Meals were prepared in the Galley for the crew under the direction of the Chief Steward. Three cooks put out three meals a day for up to 80 men, plus a “night lunch” that was left out for the night watches to snack on.
A typical meal might include salad, soup, bread, a choice of entrees, a selection of fruit, vegetables, and dessert accompanied by a choice of beverages such as coffee, tea, and lemonade. Special menus were planned for holidays and other events.
The cooks were assisted by messmen and utilitymen who brought up food from the reefers and stores located one deck below. They also cleaned and helped as needed.
All cooking was done using steam kettles and the coal-fired range. The galley crew worked long hours in this space where temperatures could sometimes reach more than 100 degrees.
Today, the galley is still used by volunteer stewards to prepare and serve meals for the ship’s all-volunteer crew. While it has been converted to 100% electricity to satisfy US Coast Guard regulations, the beloved coal-fired range continues to take pride of place in the Galley.
Explore this Station's Gallery
Turn left into the transverse passageway opposite the Crew Mess, and take the ladder up to the Boat Deck. At the top of the ladder we will introduce you to the Officer's Quarters.