World War I Cooking Class at Pratt Institute, 1917

This historical photograph shows a cooking class at Pratt Institute on August 13, 1917, aimed at training cooks for the Army during World War I. The war, which lasted from 1914 to 1918, created a demand for well-trained culinary personnel to sustain troops in various environments. Instructors Miss Hanks and Miss Kierstead led the class, focusing on skills essential for preparing meals under wartime conditions.

Captured by the Bain News Service, this image highlights a significant aspect of home front contributions during the war. The session not only trained soldiers in the art of cooking but also reflected the broader efforts to mobilize civilian resources for military purposes. The photograph was later published in The New York Times on August 26, 1917, illustrating how ordinary civilians were engaged in supporting the war effort through practical skills like cooking. This document serves as an important reminder of a unique intersection between education and wartime necessity.