Hello,
I have just joined the list this week and am already looking for
information. I hope you can help.
I have preliminary results from faunal analysis of several households in
the greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area c.1900. The person analyzing
the material commented that chicken and turkey were both present, but
in unexpectedly low frequencies.
So I'm looking for information on the frequency of eating chicken as
opposed to the beef/pork/mutton distinctions I have seen in some
historic archaeological reports. I'm looking for fairly contemporary
information, because I want to know whether the consumption of
relatively little poultry was standard for the time, or only in urban
areas, or possibly an indicator of ethnic differences in dietary habits
- since several of our households were relatively recent immigrants to
the steel mills from eastern Europe (Slav, Magyar, and others).
Cover's 1932 study of meat consumption in Pittsburgh does not address
chicken (or any poultry or fish). Margaret Byington's study of
households in nearby Homestead in 1910 included records of household
purchases. Poultry was not even a category on her survey forms (just
beef; pork; ham/sausage/bacon; other meat; fish. also eggs). Since
eggs were being purchased by the dozen or 1/2 doz, I am assuming that
chickens were not being raised in back-yard pens in this urban setting.
I got a few responses on the Histarch list, but it was suggested I post
here for more information. Any leads would be appreciated. If you
prefer, I can be reached off-list at
[log in to unmask]
Melissa Diamanti
Archaeological & Historical Consultants, Inc.
101 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Centre hall, PA 16828
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