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The Douglas DC-3, which first flew in 1935, was one of the first airliners to be equipped with a galley. It had upper and lower level storage cabinets for hot and cold meals, and a serving counter with a drain. A folding seat and a phone to provide communication with the pilot were also offered. Meals on day-use flights were usually served with paper or plastic cups and plates to reduce weight. When ceramic dishes were used, they were specifically designed to be light for inflight use. American Airlines offered Airlite China produced by the Onondaga Pottery Company of Syracuse, New York, and flatware resembling the DC-3 forward fuselage made by the International Silver Company. Image: American Airlines meal service set, late 1930–40s. SFO Museum Collection. Pickle fork: gift of Charles C. Quarles. Salt and pepper shakers: gift of Thomas G. Dragges. 1998.093.001 a, b, c; 2003.068.001; 2000.057.001–.002; 2002.035.860–.861; 2000.149.009
This image was posted on March 27, 2020.