Food

Photo of McCall's Cheese

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

Airlock

Interchangeably called a bubbler, or airlock, this device was used by Francesco Lee during the wine fermentation process.
Description
Interchangeably called a bubbler, or airlock, this device was used by Francesco Lee during the wine fermentation process. Fitted to the mouth of a glass carboy or the bung hole of a barrel, the bubbler allowed carbon dioxide gas that builds during fermentation to escape, while prohibiting airborne yeast and other particles from contaminating the wine.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1997.0154.06
catalog number
1997.0154.06
accession number
1997.0154

Melons Shipping Crate

This shipping crate side contained West-Pak brand melons that were packed and shipped by Westside Growers & Shippers Inc. of Firebaugh, California during the early 20th century.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate side contained West-Pak brand melons that were packed and shipped by Westside Growers & Shippers Inc. of Firebaugh, California during the early 20th century.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Westside Growers & Shippers Inc.
ID Number
1979.0441.180
catalog number
1979.0441.180
accession number
1979.0441

Rival Crock Pot (Lid)

In 1971 the Rival Company introduced the Crock-Pot, an electric cooker containing a removable glass or ceramic crock. By maintaining low temperatures, the Crock-pot cooked food slowly and could be left safely unattended for hours.
Description
In 1971 the Rival Company introduced the Crock-Pot, an electric cooker containing a removable glass or ceramic crock. By maintaining low temperatures, the Crock-pot cooked food slowly and could be left safely unattended for hours. The appliance quickly gained popularity in the 1970s, as more and more women were working outside the home. Before leaving for work, busy home cooks could start a meal in the crockpot, knowing they would return home to fully cooked food.
Pennsylvania residents Robert and Shirley Hunter received this Rival Crockpot as a Christmas gift from Shirley's mother Martha around 1974. Martha, a high school principal's secretary, found the appliance handy for starting dinner before she left for work in the morning. In the Hunter household Robert actually became the primary cook. His crockpot specialties included stews, sauerkraut with kielbasa, chicken and dumplings, pot roast with vegetables, and the family reunion hot dish, halushki, a traditional Polish dish of cabbage, onion, garlic, and noodles.
ID Number
2011.0213.01.b
catalog number
2011.0213.01.b
accession number
2011.0213

Huyler's Cocoa Tin

This yellow, rectangular tin with black lettering and design was used to store and market Huyler's drinking chocolate.In 1846, John Huyler was born to David Huyler who ran a bakery in New York City. By the early 1860s, John was working in his father’s shop, learning the trade.
Description
This yellow, rectangular tin with black lettering and design was used to store and market Huyler's drinking chocolate.
In 1846, John Huyler was born to David Huyler who ran a bakery in New York City. By the early 1860s, John was working in his father’s shop, learning the trade. In 1874, he opened his own store, a confectionary, and within a few years he had opened three more stores. By the time of his death in 1910, he owned 54 store fronts with 14 factories and around 2000 employees supplying his shops.
Chocolate had been known and treasured by Native Americans in Central and South America for thousands of years prior to the arrival of the first Spanish explorers in the late 1400s and early 1500s. Cacao beans were so highly prized by Mayans and Aztecs that they were used as currency in many areas of the Americas. When first taken back to Europe by the Spanish, the chocolate drink continued to be produced exclusively for the enjoyment of royalty or the extremely wealthy. As the cacao bean gradually made its presence known throughout Europe, it still remained trapped in this exclusive section of society well into the 19th century.
The chocolate trade to North America began more than 300 years ago, primarily centered in or near major port cities of the time, such as New York City, Boston, Philadelphia and Newport, RI. Due to lower transportation costs, chocolate was often less expensive in the Americas than in Europe and therefore had a broader consumer base. The Industrial Revolution radically changed chocolate production and helped propel it into the hearts and stomachs of the working class. Instead of being a labor intensive product, it became entirely machine made reducing costs even further in the late 19th and early 20th century. During this time, chocolate went from being something a person drank to being something to eat, finally becoming a treat for the masses.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
ZZ.RSN80525Z97

Canned Tomatoes Shipping Crate

This shipping crate side originally contained Banquet brand canned tomatoes that were packed and shipped by the California Packing Corporation of San Francisco, California during the early 20th century.
Description (Brief)
This shipping crate side originally contained Banquet brand canned tomatoes that were packed and shipped by the California Packing Corporation of San Francisco, California during the early 20th century. The crate contained 24 28-ounce tins of canned tomatoes with puree from trimming.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
California Packing Corporation
ID Number
1979.0441.254
catalog number
1979.0441.254
accession number
1979.0441

