As many of us prepare to travel for the upcoming holidays the first thing on our minds isn’t likely what we will eat on the journey. However, in the past, the traveling menu was often one of the highlights of the trip! The Georgetown University Archives houses some incredible snapshots of America’s culinary traveling past through historic custom menus created by railways for Georgetown trips.
November 3, 1929, Pennsylvania Railroad Menu
The Georgetown football team would often travel by train to get to and from games and due to the size of the crew traveling, the railway would provide a custom menu for the team. On November 3, 1929, as the team returned to Washington from New York, the team dined on a simple, hearty menu of roasted chicken with potatoes and peas, followed by ice cream, wafers, and a selection of tea and coffee for dessert.
November 27, 1930, Pennsylvania Railroad Menu
On this date, the Georgetown football team traveled to Detroit on the Thanksgiving holiday. Since the team couldn’t be home with their families, Pennsylvania Railroad ensured they didn’t miss out on the Thanksgiving classics like turkey with stuffing, cranberry sauce, and sweet potatoes. Wondering what “Puree Mongole” is? It is a creamed, split-pea tomato soup that was popular from the 1920s through the 1940s!
December 25-26, 1940, Seaboard Railway Menu
When Georgetown made their way to the Orange Bowl in 1940 they had to take an overnight train. Seaboard Railway created a special menu that the team enjoyed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The menu became a keepsake that the entire team signed after their journey. Melba toast must have been quite popular at the time as it was served at every meal!
The Library wishes you safe travels and many delicious meals on your upcoming holiday journeys!