Retro Barbecue & Grilling
Instructions: Fire up the memories! How much do you remember about the backyard barbecue culture that defined American summers?
- 1.
Which iconic round, dome-shaped charcoal grill was invented by George Stephen in 1952 using a marine buoy?
AChar-BroilBColeman GrillCWeber Kettle GrillDHibachi - 2.
What type of charcoal briquettes, invented by Henry Ford, became the standard fuel for backyard grills?
AKingsford CharcoalBMatch LightCRoyal OakDCowboy Charcoal - 3.
What lighter fluid brand in a black and yellow can was used to start charcoal grills for decades?
AGulfBKingsfordCZippoDWizard - 4.
What was the most popular meat served at American backyard barbecues in the 1950s and 1960s?
AChickenBSteaksCRibsDHamburgers and hot dogs - 5.
What small, portable Japanese-style grill became popular for apartment balcony and patio grilling in the 1960s?
ABrazierBKamadoCTandoorDHibachi - 6.
What classic hot dog brand used the jingle 'I wish I were an Oscar Mayer wiener'?
AHebrew NationalBBall ParkCOscar MayerDNathan's - 7.
What was the classic American side dish served at nearly every backyard barbecue, made with elbow macaroni, mayonnaise, and celery?
AThree-bean saladBMacaroni saladCPotato saladDColeslaw - 8.
What sweet barbecue sauce brand from Kansas City became the top-selling bottled BBQ sauce in America?
AKC MasterpieceBSweet Baby Ray'sCBull's-EyeDStubb's - 9.
What summer holiday is traditionally considered the start of barbecue season in America?
AFourth of JulyBMemorial DayCMother's DayDEaster - 10.
What classic picnic and barbecue dessert was served from a large pan and featured layers of graham crackers, pudding, and whipped topping?
ADirt cakeBEclair cakeCBanana puddingDIcebox cake - 11.
What backyard barbecue game involved tossing beanbags at a slanted board with a hole in it?
AHorseshoesBRing tossCLawn dartsDCornhole - 12.
What condiment combination was essential on a classic grilled hot dog in the Midwest?
AKetchup and relishBYellow mustard, onions, and relishCChili and cheeseDMustard and sauerkraut - 13.
What baked bean recipe, featuring molasses and salt pork, was a traditional New England barbecue side dish?
ATexas-style beansBBoston baked beansCCowboy beansDRanch-style beans - 14.
What was the iconic red-and-white checkered item found on every picnic and barbecue table?
ANapkinsBTableclothCPaper platesDSeat cushions - 15.
What famous lawn game, later banned due to safety concerns in the 1980s, featured heavy pointed projectiles thrown at a ground target?
ACroquetBLawn darts (Jarts)CBocce ballDHorseshoes
Answer Key
George Stephen cut a marine buoy in half to create the first Weber Kettle Grill in 1952. Its dome shape with vents allowed for controlled cooking and became the icon of American backyard grilling.
Kingsford Charcoal was developed from a process invented by Henry Ford using wood scraps from his Model T factory. It became the number one charcoal brand in America.
Kingsford charcoal lighter fluid in its distinctive black and yellow can was the standard way to start a charcoal grill before chimney starters and match-light briquettes were introduced.
Hamburgers and hot dogs were the undisputed kings of the backyard barbecue. They were affordable, easy to grill, and loved by both kids and adults at summer cookouts.
The hibachi, a small cast-iron Japanese charcoal grill, became hugely popular in the 1960s. Its compact size made it perfect for apartments, picnics, and small patios.
Oscar Mayer's 'I wish I were an Oscar Mayer wiener' jingle debuted in 1963 and became one of the most beloved food jingles in American advertising history.
Macaroni salad, along with potato salad and coleslaw, was one of the essential side dishes at any American backyard barbecue. Every family had their own special recipe.
KC Masterpiece barbecue sauce, created by Rich Davis in Kansas City, became one of the best-selling barbecue sauces in America after its introduction in the 1970s.
Memorial Day weekend has traditionally marked the unofficial start of summer and barbecue season in America. Grills come out of storage and the first burgers of the season hit the grate.
Eclair cake (or chocolate eclair dessert) was a no-bake barbecue favorite, layering graham crackers with vanilla pudding and Cool Whip, topped with chocolate frosting.
Cornhole (also called bean bag toss) has been played at backyard barbecues for generations, though it gained mainstream popularity in the 2000s. Horseshoes and lawn darts were also barbecue staples.
The classic Midwest hot dog featured yellow mustard, diced onions, and sweet relish. In Chicago, ketchup on a hot dog was (and still is) famously considered unacceptable.
Boston baked beans, slow-cooked with molasses, brown sugar, and salt pork, were a traditional side dish at New England cookouts. Many families used their own secret recipe.
The red-and-white checkered tablecloth (or vinyl tablecloth) was an essential barbecue accessory. It covered picnic tables at cookouts, church picnics, and family gatherings everywhere.
Lawn darts (marketed as Jarts) were a popular backyard barbecue game until they were banned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in 1988 after causing serious injuries to children.