Stouffer's Menu for the quarantine period of astronauts Neil Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin, and Michael Collins upon their return from the Apollo 11 mission, 1969

173x137 mm. Menu printed in black on heavy paper. The cover features the mission emblem, and the back cover lists Stouffer restaurants titled 'Where on Earth to find Stouffer's Restaurants and Motor Inns'.

An extraordinary historical testament: the original menu relating to the quarantine days of the astronauts who successfully returned from the Apollo 11 mission. The only other known copy is preserved at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA 1-2271, described as: 'Sample Stouffer menus prepared for the Apollo 11 Lunar Receiving Lab, Crew Reception Area, where the astronauts were quarantined for 21 days after their return from space and served Stouffer's frozen food products'). 

The menu was studied and prepared by the Stouffer's chain. From the second page: 'The eyes of the world are on three brave men who have successfully completed the greatest adventure in history - the first exploration of the moon. We are humbly grateful that our 45 years of devotion to quality food production made us ready for this historic moment. We are proud that Stouffer's foods were chosen by NASA to feed the astronauts during the critical period of quarantine following their return from space. Careful testing in isolation will assure that no hostile organisms have reached earth from the lunar environment. The food that the spacemen are eating during the entire quarantine period of 21 days has to be very special, and Stouffer's met the test. Pure and wholesome food safeguards the delicate work of the scientists. Moreover, food that is pleasing and tasteful is a positive factor in maintaining the morale and endurance of the astronauts and the 13 physicians and technicians who are isolated with them. Convenience is also a requirement because of the small kitchen area in the Lunar Receiving Laboratory...'. 

An incredible small piece of paper for a huge milestone in history. A small meal for a man, a leap from Pantagruel for humanity! The menu for sale will immensely enrich your collection whether you firmly believe that they truly went to the Moon or if, as good conspiracy theorists, you consider the Apollo 11 mission the greatest nonsense in history... In this latter case, however, you must acknowledge that they really thought of everything: even the menus for quarantine!