Greg O’s Garage; What’s for Dinner? The 1901 Annual Long Island Automobile Club Dinner Menu
A menu found for the annual Long Island Automobile Club dinner in 1901.
The Long Island Automobile Club held their annual dinners at the end of every year early on. Judging by the dinner's exclusive venue at the Union League Club in Manhattan, these must have been some lavish dinners!
Looking at this re-discovered menu from the December 11, 1901 dinner, we can see what the guests were in for...or not.
Greg O.
The 1901 dinner was held at the ultra-exclusive Union League Club. Opening in 1863, and located on the corner of Park Avenue and 37th Street, the club still exists today.
From their website;
"...The Union League Club is home to a distinguished art collection and gallery, library, squash and fitness facilities, fine dining and catering, conference and banquet rooms, and rich history. It remains an exceptional organization of a social nature, cherished by members and guests seeking a unique experience and camaraderie in New York City...
Founded in 1863 by a group of concerned citizens to help preserve the Union, The Union League Club has built, over ensuing years, a record of distinguished service to our country. Many prominent civic, state, and national leaders have enjoyed the fellowship of the Club, including fifteen Presidents, seven Senators, many Congressmen, diplomats, cabinet members, and scores of chief executive officers of major corporations. These members include Theodore Roosevelt, who managed his early political career from the Club’s chambers, as well as J. Pierpont Morgan, John Jay, William Cullen Bryant, Chester A. Arthur, and Thomas Nast."
The menu wasn't very descriptive and just existed to have some fun with word-play and a poke at some of the L.I.A.C. members.
Sure, there was celery, nuts, olives, chicken, halibut but many other items weren't as easy to discern. We can make an assumption that 'Long Island Automobile flexible bi-valves' might indicate clams on the menu, but a 'jump spark attachment', radiators frappe, or gasoline sauce ? Your guess is as good as mine for those!
Having a sense of humor was mandatory for the club's officers.
Club President W. Wallace Grant had 'Grant Steer'
Treasurer F.G. Webb had 'Webb's Nerve Cure'
And Secretary L.A. Hopkins had his 'Edams' cheese with Hopkins lactometers'.
Some of the Board of Governors were not immune to a little poking either.
A.R. Pardington had 'Pardington Puffs'
Other items were 'Pommes without tires' because potatoes should never be wrapped in rubbery tires and some 'Low-geared Interchangeable Cream'
After going over the menu several times, I'm still not 100% sure what they ate!
Comments
That’s a “tongue in cheek” menu for sure.