Plastic Hose, Wand, and Spigot

This plastic hose was used at the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in Napa, California during the 1990s. In use, it is attached to a metal wand on one end with a plastic spigot in the other. The hose is used for siphoning wine from one container to fill another.Currently not on view
Description
This plastic hose was used at the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in Napa, California during the 1990s. In use, it is attached to a metal wand on one end with a plastic spigot in the other. The hose is used for siphoning wine from one container to fill another.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1998.0181.04
accession number
1998.0181
catalog number
1998.0181.04

Apple Crate Label

Labels are an important marketing device.
Description (Brief)
Labels are an important marketing device. They often go beyond merely identifying contents and are designed to help establish brand distinction and generate customer loyalty for a largely interchangeable product.
This Gosling brand apple crate label was in use by the Duckwall Brothers Inc. of Hood River, Oregon during the early 20th century. The red label features an image of a duckling standing on a small patch of grass. The label was lithographed by the Traung Label Company of Portland, Oregon. Scenes of wildlife such as this were often used on fruit labels to evoke the idea of rich, natural produce.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Duckwall Bros. Inc.
ID Number
1979.0441.007
accession number
1979.0441
catalog number
1979.0441.007

Knife

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th century
ID Number
DL.64.0515A
accession number
251849
catalog number
64.0515A

A Fruit Piece

Mezzotint from George P. Marsh's copy of The Houghton Gallery, vol. 1. Removed from the binding for framing in 1894. Companion print to A Flower Piece, also after van Huysum.
Description
Mezzotint from George P. Marsh's copy of The Houghton Gallery, vol. 1. Removed from the binding for framing in 1894. Companion print to A Flower Piece, also after van Huysum. In the volume's table of contents, the publisher described these two prints as surpassing, "in point of execution, every print before engraved in this manner."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1781
engraver
Earlom, Richard
publisher
Boydell, John
delineator
Farington, Joseph
original artist
Huysum, Jan van
ID Number
1978.0534.02.90
accession number
1978.0534
catalog number
1978.0534.02.90

Protective Jumpsuit

This jumpsuit was worn by a scientist from Advanced Genetic Systems during the first release of genetically modified microorganisms into the environment approved by the federal government.The organisms, a genetically modified version of naturally occurring bacteria from the genus
Description (Brief)
This jumpsuit was worn by a scientist from Advanced Genetic Systems during the first release of genetically modified microorganisms into the environment approved by the federal government.
The organisms, a genetically modified version of naturally occurring bacteria from the genus Pseudomonas, were sprayed on test fields of strawberry plants in Monterey County, Calif., to increase their resistance to frost.
In nature, Pseudomonas can be found on the surface of many plants. The bacteria contribute to problems with frost on crops because they produce a protein that promotes the formation of ice. In hopes of reducing frost damage to crops, scientist Steve Lindow at the University of California altered the bacteria to stop producing this protein. The University patented these “ice-minus” bacteria and licensed the technology to Advanced Genetic Systems, a company based in Oakland, Calif. AGS hoped to bring the bacteria to market as an ice-proofing spray for crops called “Frostban.”
After careful review, the U.S. government approved field tests of Frostban. Despite the review, public fear of releasing these bacteria into the environment remained. Some scientists raised concerns that the ice-minus bacteria could replace the natural bacterial population. Because of their ice-forming abilities, the natural bacteria play a role in the creation of precipitation. This fact led some to worry that damage to the natural population could have repercussions for rainfall and weather patterns.
Activists against Frostban broke into test fields and uprooted plants to be sprayed several times throughout the field trials. After four years of tests, Frostban was found to be effective in reducing frost damage to crops. Due to continued public discomfort with genetically modified organisms, however, AGS never marketed the product. The company feared that the expense of fighting legal battles to get it to market would outweigh possible profit.
Sources:
“Public Fears Factored Into Gene-Altered Bacteria Tests.” Griffin, Katherine. The Los Angeles Times. April 18, 1988. p. AOC11.
“Bacteria on the Loose.” Fox, Michael W. The Washington Post. November 26, 1985. p. A16.
“Chapter 5: Ecological Considerations.” Office of Technology Assessment, Congress of the United States. Field-Testing Engineered Organisms: Genetic and Ecological Issues. 2002. pp.94–95.
“Chapter 4: The Release of a Genetically Engineered Microorganism.” Schacter, Bernice Zeldin. Issues and Dilemmas of Biotechnology: A Reference Guide. 1999.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1987.0770.01
accession number
1987.0770
catalog number
1987.0770.01

