerns as drivers had to perform an awkward maneuver to reach their beverages from the driver’s side window.
In 1983, McDonald’s offered customers a plastic mug and lid with an adhesive-coated base that could be attached to the dashboard. The “Easy Rider” travel mug was McDonald’s answer to the growing popularity of refill clubs, promotional offers that encouraged customers to return to a particular fast-food restaurant or convenience store for refills of coffee, usually at a discounted price. Customers were expected to take the coffee with them in the special, branded mug as they drove, took public transport, or walked to their destination. A New York Times article from January 9, 1989 called the “plastic sloshproof wonder known as the travel coffee mug or the commuter mug . . . the most unheralded product of Americans on the run.”
Carl Fleischhauer, the donor of this mug, was an on-the-go photographer, commuter, and enthusiastic coffee drinker. In the years before he acquired a car with built-in cup holders, he either carried a thermos or used a window-mounted plastic holder. He ate on the road several times a week, and enjoyed collecting “American advertising kitsch,” including McDonald’s promotional items during the 1970s and ‘80s. This travel mug was among the items he collected but decided against using because he didn’t want to mess up his dashboard with adhesive.
date made
1983
ID Number
2012.0088.02
catalog number
2012.0088.02
accession number
2012.0088
Before the 1980s, when built-in cup holders were becoming standard equipment in new cars for the American market, motorists had few choices for keeping a beverage upright while driving.
Description
Before the 1980s, when built-in cup holders were becoming standard equipment in new cars for the American market, motorists had few choices for keeping a beverage upright while driving. The plastic, window-mounted holder, purchased separately from gas stations and other retail outlets was one popular alternative that filled the need, but introduced safety concerns as drivers had to perform an awkward maneuver to reach their beverages from the driver’s side window.
In 1983, McDonald’s offered customers a plastic mug and lid with an adhesive-coated base that could be attached to the dashboard. The “Easy Rider” travel mug was McDonald’s answer to the growing popularity of refill clubs, promotional offers that encouraged customers to return to a particular fast-food restaurant or convenience store for refills of coffee, usually at a discounted price. Customers were expected to take the coffee with them in the special, branded mug as they drove, took public transport, or walked to their destination. A New York Times article from January 9, 1989 called the “plastic sloshproof wonder known as the travel coffee mug or the commuter mug . . . the most unheralded product of Americans on the run.”
Carl Fleischhauer, the donor of this mug, was an on-the-go photographer, commuter, and enthusiastic coffee drinker. In the years before he acquired a car with built-in cup holders, he either carried a thermos or used a window-mounted plastic holder. He ate on the road several times a week, and enjoyed collecting “American advertising kitsch,” including McDonald’s promotional items during the 1970s and ‘80s. This travel mug was among the items he collected but decided against using because he didn’t want to mess up his dashboard with adhesive.
date made
1983
ID Number
2012.0088.01
catalog number
2012.0088.01
accession number
2012.0088
This wedding cake figure reflects the changing styles of cake toppers through the 20th century. In the early 1900s, figures were made in limited styles and most figures were depicted in formal wedding attire. Grooms wore tuxedos with tails, and brides had long veils.
Description
This wedding cake figure reflects the changing styles of cake toppers through the 20th century. In the early 1900s, figures were made in limited styles and most figures were depicted in formal wedding attire. Grooms wore tuxedos with tails, and brides had long veils. After 1950, cake figures were shown in a greater variety of wedding attire, and began to reflect the physical features of the bride and groom. The couple on this cake figure have light-brown hair, probably similar to the real couple.
date made
1950s-1980s
ID Number
1992.0090.03
catalog number
1992.0090.03
accession number
1992.0090
catalog number
1992.90.3

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