Fabulous Food of the 30s and 40s

With the economic downturn during the Great Depression, and food rationing during World War II, Americans needed to find creative ways to feed their families. Los Altos History Museum looks at these two time periods and their effects on eating in an exhibit titled "Fabulous Food of the 30s and 40s: From Hunger to Hope," on display in the J. Gilbert Smith House Gallery July 14 - August 28, 2022.

The exhibit focuses on how processed and convenience foods became popular during these periods, like Spam, Bisquick, JELL-O, Wonder Bread, and Hostess Cakes. Visitors will see cooking utensils used, and recipes created. Cookbooks will be showcased, including J. Gilbert Smith's wife Margaret Smith's, Piggly Wiggly cookbook. Also on display: war ration books used during World War II.

"Fabulous Food of the 30s and 40s" is on display Thursdays-Sundays, noon to 4pm. Free docent-led tours of the historic J. Gilbert Smith House are also available during open hours.
Visit the Museum website at losaltoshistory.org.