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lobster supper
DCHP-2 (Oct 2016)
n. — Food, predominantly Maritimes, especially Prince Edward Island
a meal of boiled lobster and side dishes, often served for fundraisers (see Image 1).
Type: 4. Culturally Significant — Though community meals featuring lobster are not unique to Canada (see Chart 1), these suppers took on special meaning in the Maritimes, especially on PEI and in NB (see Chart 2, Image 2). Lobster suppers were initially used as fundraisers for the improvement of the community (see the 2012 quotation).
Interestingly, the term is not listed in DPEIE.
Interestingly, the term is not listed in DPEIE.
Quotations
1899
Cutter, the tailor, had been having a big lobster supper the night before, with a few strong cigars to follow, and he was frightened!
1914
An excellent lobster supper was held, and was followed by an interesting toast list interspersed with songs and recitations, after which dancing was indulged in until after midnight.
1947
A lobster supper topped off by cream pie left violently ill 50 members of the Tangier Daenery Men's Association, an Oyster Bay, N.S., despatch tells us.
1966
When the dust (what there is left of it, now that most of the roads are paved) settles and the free cup of tea and lobster supper have been tucked away, the voters of First Kings will be sure of one thing, anyway: They've been in a campaign.
1970
Just in case you miss all this, you can always find a lobster supper served in a church hall or recreation centre.
1979
The island\'s community lobster supper is extremely popular with tourists.
1980
Also worth noting is a dining tradition most popular on Prince Edward Island - the lobster supper.
1995
Every year at this time, lobster suppers are held in support of local projects, but this year organizers have also scheduled events, contests and open houses to promote the suppers and other area attractions
1997
While community suppers in church basements and village halls can still be found, most tourists now experience the famous lobster supper in massive, privately owned emporiums that cater to bus tours.
2002
The granddaddy of all lobster suppers is the New Glasgow Lobster Supper in the town of New Glasgow, smack in the centre of the island.
2007
What was your best Canadian food experience? A lunch of pickerel on an Ontario lake, a slice of peach pie your grandma in the Okanagan baked, a lobster supper at a church in Nova Scotia or some other food experience your palate will never forget?
2012
If you have a must-do list for Prince Edward Island, the experience of an Island-style lobster supper should be on it. Lobster suppers have a long history here, beginning several decades ago as community suppers. The opening of lobster season was celebrated in community halls, church basements, or even outdoors. Not only did it mark the arrival of spring (the ice having departed from the harbors [sic] and fishing grounds), it also brought welcome income. As is the way with Islanders, they began using these events to raise funds for worthy projects or to support the church.
The logic behind the menu was simple. Local fishermen donated the lobster, farmers the potatoes and milk for chowder. Someone's cold cellar would provide cabbage and carrots for coleslaw. Strawberries were the first fruit of the season. Biscuits, bread, pies and squares came from local housewives, along with their own pickles. Everyone pitched in.
Soon word spread. Townfolk wanted to go, as did savvy tourists. In 1963, Father Denis Gallant, pastor at St. Ann's Church in Hope River, started serving Lobster Dinners in the basement of the church to help pay off the mortgage. At the time, they charged C$1.50 for a full dinner. St. Ann's continues to operate Lobster Suppers and boasts they are the "original." As a nonprofit organization, they support charities close to the heart of the community, as well as the church. [...]
The other star in my lobster supper showcase, New Glasgow Lobster Suppers, began in 1958 when the Junior Farmers Organization held a fundraiser. Twelve Junior Farmers turned it into a business in 1972, building ever bigger halls to accommodate the crowds. The Nicholson and MacRae families purchased all shares and continue operating New Glasgow Lobster Suppers to this day. Meals include unlimited chowder, mussels, bread, desserts, and beverages. Both suppers are important to their communities, providing employment in a region where jobs have been scarce. Many, many students have put themselves through school on their supper earnings.
The food set out at those original gatherings set the tone for the more authentic of today's lobster suppers. Begin your feast with chowder, mussels, and salads. Be careful you don't fill up on the delicious homemade rolls. Lobster is served at its best, fresh cooked, with a touch of the sea to keep it honest (hot or cold, your choice). The size of the lobster you order will determine the price. They crack it for you and provide the tools to help you get every morsel. Finish off your meal with home-style desserts. These suppers still have the feel of the community events -- informal, with lots of people chattering and having a good time.
References
- DPEIE
Images
Image 1: A lobster supper. Photo: B. Ford
Image 2: A sign for a restaurant serving lobster suppers in Baddeck, NS. Photo: B. Ford
Chart 1: Internet Domain Search, 15 Aug. 2012
