Looking Back
From the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit History
accessible at thejewishnews.com
54 | AUGUST 8 • 2024
J
N
BBQ From Yesteryear
W
e’re in the midst of summer 2024. It’s time for
picnics and grilling out. So, I thought I’d help
with some summer meal planning courtesy
of the William Davidson Digital Archive of Jewish Detroit
History.
First, we need a main dish. Well, for easy summer grilling,
you can’t beat hamburgers or hotdogs. I might suggest “Biffs”
hamburger patties “made from round steak.” Packed in a
convenient can, they are easy to find at your local supermar-
ket. Better yet, you can also get Biffs Juniors,
kid-sized patties that are “Wanted by 10,000
Kids” and are made just like Biffs hamburgers for grownups (Aug.
20, 1965, JN). If you also want to have hot dogs on the menu,
Herrud will pay you “50 cents to compare your old hot dogs” with
their new “famous” Beefeater Franks (June 24, 1977).
For a side, you might consider Heinz Vegetarian Beans.
They carry the seal of approval from the Union of Orthodox
Congregations of America (Oct. 15, 1965). Maybe add a bag of
Detroit’s Better Made Potato Chips or pretzels to the menu.
Besides mustard (Detroit’s own Red Pelican is recommended) and your
favorite catsup, do you need something to spread on your bread? How about
some Palm-ola, “CHURNED FRESH DAILY IN DETROIT.” Its advertisement
is targeted for a particular audience: “To the Jewish People” (Jan. 16, 1920).
Now, what should we drink? Beer and hot dogs and/or hamburgers are a
natural. And bonus here, Schmidt’s Beer — “
America’s Finest Beer” — is “dietet-
ically non-fattening!” It’s a miracle! … until you read the small print: “relatively
so, compared to other foods in diet” (Feb. 20, 1948). Maybe, when compared
to hot dogs, hamburgers and chips? Nevertheless, it appears to be a good trade-off to me. By the way,
E&B “all-grain beer” made in Detroit, makes the same claim, and urges you to “Eat, Drink … and Don’t
Worry!” (March 27, 1942).
Perhaps you prefer wine? Maybe serve Cadillac Club De Luxe American Finest Wine made and bottled
in Detroit? Who needs French wine anyway? Cadillac Club wine is “The Choice of the Paris Judges!”
(March 11, 1955).
You might want some coffee to top off the meal. Why not make it Maxwell House? Not only is Maxwell
House “good to the last drop,” but the company also “wants you to win a trip for two to Israel!” (Jan.12,
1973). Can’t beat that!
Or should you also have some Sanka decaffeinated coffee brewing? It might be better for those for
whom high-octane coffee will prevent them from sleeping. As the ad says: “Sanka for Summer. Such a
Mechaieh!” (June 5, 1982).
Finally, if outdoors, you might need a portable radio for entertainment. The electronics store chain in
Detroit — “Boyer’s Haunted Shacks” — has a wide selection for you (March 27, 1942). There is the Zenith
Universal Portable. Universal? Very impressive, maybe more so than the “sensational Admiral 3-way porta-
ble.” However, the Zenith will cost you a bit more — $39.95 vs. $24.95 (or about $770 vs. $570 today).
Maybe the Detrola battery-operated “camera size” portable is the one for you, which is also $24.95. With
five tubes and self-contained antenna, it still only weighs 4 pounds.
I hope this Looking Back has been helpful. May you have good eats and drinks all summer long.
Want to learn more? Go to the DJN archives, available for free at thejewishnews.com.
Mike Smith
Alene and
Graham Landau
Archivist Chair