American Menu History

Menus and History: Click on an Image to Enlarge

This is a history web site about American menus from the 19th century that celebrated special events. There is a database of menus that shows many examples. Notice how they are unique designs and serve different purposes. Menus can teach us a lot about a time and place and they are an everday object that can help us understand a great deal about a certain time and place. The purpose of this web site is to see many examples of different menus and learn more about the American past. If you are interested in food or learning about food, menus are a great way to do that! Take time to look at each of the menus and imagine what is was like to have eaten one of these meals!

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Yale 1906 Sexennial Menu

This is most likely a lunch menu that was served at the college. Class of 1900

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Northport Yacht Club (NY) Annual Dinner

Held on Valentines Day, this dinner shows a typical turn of the century menu, yet one that show fewer course than its Nineteenth century predecessors,…

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Wellesley College Class of 1886

This menu represents a class reunion, note the use of "ices" which were in vogue. Fabulous photos may be found here:…

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