The University of Houston has increased its digital offerings in recent years to allow visitors to make their way through everything from home retail pamphlets from the 1920s to copper plate engravings from Theodor de Bry's "Grandes Voyages." This particular collection offers users access to 80 different menus from the 1850s and 1860s. The menus are taken from establishments that were located all over the country, such as the American Hotel in Buffalo and the Allyn House in Hartford. It's quite a revelation to learn that on March 5, 1859, the patrons at the Allyn House would have had access to over 35 menu options, including oyster fritters and halibut. Culinary historians and gastronomy types will have a field day with these menus, which might inspire a rather elaborate repast.
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