Dessert Knife

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1855 - 1866
ID Number
DL.61.0394A
catalog number
61.0394A
accession number
232677

Glass Compote

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1952
1952
date made
c. 1952
date produced
ca. 1953
associated dates
1952 01 01+ / 1952 01 01+, 1952 12 31- / 1952 12 31-
designer
Kogan, Belle
ID Number
1992.0257.10
catalog number
1992.0257.10
accession number
1992.0257

wine and cheeses

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1930s-1950s
maker
Keppler, Victor
ID Number
PG.006264.L
catalog number
6264L
accession number
238737

Tobacco Shipping Crate

This tobacco shipping crate end is imprinted with the text “Smooth Climax, this box contains 5-plugs-5-20¢ cuts each.” Climax was a brand of plug tobacco manufactured by the P. Lorillard Company in the 1890’s.
Description (Brief)
This tobacco shipping crate end is imprinted with the text “Smooth Climax, this box contains 5-plugs-5-20¢ cuts each.” Climax was a brand of plug tobacco manufactured by the P. Lorillard Company in the 1890’s. Plug tobacco is a form of chewing tobacco that is pressed into sheets and kept together by the addition of molasses. The Lorillard Tobacco Company was founded in 1760 by Pierre Abraham Lorillard. It is the United States oldest tobacco company.
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
P. Lorillard Company
ID Number
1979.0441.297
catalog number
1979.0441.297
accession number
1979.0441

Childs' Century Cocoa Tin

This red, rectangular tin with gold and black design was used to store and market Childs' Century Cocoa and Chocolate. The container no longer has a lid.Childs’ Century was a grocery chain that was started in the late 1800s or early 1900s.
Description
This red, rectangular tin with gold and black design was used to store and market Childs' Century Cocoa and Chocolate. The container no longer has a lid.
Childs’ Century was a grocery chain that was started in the late 1800s or early 1900s. Around 1917, Childs’ Century became part of American Stores Company.
Chocolate had been known and treasured by Native Americans in Central and South America for thousands of years prior to the arrival of the first Spanish explorers in the late 1400s and early 1500s. Cacao beans were so highly prized by Mayans and Aztecs that they were used as currency in many areas of the Americas. When first taken back to Europe by the Spanish, the chocolate drink continued to be produced exclusively for the enjoyment of royalty or the extremely wealthy. As the cacao bean gradually made its presence known throughout Europe, it still remained trapped in this exclusive section of society well into the 19th century.
The chocolate trade to North America began more than 300 years ago, primarily centered in or near major port cities of the time, such as New York City, Boston, Philadelphia and Newport, RI. Due to lower transportation costs, chocolate was often less expensive in the Americas than in Europe and therefore had a broader consumer base. The Industrial Revolution radically changed chocolate production and helped propel it into the hearts and stomachs of the working class. Instead of being a labor intensive product, it became entirely machine made reducing costs even further in the late 19th and early 20th century. During this time, chocolate went from being something a person drank to being something to eat, finally becoming a treat for the masses.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1990.0018.119
catalog number
1990.0018.119
accession number
1990.0018

Mandarin Restaurant Business Card

Business card from The Mandarin, located on Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco. Features the restaurant’s original logo of a Chinese woman in Qing dynasty regalia, framed within a circular design. Printed in black ink. Red background on reverse side.Currently not on view
Description
Business card from The Mandarin, located on Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco. Features the restaurant’s original logo of a Chinese woman in Qing dynasty regalia, framed within a circular design. Printed in black ink. Red background on reverse side.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2011.0115.06a
catalog number
2011.0115.06a
accession number
2011.0115

Stoneware jug

This jug was probably made by William Lundy and Nathan Church, Jr. at Israel Seymour’s Troy, New York pottery. The potters achieved the distinctive decoration on this piece by using both cobalt and manganese oxides to fill in the incised floral motif.Currently not on view
Description
This jug was probably made by William Lundy and Nathan Church, Jr. at Israel Seymour’s Troy, New York pottery. The potters achieved the distinctive decoration on this piece by using both cobalt and manganese oxides to fill in the incised floral motif.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1819-1824
maker
Lundy, William
Church, Jr., Nathan
ID Number
1979.0577.08
accession number
1979.0577
catalog number
1979.05077.008

Yoghourt Crepes

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1968-1970
author
Waters, Alice
ID Number
2016.0085.30
accession number
2016.0085
catalog number
2016.0085.30

