This wartime menu depicts Duke dining choices for students during World War II. Rationing of items such as meat, sugar, butter, and canned goods was common. Unemployment during this time was high, while prices and wages were low. A filet mignon steak worth 50 cents would amount to $9.33 in 2024. Specials include the “co-ed special,” a peanut butter, jelly, and lettuce sandwich.
Duke University Coffee Shop Menu A la Carte, ca. 1943, Dining Services Reference Collection, Box 1, Menus + Prices Folder, Duke University Archives, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.
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