Contrary Wife or The Revolt of Mother Quilt Block

    
      I wasn't planning to include the Contrary Wife block in my quilt.  The name bothers me. Then I read in this entry that Harriet presents a piece called "The Revolt of Mother" at a high school pie supper.  I found the piece online, so I decided to include the block, along with my revised name for it.  You might enjoy reading the short story like I did.
http://etext.virginia.edu/etcbin/toccer-new2?id=WilRevo.sgm&images=images/modeng&data=/texts/english/modeng/parsed&tag=public&part=1&division=div1
     I made this block 12" square so I could include as much of each chicken as possible.  I found the pattern here: http://www.quilterscache.com/C/ContraryWifeBlock.html
    Ted is Harriet's 14-year-old younger brother.  A graphophone is an early version of a record player or a CD player.

Friday, March 3, 1916 -
"Ted took me to a pie supper the high school kids gave, and we just got in.  As it was 11:55 by my clock, and said clock was stopped, I know it must be a little 'early,' so I'll write details later.  I had a real good time and got along pretty well with my piece, however.  I gave Mary Wilkins Freeman's 'The Revolt of Mother,' and although I didn't do as well as Myrtle Mc did out at C. of E. (College of Emporia), I didn't make any serious blunders.  The program was quite good - an immense graphophone made quite a hit.  Then they sold the pies afterward.  I hadn't taken any, for I hadn't given it a second thought until Ted came home from school, but Mr. Miller bought several for the high school at the restaurant, and he asked permission of several of us girls to put our names on them.  I consented for I felt I should help them out.  I was scared stiff that a certain person had got my pie, so I felt really relieved when Tim brought Mike Rennolds around with it.  But luck of lucks, it was a raisin pie! - the only kind I don't like.  But I ate a little for politeness' sake. . .

"Alpha is getting up a surprise on Grace for next Tuesday night.  She gave me the privilege of choosing from four boys who I should like for an escort.  Following are the 'eligibles': Leroy McCune, Glen Robinson, Earl Matney, and Howell Lusk!  Needless to say, I have not yet decided upon the most desirable one."

Aunt Minerva's Sour Cream Raisin Pie

1 cup water

1/2 cup seedless raisins

1/2 cup sugar

1 heaping tablespoon flour

1 cup sour cream

2 egg yolks, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla

1- 8" pie shell, baked

1.  Combine water and raisins in a saucepan.  Cook until raisins are quite tender and juice is low.

2.  In a bowl, mix together the sugar and flour.  Add sour cream and egg yolks.  Add mixture to raisins and cook until thick.  Stir in vanilla.

3.  Pour into baked pie crust.  Use the egg whites for meringue.   

            - from The Woodbury Larder: A Legacy published by Phyllis Woodbury Bryant

     I found a recipe for the meringue since Aunt Minerva's recipe ended as above.  

Beat 2 egg whites and 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar on high speed until frothy.  Add two tablespoons of sugar slowly until peaks form and are stiff but not dry.  Be sure all sugar granules are dissolved.  Using a rubber spatula, spread meringue over warm pie filling, spreading over pie edge to ensure a firm seal.  Swirl top of meringue with spatula to create peaks.  Bake at 350 degrees until peaks are golden brown.   

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog entry:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/09/linoleum-quilt-block.html

Linoleum Quilt Block

     I made this little 6" Linoleum quilt block from a pattern in the book The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird.  I found a free pattern for a 12" block online at http://hoecakesandhemlines.wordpress.com/2012/03/16/adjusted-linoleum-tile-quilt-block-by-amanda-h/.
     Uncle Will is the younger brother of Hattie's Mamma, Alberta Emily Young Woodbury, who passed away three years earlier.  Orvel Beckner is a hired man about Hattie's age.  Mother is Hattie's step-mother, Louise Daniels Woodbury.  
     
Thursday, March 2, 1916 -
"We were quite surprised to find 4 or 5 inches of snow on the ground this A.M. when we awoke, and it has snowed the greater part of the day until it is quite deep - good for sleighing.  Ha!

"Uncle Will left this A.M.  He says they have had no snow, nor even rain, at Wallace all winter, so we arranged for him to have a sleigh ride to the depot.

"Orvel killed a rabbit this morning, which we had for dinner; it was fine.  Then he came in this evening with another.

"Mother went up to see Dr. Mills this P.M.  She has been having such terrible headaches lately.  Of course, it is her nerves that cause the trouble.  While she was gone, I undertook to scrub the kitchen floor for the first time on record.  I have mopped a number of times but never got down on my knees to do it before.  But it looked lovely (if a kitchen floor is capable of being 'lovely') when I had finished.
 

"I have been doing a little darning and incidentally learning my piece this evening.  I hope the snow will not melt to make it muddy, and perhaps we can go in the sleigh tomorrow night." 

