Media Contact:
Jeff Levine
Communications Manager
845-451-1372
j_levine@culinary.edu
Hyde Park, NY – Advertisements for everything from 19th century tonics to Crisco
are part of a new exhibit opening on October 15 at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. They are examples of the historical
recipe pamphlets in the college’s archives, and more than 70 of them will be on
display in the Donald and Barbara Tober Exhibit Room
in the Conrad N. Hilton Library.
“Good Living: Historical Recipe Pamphlets” showcases these
American documents from the 1870s to 1970s and reflects trends in food
advertising and consumption from the days of patent medicines through the
advent of the electric refrigerator and introduction of convenience foods. The
bright colors, clever slogans, images of happy consumers, and interesting
recipes in these pamphlets create an entertaining and informative experience.
The earliest piece dates to 1876 and includes—among pudding
and pie recipes—an advertisement for “Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup,” a concoction
containing unsafe levels of morphine and alcohol that is disturbing by today’s
standards. Recipe pamphlets were a unique form of advertising, because they not
only urged consumers to buy a certain product, but also showed them how to use
it. They were handy and could usually fit in an apron pocket. But, they were
also less treasured than cookbooks.
“These pamphlets were often free and were frequently
discarded,” says exhibit curator Nicole Semenchuk,
the CIA’s archives and digital collection specialist. “Thankfully for us, some
people did hold onto them and they remained in good enough condition for us to
examine today.”
The Tober Exhibit Room is open
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Good Living: Historical Recipe
Pamphlets” will be on display there through February. The Culinary Institute of
America’s entire historical menu and recipe collection includes more than 30,000
pieces and dates back to 1855.
Photo Captions and Hi-Res Images
Photo 1 (top photo): Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup recipe from an 1876 pamphlet. This is the oldest
of more than 70 documents now on display at The Culinary Institute of America
in "Good Living: Historical Recipe Pamphlets." (Photo credit: Courtesy, The Culinary Institute of America)
View hi-res image >
Photo 2: Kellogg's
published a booklet each year with hints and recipes "for health and
homemaking." This look into America's kitchens from 1937 is part of the
new "Good Living: Historical Recipe Pamphlets" exhibit at The
Culinary Institute of America. (Photo credit:
Courtesy, The Culinary Institute of America)
View hi-res image >
Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is an independent,
not-for-profit college offering associate and bachelor's degrees with majors in
culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, culinary science, and applied food
studies, as well as certificate programs in culinary arts and wine and beverage
studies. As the world's premier culinary college, the CIA provides thought
leadership in the areas of health & wellness, sustainability, and world
cuisines & cultures through research and conferences. The CIA has a network
of 46,000 alumni that includes industry leaders such as Grant Achatz, Anthony Bourdain, Roy
Choi, Cat Cora, Dan Coudreaut, Steve Ells, Charlie Palmer, and Roy Yamaguchi. The CIA also
offers courses for professionals and enthusiasts, as well as consulting
services in support of innovation for the foodservice and hospitality industry.
The college has campuses in Hyde Park, NY; St. Helena, CA; San Antonio, TX; and
Singapore.
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