Although it’s well known—or should be—that our Special Collections Center archives the works of local authors, it appears that few of our patrons realize that this collection policy includes cookbooks produced by local organizations, schools, and businesses.
One of the oldest on our shelves, Selected Recipes, was compiled by St. Margaret’s guild of Trinity Cathedral in 1922. Contributors include Mrs. Joe Lane and Mrs. C. D. Waterman,* Mrs. Seth J. Temple,** and Miss Alice French.
The recipes in this particular book seem to take it on faith that readers know what they’re doing in the kitchen—there are no step-by-step instructions and the measurements tend to be . . . colloquial. Still, who can resist this recipe, submitted by Miss Margaret Pillion?
Pumpkin Pie
Line deep pie plate with rich crust and fill with the following:
1 ½ cups steamed and strained pumpkins
3 eggs
1 cup brown sugar
Butter size of a walnut
¼ teaspoon ginger
¼ teaspoon allspice
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1 pint sweet milk
½ teaspoon lemon extract
More spice may be added if desired
So, if you’re interested in following the culinary path through Davenport history—and who wouldn’t be—you’re welcome to come in and browse through our collection of local cookbooks.
Photocopies are ten cents each!
___
*whose husbands founded the Davenport law firm Lane & Waterman
**Whose husband was a prominent local architect
(posted by Cristina and Sarah)
