In my own naval-heavy military history salute to Pi-Day (3/14), we take a look at the peculiar exhibition that was U.S. Navy pie eating contests.
Apparently, these were a regular occurrence at “steel beach” type gatherings on Uncle’s warships from the 1900s through WWII, especially on larger ships with well-equipped gallies.
I guess BBQ and pizza replaced it after that.
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Pie eating contest On board a U.S. Navy battleship, circa 1907-1908. This view may have been taken during the Great White Fleet World cruise NH 106075
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A pie eating contest On board a U.S. Navy battleship, circa the mid-1910s NH 106274
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USS Wyoming BB-32, Pie eating contest on board, on 22 February 1915. NH 77036
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USS Mercury.Pie eating contest during a recreation session held for embarked troops, probably while the ship was bringing personnel home from France, circa 1919 NH 98582
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USS Maryland (BB-46). Pie-eating contest on board, during her cruise to Brazil in August 1922 NH 76520
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USS Augusta (CA-31). Pie-eating contest aboard ship, circa 1936 NH 77855
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Pie eating contest held during a happy hour aboard the USS SARATOGA (CV-3) at sea. NH 119205
Also, Marines like pie, too.
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Three Marines hungrily wait for the first pie to come out of the field oven on Bougainville during WWII– Note the sweetheart grips on the center-most Devil’s 1911
