Peek in the Park: Historic Mess Hall at Block 22

After the Minidoka War Relocation Center closed in October 1945, the government gave many buildings to communities in the area, and others were sold to farmers and nearby families. A mess hall building was used to create the Jerome Canning Kitchen in 1947. Over the years many people used the canning kitchen to prepare food for their families. When canning equipment became more affordable to buy for home use, and commercially processed food was more available in the 1970's and 80's the canning kitchen was closed. This historical building was offered to Minidoka NHS. In August 2011 the mess hall was moved in three sections from the Jerome fairgrounds at night to its current location at the historic Block 22 site where it was reassembled, stabilized, and cleaned. It is open for public viewing during ranger-led tours and special events.

(From the Minidoka National Historic Site website)

To learn more: https://www.nps.gov/miin/learn/historyculture/families-food-and-dining.htm