Pie supper facts for kids
A pie supper is a fun social event where people gather to auction off delicious homemade pies! The money raised from selling these pies often helps local schools or fire departments. Long ago, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, pie suppers were a super important way to get money for many of the small, one-room schools in a region.
At a traditional pie supper, women and girls would bake pies at home. Sometimes, they would put the pies in special boxes decorated with ruffles or bows. When a pie was auctioned, the person who bid the most money won the pie. But there was a cool twist! The highest bidder also got to share the pie with the person who made it. The identity of the pie maker was often a secret, or known only to a few people. This helped make sure that all pies, even those made by less well-known girls, would get bids, raising more money for the cause.
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More Than Just Dessert: Social Fun
Pie suppers were also a big deal for young people looking to meet new friends or even find a date! Until the early 1900s, it was tricky for young women to meet new guys, especially in rural areas where people lived far apart. Pie suppers and similar events were a safe and accepted way for young adults to expand their social circle.
It was also a chance for young men to see how well a potential partner could cook, which was an important skill back then. And for young women, it gave them a small idea of how well a potential husband might be able to provide for a family. It was a unique way to get to know someone in a fun, community setting.
The "Beauty Cake" Contest
Many pie suppers also had a special "beauty cake" popularity contest. Several girls would be chosen to receive the cake. Then, their friends and admirers would try to get votes for them. These votes usually cost a penny each, and all the money collected went to the fundraiser. It was a friendly competition that added extra excitement to the event!
Box Suppers: A Surprise Meal
A box supper was a bit like a pie supper, but instead of pies, people auctioned off boxes filled with other yummy food. These boxes might contain a chicken dinner, cookies, or a mix of different foods, making it a surprise for the winner! Box suppers were similar to "box socials" held in other parts of the country.
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