Navy Cooks in Training at 59th St, NYC (1915-1918)

This historical photograph depicts a naval cooking school situated on 59th Street in New York City, an institution dedicated to training cooks for the U.S. Navy during World War I. Taken between 1915 and 1918, the image highlights a crucial aspect of military logistics: the preparation and provision of food for naval personnel. As the war intensified, the need for well-trained cooks became evident, ensuring that sailors received nutritious meals vital for maintaining their health and morale while serving at sea.

The cooking school featured here utilized a set of specialized recipes designed to meet the nutritional needs of sailors. This was no small feat, as meals had to be prepared efficiently and be suitable for consumption under challenging and often austere conditions aboard ship. Training in this culinary environment emphasized both skill development and the importance of resourcefulness—a key quality for military cooks who often had to work with limited ingredients.

Captured by the Bain News Service, this photograph serves as a testament to the efforts made within the naval infrastructure during a time of global conflict. It not only reflects military preparation but also provides insight into everyday life for those serving in the Navy, showing that even in times of war, the act of preparing food remained a priority.