Hot Dogs, Heroism, and Burgoo: Memorial Day Foods History and Surprising Stories

What does watermelon have to do with Memorial Day? And how many pounds of hot dogs do we consume over Memorial Day weekend?

In this episode of Family Tree Food & Stories, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely take you from old Civil War battlefields to your backyard barbecue.

You’ll discover the surprising origins of the Memorial Day holiday when it was first known as Decoration Day, explore the wartime roots of today’s most iconic summer foods—like hot dogs, cornbread, and SPAM—and even a shared story of how Nancy almost grilled a bunch of baby mice! Yikes.

This episode features a wealth of interesting food stories and history. Additionally, it serves as a tribute to the sacrifices of our veterans and the resilience of American families during times of war. From Victory Gardens and Farmerettes to the origins of Liberty Cabbage and the rise of non-alcoholic beer, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for both your picnic plate and your country.

Whether you're firing up the grill or reflecting at a veteran’s cemetery, this episode blends history, humor, and heart in a way that only this Yank and Souther Bell can share food facts, history, and stories.

🔑Interesting takeaways:

• Do you know the original name of Memorial Day, as it is known today?
• What are the more traditional foods in different regions for this holiday? Johnny Cakes. Spam and Burgoo Stew.
• What are Farmettes? And, what did a fancy women's college have to do with them?
• And, how much did the US Army pay to put SPAM on the plates of their soldiers?

📣 What's Next?

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories with family and friends. Whether you're honoring a Veteran family member or friend or firing up the grill, take a moment to reflect, remember, and pass these powerful stories forward.

👇Share Your Story With Nancy & Sylvia!: Leave us a voicemail or send us a DM on Facebook.

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About Your Award-Winning Hosts: Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely are the powerhouse team behind Family Tree, Food & Stories, a member of The Food Stories Media Network, which celebrates the rich traditions and connections everyone has around food, friends, and family meals. Nancy, an award-winning business leader, author, and podcaster, and Sylvia, a visionary author, lawyer, and former CEO, combine their expertise to bring captivating stories rooted in history, heritage, and food. Together, they weave stories that blend history, tradition, and the love of food, where generations connect and share intriguing mealtime stories and kitchen foibles.

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