On this Date in Minnesota History: August 16

August 16, 1917 – Minneapolis hotel men have about-faced on the meatless day. It appears menus in this city will continue to herald the availability of beef au jus, chicken a la king, spring lamb with its attendant sauces, and all the other meat dishes that bloom just below the noodle soup on the hostelry menus.

This decision follows the enthusiastic proposal of the hotel men a fortnight ago, when they announced that future guests would be supping on spinach and fish thereafter on Tuesdays and Fridays. The various managements have unanimously reported that fat traveling men roared like wounded lions at the suggestion and that it couldn’t be done.

Bemidji Daily Pioneer; “No Meatless Days for Traveling Men; Demand Full Meals”; Aug. 16, 1917; p. 1.

Dining Room of the National Hotel, Minneapolis, Minn.

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