Porringer

Basin-bowl porringer with beaded rim and flat bottom with foot ring; integrally cast Pennsylvania-type solid tab handle without bracket is stamped "[H?] H" in incuse serif letters on front flanking a large pierced hole at top center. No other marks.Currently not on view
Description
Basin-bowl porringer with beaded rim and flat bottom with foot ring; integrally cast Pennsylvania-type solid tab handle without bracket is stamped "[H?] H" in incuse serif letters on front flanking a large pierced hole at top center. No other marks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1780 - 1800
ID Number
1986.0027.88
catalog number
1986.0027.88
accession number
1986.0027

Mandarin Restaurant Matchbook

Original silky-textured, metallic-red matchbook from The Mandarin, in San Francisco, California, a restaurant owned by Cecilia Chiang.
Description
Original silky-textured, metallic-red matchbook from The Mandarin, in San Francisco, California, a restaurant owned by Cecilia Chiang. Features the restaurant’s original logo, in black, of a Chinese woman in Qing dynasty regalia, framed within a circular design.
In black lettering, the back of the matchbook says “SAN FRANCISCO AND BEVERLY HILLS.” In the bottom left-hand corner is a drawing of a telephone with, “673-8812—SAN FRANCISCO,” “272-0267—BEVERLY HILLS,” to the right of the drawing.
A matchbook is a small paper board folder to encompass a quantity of matches. The manufacturing of matchbooks peaked in the 1940s and 1950s, but declined with the arrival of the lighter. Matchbooks serve as a popular form of advertisement for an establishment. They have become a popular customer freebie at a dine-in restaurant. Cecilia Chiang offered matchbooks at her restaurant The Mandarin, with a customized logo and name. Although the ban on smoking in restaurants was placed into effect in 1998, making the ashtray more insignificant in the restaurant setting, matchbooks have not declined in restaurant culture but have gained popularity.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2011.0115.04
catalog number
2011.0115.04
accession number
2011.0115

Costco Membership Card

Price Club, the first members-only discount warehouse store in the United States, opened in San Diego, California, in 1976.
Description
Price Club, the first members-only discount warehouse store in the United States, opened in San Diego, California, in 1976. Its founder, Sol Price (1916-2009), envisioned a retail model that slashed overhead costs: the enormous, no-frills store carried a limited inventory that was not promoted with paid advertisements. At first, Price Club membership was available only to business owners, a strategy that proved unprofitable. Once general consumers were allowed to become members, the business flourished and, by 1993, Price Club owned 94 stores in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Price’s model was copied and adapted by others, including Costco, established in Seattle in 1983. In 1993, Price Club and Costco merged, becoming “Price Costco” until 1997, when the business became simply “Costco.”
This membership card for “Price Costco” was issued to Margaret (Peggy) Hackman, who used it at the Costco warehouse store in Gaithersburg, Maryland, from the early 1990s until she donated it to the museum in 2011.
ID Number
2012.0159.01
accession number
2012.0159
catalog number
2012.0159.01

Apple Crate Label

Labels are an important marketing device.
Description (Brief)
Labels are an important marketing device. They often go beyond merely identifying contents and are designed to help establish brand distinction and generate customer loyalty for a largely interchangeable product.
This Sno-Gem brand apple crate label was used by the Cederwall Sales Company, of Dryden, Washington during the early 20th century. The label has a blue background with three-dimensional standing text that reads “Sno-Gem,” with snow resting on top of the letters. These apples came from the Wenatchee Valley region of Washington, which claimed to be the “Apple Capital of the World.”
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Cederwall Sales Company
ID Number
1979.0441.116
accession number
1979.0441
catalog number
1979.0441.116

holder, canning jar

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
AG.76-FT-01.1125
accession number
322793
catalog number
76-FT-01.1125
collector/donor number
633
patent number
2394323

Apple Crate Label

Labels are an important marketing device.
Description (Brief)
Labels are an important marketing device. They often go beyond merely identifying contents and are designed to help establish brand distinction and generate customer loyalty for a largely interchangeable product.
This Silver Spur brand apple crate label was in use by the Joseph Northwest Company of Yakima-Wenatchee, Washington. The label has a red background with a yellow rim and a central logo that reads “Silver Spur” written in a type that looks like rope over an image of a silver spur. The Yakima-Wenatchee region of Washington was well known for its apple production during this time and called itself the “Apple Capital of the World.”
Location
Currently not on view
referenced business
Joseph Northwest
ID Number
1979.0441.051
accession number
1979.0441
catalog number
1979.0441.051

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