Thursday, February 28, 2008

reading...

In the evenings lately, I have just been curling up by the fire with a book...


I found a like-new copy of "The Home Cook Book" on the library sale cart this week for $1.


It is a reprint of 'Canada's 19th century best-selling cookbook and first fund-raising cookbook'. Produced in 1877 to raise funds for Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children, it is a very interesting read...such as this quote from Geo. Stewart, Jr ~ "A badly-cooked dinner, the records of crime will shew, has caused nearly half the suicides of the nation, and matrimonial infelicities may be traced to the same direct cause."


From the Housekeeping section: "Success in housekeeping adds credit to the woman of intellect, and lustre to a woman's accomplishments."


Besides housekeeping, there are sections for table talk, dinner etiquette, social observances, utensils, and little housekeepers. Housekeeping was serious, serious business...I'll try to share some more from this book in future.

[Picture from Country Living Shoestring Chic]

22 comments:

  1. I love to read. I've been sitting outside in the swing, yes the SWING and reading! It is in the 70's here and gorgeous. Don't get too jealous, though, it is supposed to be stormy, rainy and cold the rest of the week. Oh well, we've enjoyed it while we had it.

    That Country Living picture is beautiful. It actually looks like a lot of the pictures you've shared of your home. You have quite a gift for decorating.

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  2. I just love curling up with a good cookbook. I'm glad I'm not the only one.

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  3. Anonymous4:22 PM

    Your library sale cart is the best! I always marvel at the treasures you find there. Sadly, our sale cart never has much of a selection.
    Reading is my absolute favorite way to pass the time--my husband teases me for being a "book nerd."

    I love Country Living. I've now saved up enough Coke Rewards points from my Diet Coke addiction to get a free one-year subscription. Woo hoo!

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  4. What fantastic library cart sale finds. The Home Cook Book sounds amazing.

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  5. That cook book reminds me of one of my dear mothers. I made sure that Dad let me take it after she passed away. So many good memories abound in it, plus all my Mom's handwritten extras.

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  6. Anonymous6:15 PM

    What a good book sale! I love those old housekeeping/cookbooks! That Country Living book looks like a good one too.

    Manuela

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  7. Hello...I am a fairly new reader to your blog. I live near Toronto and found it interesting that they published a book for fundraising purposes in the late 1800's!!! Some things never change, now do they?

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  8. I love cozy evenings with a good book. It looks like you have quite a few wonderful ones there.
    Hugs
    Kelli

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  9. Reading sounds like such a delight right now! I always enjoy your blog. Your photos are beuatiful1

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  10. You found a great book! It sounds very entertaining!

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  11. Hello I am looking for links to put on my sidebar for encouraging homemakers. I wonder if I could add yours. I like the positive tone of it.

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  12. Anonymous4:30 PM

    The Country Living book looks very interesting! I'll have to see if our library has it. I love reading cookbooks from the 19th century ~ good find!

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  13. I love the old cookbooks, especially the ones with tips for the homemaker. Enjoy your great finds. Linda

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  14. What a great find Deb! I love old cookbooks like that.

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  15. I look forward to hearing more about the book! It sounds great!

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  16. Sounds wonderful! I love to get all cozy and go through my books too. I love the old vintage cookbooks. I have an addiction to them and thankfully can decorate with them!

    :0) Sharon

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  17. I have a cookbook I'm aching to read. Yours is so very interesting!

    Jody

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  18. Oh. That Nouwen book. It is among my all time favorites. The 'conclusion' at the end of the book is truly worth pondering.

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  19. I love reading too and vintage cookbooks are so neat. My dad gave me his mothers and I was so excited to receive it. . . because dad had 13 brothers and sisters - there wasn't much to get after the "picking." Anyways, I couldn't wait to get it and open it up. . .and guess what? Grams didn't have very much written in her cookbook at all. I guess she just cooked from memory. . . all. . . the time.

    Blessing,

    Sher

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  20. Anonymous9:58 AM

    Such a sweet and inspiring blog. I just found you and am enjoying getting to know you.

    I just started a blog myself; hope you can find the time to visit!

    Blessings,
    Robin/Southern Bella

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  21. "curling up by the fire with a book", that sounds so cosy! And it also sounds like an interesting read. Cookbooks are always interesting reads :)I should do it more often..
    Normally I use my late hours, sitting in my favourite corner of the sofa, embroidering with the sound from the telly at the background.


    I hope your weekend was a great one Deb!
    Greetings from your blogfriend Aina

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  22. Anonymous5:07 PM

    Browsing through cooking and crafting books is one of my favorite things to do. So many new ideas to be found!

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Thank you for taking time to leave a comment--I love reading each and every one! I will try to answer any questions you have in the comment section. Due to the amount of spam, I am sadly no longer able to accept Anonymous comments....Kindly, Deb

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