History of Food and Dining at Harvard

Harvard College classes held self-congratulatory suppers during their sophomore year, featuring fine food and drink, many toasts, and much singing.  Documentation of these suppers, including menus, can be found in the records of Harvard classes. Class records also include documentation of reunion activities, including luncheons, picnics, and clambakes.

The Class of 1852 enjoyed its Suppers: Class book, 1852-1908

Class of 1875 Supper. Harvard Crimson, April 4, 1873.

Harvard College today : address at dinner of the Class of 1899, June 1939 / by Henry James

Virginia Wheeler Harrold scrapbook, 1951 Includes descriptions of food served at the 25th reunion of the Harvard College Class of 1951, as well as descriptions of food consumed during travel to and from the reunion.
 

Let them eat cake (at Commencement):

A June 13, 1722 entry of the Records of the Board of Overseers discusses economizing Commencement expenses, resolving "that henceforth no preparation nor provision of either Plumb Cake or Roasted Boyled or Baked meates or pyes of any kind shall be made."

The Food Services Department's Sixth Annual Employees Workshop, held on April 2-4, 1968, included the baking of cakes shaped to look like the John Harvard statue and an open book with views of Harvard Yard.

Alumna Creates Cake for Harvard's 375th Anniversary Celebration

Records of the College Teas Association and Harvard Neighbors, 1894-1995 (inclusive) 1894-1972 (bulk)

Records of the University Teas Committee, 1899-1932 (inclusive) 1905-1918 (bulk)

Minutes of the Committee on Teas for the Wives of Harvard Law School Students, 1931-1945

General information about Harvard Medical School teas, 1951-1957