Figure 1.--Americans even before World War II was shifting to the suburbs and asfter the war the Baby boomers moved to the suburbs in mass. This provided the opportunities for mini-picnics in the back yards (back gardens in Brit speak). This family snap shot probably dates to the early-1950s. Here we see mom turuing the kiddies loose on water mellon. The backyard provided to avoid the mess inside--watermellons at the time had seeds galore.

Picnics and the word itself have European royal origins, associated with royal and aristocratic hunting parties when the participants would stop for a bite to eat without returning to the castle. The original word was 'pique-nique' used to describe the well-to- do who brought their own wine while dining out, not wanting to chance getting served inferior wine (16th century). This was still a =related to the well-to-do. Word meanings change over time and the term had come to mean dining outside on a blanket, at least in England (17th century). Of course there was little of that in America at the time. It was during the Victorian era (19th century) period that picnic began to take on its modern meaning. It was the Victorians that turned it into a middle-class practice, primarily because of the rising prosperity of the middle-class and skilled workers. Still there were limitations, primarily transport. Working-class people had no way to gt out into the country to enjoy a picnic, especially with all the food a paraphernalia associated with a picnic. Here Henry-Ford and the trusty Model-T Tin Lizzie solved the problem. At least in America, working people could afford a car giving them unprecedented mobility. Average people could pile the kids, food, drink, blankets, and dishes into the car and get out of the city and enjoy a pleasant day in the country side for a family treat. It was a fun way to spend a beautiful day in the country side, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. Depending on the site, a dip, boating fishing, horse shoes, or other summer pastime was often on offer. And because it was inexpensive, most families could afford it. And it could be enjoyed with other family members and friends. And as urban parks sprouted around the country, picnic tables and cooking grates were added. Picnic foods have varied over time, especially as they became a treat for the wider public. Picnics in the 19th century while no longer restricted to the rich were more formal and still a treat for the better off section of society. They might include roast duck or chicken, pate foie gras, meat pies, plum pudding, cheesecake and cold ham or roast beef. Drink was very important and might include claret, sherry and brandy--all served on elegant dishware and glasses. Paper plates and plastic cutlery did not appear until after World War II. People actually dressed up for these events. Men might wear boaters and blazers. Women might wear white or colorful dresses. The really affluent might add coddled trout, dressed lobster, roasted guinea fowl, and even chilled champagne. Americans of course brought the picnic down to earth for the common man. They became simpler and more informal. European immigrants added the frankfurter which became the hot dog when a bun was added. As a result it became standard fair at baseball games and street side food carts. It was tailor made for picnics as the the hamburger. These were foods that could easily be cooked on site. Cold fried chicken was another favorite--although until after World War II, chicken was not low-priced meat. Develed eggs, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw also became standard picnic fair and of course mom's apple pie. there were regional variations, especially in the south. Here we see barbecue, buttermilk biscuits, cornbread, pecan or sweet potato pie, and watermelon.

Created: 2:52 PM 6/1/2023
Last updated: 2:52 PM 6/1/2023