During World War II, the Betty Crocker company distributed a series of pamphlets to help war-time housewives, suggesting recipes for meatless meals and sugarless cakes. My favorite pamphlet is “Hospitality in War Time,” which offers helpful tips on how to entertain during food shortages and rationing.
One of the parties Betty suggests is a “hobo party”. I’ve always been tempted to recreate it…but find it borderline offensive? You can read her instructions for the party above, and do with it what you will.
Hi! I like the idea behind the picnic and the simple low key celebration, but I do think that calling it “hobo” is considered offensive: A couple threw a “hobo-depression era” wedding and there was quite a buzz because of it. http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2011/08/yes-hobo-themed-wedding-offensive/40903/
Maybe renaming it “simple pleasures party” would avoid touching sensitive spots…
OH MY GOD! Yes, that totally is the modern say equivalent of this “hobo party.” Ugh.
One of the things that caught my eye in that article is that their homeless-wedding cost $15,000, which is described as a show string budget. That seems the ultimate irony.
I kind of want Amy Sedaris to recreate this party and do a photo shoot. She’s the only person I can think of who could get away with it.
Totally sounds like a night at the Black Hills Playhouse. Heavy on the “beverage” course, naturally.
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Actually, I do find it offensive. My father lived the “hobo” life as a young man, immediately before and during the Great Depression.
He might not agree with me, of course, but he died in 1976, so I can’t ask him.