Cumberland Township near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Food Preservation of the Past

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 17, 2014

1. Food Preservation of the Past Marker

Inscription.
You are now standing near the Spangler’s original smokehouse, more than 160 years old. Although several changes have been made over the decades, such as the tin roof, a vast majority of the original structure still survives. Smokehouses had been part of the outdoor barn complex since the 1700s, and had received their names because they were often large enough for a person to enter. These buildings were built in a simple manner and were mostly made of stone or brick in order to contain the fire and ashes. Meat was hung in smokehouses as far away from the fire as possible, as it is the smoke, not the heat that cures and preserves the meat for future consumption.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Agriculture.

Location. 39° 48.066′ N, 77° 13.273′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Cumberland Township. Marker can be reached from Blacksmith Shop Road, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located at the George Spangler Farm. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 488 Blacksmith Shop Road, Gettysburg PA 17325, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Temporary Resting Place (here, next to this marker); A Family Who Would Not Leave Their Home (here, next to this marker); Armistead Death Site

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(a few steps from this marker); Well, Look What We Found! (a few steps from this marker); A Farm Transformed by War (within shouting distance of this marker); The Trademark of Craftsmen (within shouting distance of this marker); A Hospital Under Fire (within shouting distance of this marker); The George Spangler Farm Civil War Hospital Site (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.

More about this marker. The side of the marker contains a detail image of an 1890s photograph of the Spangler Farm showing the smokehouse.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 17, 2014

2. Food Preservation of the Past Marker

Marker at the George Spangler Farm image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 17, 2014

3. Marker at the George Spangler Farm

The Food Preservation of the Past marker is one of three found at this location.

Marker at the Spangler Smokehouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 17, 2014

4. Marker at the Spangler Smokehouse

The smokehouse described on the marker can be seen here next to the marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 15, 2014, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 389 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 15, 2014, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.