Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Civil Defense All Purpose Survival Biscuits in a metal container
Civil Defense All Purpose Survival Biscuits in a metal container

Civil Defense All Purpose Survival Biscuits in a metal container

Object number2000.029.0001
DateMay 1962 - July 1962
ClassificationsArtifacts
ObjectArtifact
Credit LineThe Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza Collection
MediumMetal, Foodstuff
Dimensions13 × 8 5/8 × 5 5/8 in. (33 × 21.9 × 14.3 cm)
Collections
DescriptionCivil Defense All Purpose Survival Biscuits in a sealed metal container that is labeled to indicate it "contains a minimum of 465 biscuits." Such tins were placed in fallout shelters for families to use as food in case of nuclear threat. This tin still contains biscuits. The rectangular metal tin with rounded sides is gold in color with writing on one end denoting its contents and weight. The text is printed in black, as follows: "Civil Defense All Purpose Survival Biscuit Date Packed May _ June _ July - 1962 Ingredients: Wheat flour, sugar, vegetable shortening, corn flour, corn sugar, soy flour, salt, leavening, and with BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), propyl gallate and citric acid in propylene glycol added to preserve freshness. Net wt. 7 1/2 lbs. Min. 62 biscuits per lb. Min. 465 biscuits per can Schulze and Burch Biscuit Co. Chicago 9, Illinois"
Curatorial Commentary
This biscuit tin was displayed at the Museum in the temporary lobby exhibit, "Unfinished Business: Kennedy and Cuba" (2000-2001). - Stephen Fagin, Curator