Letters to Mom: Miss Your Cooking
A cast-iron & open-fire cooking workshop with the Frontier Mess Chuckwagon.
Although fraught with numerous challenges and hardships, cooking on the open range during the 19th century yielded the rewarding experience of a wholesome meal for weary travelers who longed for the comforts of home, including the nostalgic flavors and warmth of Mom’s cooking. The vast expanses of the American frontier presented unique obstacles, from unpredictable weather conditions to the scarcity of fresh ingredients, yet pioneers and cowboys found ingenious ways to prepare nourishing meals that not only satisfied their hunger but also provided a sense of community and comfort amid the rugged wilderness.
Join us for a unique opportunity with the “Frontier Mess” chuckwagon, hosted at the historic Glebe House Museum, for an enriching Mother’s Day weekend cast-iron and open-fire cooking workshop. This immersive experience invites participants to delve into the fascinating history of cooking on the trail, exploring the methods and practices that defined culinary life for those who journeyed across the untamed landscape. Attendees will learn how to build a proper fire, suitable for cooking a variety of meals, and understand the significance of heat control, and the different techniques required for effective outdoor cooking.
Moreover, the workshop will provide insights into the various cooking implements that were essential during this era, such as cast-iron skillets, Dutch ovens, and the iconic chuckwagon itself, which served as a mobile kitchen for those on the move. Participants will have the opportunity to engage hands-on in the cooking process, collaborating with others to create a small meal that reflects the hearty fare of the time, along with a delightful dessert that captures the essence of frontier sweetness.
This workshop promises not only to impart valuable culinary skills but also to foster a deeper appreciation for the resourcefulness and resilience of those who cooked under the open sky, transforming simple ingredients into cherished meals that nourished both body and spirit. As you gather around the fire, sharing stories and laughter, you will connect with the rich culinary traditions of the past while making new memories that echo the warmth of home-cooked meals.
The workshop will take place in the Glebe House yard with the “Frontier Mess” chuckwagon. Participants will be broken into 3 groups with a maximum of 18 participants.
Pre-registration is required.
Workshop Fee: $40 for Museum Members / $45 for Museum Non-Members
To Register/Tickets: To pay by cash/check, please contact the Museum Office at 203-263-2855 or via email at office@glebehousemuseum.org
To pay by credit card, please follow the link:
For Questions & Further Information: Call or email the Museum Office at 203-263-2855 / Office@glebehousemuseum.org
To view a video featuring the “Frontier Mess" click on our media tab or visit our YouTube page at:


Comments