Scenes from a Street Party
It's what Coronation Chicken was invented for. No, really.
Chris Wild
Jun. 2, 1953
As if being crowned monarch of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Union of South Africa, Pakistan, and Ceylon was not enough activity for one day, Queen Elizabeth II also hosted a luncheon for visiting dignitaries on June 2, 1953. But what to serve? "Coronation chicken" was the answer - a brand-new recipe for a brand-new QueenThe dish - cold chicken in a creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, raisins and curry powder - was the creation of Constance Spry and Rosemary Hume, then principals of London's Cordon Bleu Cookery School chicken.All across Britain, the new Queen's subjects followed suit, throwing street parties and serving the novel dish.These pictures of one such party in London were taken by Ernst Haas. Five years later, in 1958, Haas was listed in Popular Photography magazine's "10 greatest photographers in the world".
As this day draws to its close, I know that my abiding memory of it will be, not only the solemnity and beauty of the ceremony, but the inspiration of your loyalty and affection. I thank you all from a full heart. - Queen Elizabeth's II evening broadcast, Jun. 2, 1953
