This compilation features vintage films about the food canning industry from the 1930s – 1950s. From canning salmon to peas these films explore the new food packaging, processing, and production that revolutionized canned food and changed the kitchen forever.
Included Films:
Miracle Of The Can
Miracle Of The Can
Produced: 1956
Length: 41 Minutes
All growing things are provided with a protective covering; it occurred to man if he could provide a permanent protective covering for the bounty of nature he could then readily extend the harvest season until every day of the year became a day of plenty. Such is the message of, Miracle of the Can, a film on the beauty and simplicity of the canning industry. Prior to the invention of canning food spoiled at twice the rate but, now with the lessons learned from nature we have a way to preserve our food and market it to more consumers. Wonderfully interesting, Miracle of the Can, explores the impact of the canning industry for the American consumer and how the nature of food production has been influenced by technological advances.
Pick of the Pod
Pick of the Pod
Produced: 1939
Length: 21 Minutes
Theres nothing more wholesome and more complementary to main courses than the pea. Grown typically in the spring, the pea used to be a seasonal side dish that could only be enjoyed once a year. With the invention of canning, peas and their goodness could soon be enjoyed year round. Pick of the Pod, picks apart the pea canning process through the eyes of a father explaining it to his curious children. Sponsored by Del Monte, this pre World War II film shows the process of how peas get from the fields, to the packaging plant, and on to kitchens across the United States.
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Alaska’s Silver Millions
Produced: 1936
Length: 38 Minutes
This film is part Alaskan travelogue and geography/history lesson, and part description of the Alaskan salmon industry. Commentary is provided by Father Bernard Hubbard, who was dubbed the glacier priest for his work studying the landscape of Alaska. He talks about the three parts of Alaska: the Yukon Valley, Southeastern Alaska, and the Alaskan Peninsula and Aleutian Islands. Each regions geography, climate, and major characteristics are then discussed. There is footage of glaciers, mountains, the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, and much more. The second part of the film encapsulates the salmon industry, and animated maps show the spawning and migration routes of the salmon in fresh and seawater routes. The lifecycle of the salmon is discussed, and there are views of the salmon spawning, fanning mud over their eggs, and then dying by the thousands. The process of netting, processing, canning, and shipping the salmon follows. This film gives a good overview of the economic and geographic importance of Alaska to the United States.
