Seaport in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Galley and Shipboard Food
South Street Seaport Museum
— Where New York Begins. —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones, July 13, 2023
1. The Galley and Shipboard Food Marker
Inscription.
The Galley and Shipboard Food. South Street Seaport Museum. For voyages lasting several months without touching land, it was important that the ship be properly provisioned. Fresh meat, fruits, and vegetables were a rare treat, as these ships were without any means of refrigeration. Vegetables were consumed within a few weeks of departing land. Ships often carried livestock, such as chickens, pigs, sheep, and goats, under the forecastle deck, and animals were slaughtered on certain occasions. Otherwise, it was up to the cook to create edible meals out of barreled and salted beef and pork, beans, various pickles and jams, and (often weevil-infested) hardtack biscuits. The food in the aftercastle (for officers) was of only marginally superior quality but did offer greater variety than what was provided to the rest of the crew.
For voyages lasting several months without touching land, it was important that the ship be properly provisioned. Fresh meat, fruits, and vegetables were a rare treat, as these ships were without any means of refrigeration. Vegetables were consumed within a few weeks of departing land. Ships often carried livestock, such as chickens, pigs, sheep, and goats, under the forecastle deck, and animals were slaughtered on certain occasions. Otherwise, it was up to the cook to create edible meals out of barreled and salted beef and pork, beans, various pickles and jams, and (often weevil-infested) hardtack biscuits. The food in the aftercastle (for officers) was of only marginally superior quality but did offer greater variety than what was provided to the rest of the crew.
Location. 40° 42.323′ N, 74° 0.188′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Seaport. Marker can be reached from Pier 16 just south of East River Greenway, on the right when traveling south. The marker is onboard the Wavertree exhibit.
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Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 89 South St, New York NY 10038, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. An identical marker is elsewhere onboard the ship.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones, July 13, 2023
2. The Galley and Shipboard Food Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 48 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on July 17, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
