the threshing meal

 

 

Earlier this week, I promised to share some images of the threshing meal at Carriage Hill Farm. Traditionally, the hosting farm would be responsible for preparing and serving a midday meal for the threshing workers that were working hard in the fields. The ladies of the farm would begin preparing the meal days in advance and worked hard to impress their guests.

Fifteen minutes before the meal was to be served, the bell was rung to give the men time to come in and wash up before they ate.

 

 

 

The first order of business was to get something to drink. They had plenty to choose from:

 

Ice Water

Lemonade

Raspberry Shrub

Iced Tea

Coffee

 

After grabbing a glass of their chosen beverage, the workers migrated to the table and found a seat.

 

 

 

 

 

What was served at this threshing meal?

 

Fried Chicken

Green Beans with Smoked Bacon

Coleslaw

Bread

Cucumbers and Onions in Vinegar Water

Apple Pie

Berry Cobbler with Whipped Cream

Watermelon

 

Not a bad meal at all. The men were served under the giant catawba tree in the back yard. With the good food and shade combination, they got to relax, cool down and recharge before they went back to work.

 

 

While the field workers filled up, the farm staff waited patiently for their turn at the dinner tables. These are the folks that had prepared and served the huge meal to the hands.