Culinary history of the railroads, May 10, 1869
From: Josephine Hyde
For a piece on culinary history of the railroads, I am looking for accounts of what was served to the dignitaries following the Golden spike ceremony in the Directors' car. So far, I have read that California champagne, wine and fruit were served. Is anyone in this group aware of other sources with more specific information? I would also be interested in learning what was served at various celebratory meals around the country, for instance the Lick Hotel's "Chicago Banquet."
I appreciate your help.
posted from CPRR Discussion Group at 9:38 PM
5 Comments:
From: "Kevin Bunker" mikadobear45@yahoo.com
I'd be curious to know myself; there's a strong likelihood that the menu was fairly short. As we should recall, May 8th was the designated day for the Great Event, except for the machinations of Dr. Durant that ended up preventing arrival of UP and Eastern dignitaries until the 10th.
Meanwhile, the CPRR dignitaries had to eat for two days running and probably consumed much of what was contained in the Commissary Car coupled ahead of the Directors' Car. Stanford also hosted the first eastbound excursion over the parallel CP grade toward Corinne on the 9th [sic] and I seem to recall a luncheon was involved.
Without refrigeration, whatever was brought aboard at Sacramento (was the Commissary Car last restocked at Reno?) and with a full day's trip back west to Reno and home to California, the CP officials probably had to rely on local Utah game to fill in as best they could whatever victual holes there might have been after the 9th or 10th. I'd be interested to know whether Stanford & Company ordered any food out of Salt Lake City to get them through the events of the 10th and then home in better fashion.
—Kevin
From: kylewyatt@aol.com
I seem to recall that the UP hosted the CP folks on the May 9 excursion east from Promontory – particularly as I don't think the CP alignment had any rails on it at that time.
As to menus, good question. Same for restocking. I wonder if the CP vouchers at CSRM might shed any light, both as to menu and to restocking.
—Kyle
From: Seth Bramson
There are at least three books on the transcon RR. Perhaps they would have the info that Ms. Hyde is seeking.
[from the R&LHS Newsgroup.]
Also see the Invitation and Menu for the Central Pacific Railroad banquet in Sacramento, California on September 28, 1869.
General information about 19th century dining:
Food Timeline – Culinary History Timeline; social history, manners & menus
IN SEARCH OF A DECENT MEAL by Jim Herron
1880s, Promontory UT – Restaurants & boarding houses
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