Re: Evolution of the NY Style Pizza (Split Topic)

[norma427]

I saw this article on Scott’s Pizza Journal about maybe the first reference to Pizza as a Pie in NY. 

http://blog.scottspizzatours.com/post/18130417527/first-reference-to-pizza-as-pie

Norma

[pizzablogger]

One day this decade I will tie all of the crap I have into an informal pizza "history of sorts".

Just re-read some stuff while on hold with a company today. One of the first direct mentions of pizza by the slice I found:

“When pizza is eaten, it generally fills that momentary urge for a quick snack. In this sense pizza is symbolic of the present Atomic and Aspirin Age, in which the necessity has arisen for conducting business on the run and the hustle and bustle of everyday living have caught up with the working man, hurrying home to the suburbs. A tasty triangle of pizza won’t spoil supper and it may avoid for the train traveler those uncomfortable gnawings in the stomach. All this was undreamed of by our first business-wise Italian immigrant of 50 years ago.” --6/14/1956

[norma427]

One day this decade I will tie all of the crap I have into an informal pizza "history of sorts".

Just re-read some stuff while on hold with a company today. One of the first direct mentions of pizza by the slice I found:

“When pizza is eaten, it generally fills that momentary urge for a quick snack. In this sense pizza is symbolic of the present Atomic and Aspirin Age, in which the necessity has arisen for conducting business on the run and the hustle and bustle of everyday living have caught up with the working man, hurrying home to the suburbs. A tasty triangle of pizza won’t spoil supper and it may avoid for the train traveler those uncomfortable gnawings in the stomach. All this was undreamed of by our first business-wise Italian immigrant of 50 years ago.” --6/14/1956

Kelly,

Looking forward to the day when you find time to put all your information together.   

What you found from 1956 is interesting too. 

Norma

[Pete-zza]

There is some additional information on the evolution of the NY style at http://www.pizzamaking.com/forum/index.php/topic,21667.0.html.

Peter

[scott123]

If anyone has a larger version of this image:

http://www.firstpizza.com/history.html

I think it would be quite informative.

[CIZ28]

The thing I can't understand about the remake of Lombardi's is why are they making traditional Margherita pizza instead of the sauce-on-top style like most of the other originals that took that whole thing from Lombardi's in the first place? I recall reading even Patsy's did it that way before the neighborhood changed and in came the orange blanket for slices. IIRC, a true Lombardi's plain pie made by Gennaro and family was basically Totonno's pizza today with some oregano (not fresh basil) and possibly a little fresh garlic.

[Tscarborough]

http://slice.seriouseats.com/images/2004_04_30_PizzaFamilyTree.jpg

[norma427]

Domenico Crolla posted this picture on facebook a little while ago.  This is what the caption says. Enjoying some New York pizza 1921.  

I asked Domenico Crolla where he found this picture.  I will see if he answers me.

I thought the picture was quite interesting.  They all sure look like they are enjoying their pizzas!  

Norma

[deb415611]

Norma - I saw that picture on facebook yesterday on a different site -- this is the caption that was with it "In 1921, early suffragettes often donned a bathing suit and ate pizza in large groups to annoy men...it was a custom at the time..."   

[Pete-zza]

Norma,

Aren't you in that photo?

Peter

[Chicago Bob]

Norma,

Aren't you in that photo?

Peter

You should know Peter...isn't that you all the way to the right down front sitting in front of Norma!?!? 

[Pete-zza]

You should know Peter...isn't that you all the way to the right down front sitting in front of Norma!?!? 

Bob, no, that was my grandfather .

Peter

[norma427]

Norma - I saw that picture on facebook yesterday on a different site -- this is the caption that was with it "In 1921, early suffragettes often donned a bathing suit and ate pizza in large groups to annoy men...it was a custom at the time..."   

Deb,

That was too funny what you posted about early suffragettes often donning a bathing suit and eating pizza in large groups to annoy men!   

Norma

[norma427]

Norma,

Aren't you in that photo?

Peter

Peter,

Yep, I was that first lady on the left eating pizza.   

Norma

[norma427]

You should know Peter...isn't that you all the way to the right down front sitting in front of Norma!?!? 

Bob,

I really don't know Peter.

Norma

[scott123]

Those women need to put some clothes on. Have they no sense of decency?  It's scandalous, I say!

[Chicago Bob]

Those women need to put some clothes on. Have they no sense of decency?  It's scandalous, I say!

Aww... 'cmon dadio...they hav'in fun eat'in pizza man! 

[norma427]

Those women need to put some clothes on. Have they no sense of decency?  It's scandalous, I say!

Scott,

Those ladies sure are decent compared to today's standards.   

To post really where this picture came from this explains it more.

The photo was actually here.  http://www.junipergallery.com/node/1838  and titled this. July 31, 1921. Washington, D.C. "Pie eating contest at Tidal Basin bathing beach."  This was posted on this facebook page Saturday.  https://www.facebook.com/chickhistory

At least ladies did enjoy pizza back in 1921. 

Norma