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog entry:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/09/checkerboard-quilt-block.html

Checkerboard Quilt Block

     The 6" version of this Checkerboard pattern can be found in The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird.  I made it an 8-1/2" block by making each square 2" finished.  I fussycut the flower squares.  
     In this diary entry, Uncle Will Young, Mamma's younger brother, is visiting them.  Harriet's Mamma, Alberta Emily Young Woodbury, died in 1913.  Alberta's parents have also died, so Uncle Will is their connection to Mamma's family. 
     "Pit is a fast-paced card game for three to eight players, designed to simulate open outcry bidding for commodities.  The game was developed for Parker Brothers and first sold in 1904"  (Wikipedia). 
     Howard is Harriet's younger brother who is attending pre-college in Manhattan, 95 miles away.  Harriet is studying for a journalism class she's taking by correspondence from Kansas University.

Wednesday, March 1, 1916 -
"March certainly came in like a lion - it has been misting and freezing and blowing all day. 

"The children with Uncle Will and Papa have been having a very exciting game of Pit this evening at which I came out the winner.  Then we had apples and water for refreshments, and I have written a letter to Howard since.

"I have been working quite a bit today.  There is a lot to do when we have no help.  I made a couple of lovely lemon pies in honor of Uncle Will this A.M.  It is his favorite pie, and I always make some for him.  Then I had to churn and didn't get it finished until afternoon.  I had a little doze and studied some and then dressed for supper.  I'm so sleepy I can't write anymore." 
 

Hattie's Maternal Grandfather with Some of His Children
Taken December 20, 1899 in Quenemo, Kansas, by Drum Rail Road Photo Car
Back Row:  Will Young (uncle), Ella Young Mills (aunt), Andrew Jackson Young (uncle)
Front: Anna Young Wiley (aunt), Nathaniel E. Young (grandfather), Alberta Young Woodbury (mother)

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog entry:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/09/sawtooth-quilt-block.html

Sawtooth Quilt Block

    
     I fussy cut this 6" Sawtooth quilt block, and I'm really happy with the way it turned out.  I used more of my wonderful Joel Dewberry Aviary 2 scraps.  The pattern is from The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird.   
     Will Young is the brother of Harriet's Mamma, Alberta Emily Young Woodbury.  Alberta died in 1913, three years before this diary was written. 
     Alberta and Will's parents (Harriet's maternal grandparents), Nathaniel Eaton Young and Mary Ann Peeler Young, arrived in Kansas about 1862-1863 from Greene County, Illinois, north of St. Louis.  Nathaniel enlisted in the 17th Kansas Volunteer Infantry in 1864 at Plymouth, Kansas. http://www.kansasguardmuseum.org/dispunit.php?id=27
     The family moved to Osage County, Kansas by 1870.  When the Sauk and Fox Indian Reservation was opened up for settlers, Nathaniel got a land grant there of 160 acres from the United States government. He built a sawmill and grist mill on the Marais Des Cygnes River near Quenemo. 
http://www.kansasheritage.org/families/young.html          

Tuesday, February 29, 1916 -
"It's turning so cold again when we had hoped it would be nice.  The sun came out today and the snow melted; now it's turning cold again.  Ted and George have gone up after Uncle Will Young.  He came in from Kansas City and phoned about 8:30, so the kids went up to get him.

"Mother has been sewing today, so I got dinner and was busy all A.M.  Then I have been studying all P.M. and some this evening.

"Mr. Hile was here for dinner today, and he said probably Mrs. Hile could come help with the work.  I hope she can for, aside from the fact that we need someone, they need the work.  I think they are not doing very well, and she wants to do something to help out.

"I got up pretty early this A.M. and am about sound asleep now - I don't know why I am so tired."

     I researched the Sauk and Fox tribe who formerly lived on Harriet's grandparents' land 46 years before she wrote this 1916 diary.

     The Sauk, people of the yellow earth, and the Fox, people of the red earth, began as two separate but neighboring tribes in Michigan.  Having similar language and customs, the Sauk and Fox banded together for safety and survival. 
     Forced to leave Michigan in 1804 by the migration of white settlers, they began a succession of moves, living first in Illinois, then Iowa, Missouri, and Osage County, Kansas.  In 1867, the Sauk and Fox Indians signed a treaty with the United States, agreeing to move yet once again to Oklahoma. 
     In November of 1869, the first group left Osage County, Kansas, traveling for nineteen days in seventeen government wagons to reach their new home.  (This was 16 years before Harriet's parents were married and 26 years before she was born.)
     One band of the Sauk and Fox, led by Chief Mo-Ko-Ho-Ko, protested the move to Indian Territory.  For years after the treaty was signed, many of his band kept returning to their old homes in Kansas and Iowa.   http://okielegacy.org/lincoln/sacnfox.html
                
You might enjoy reading my previous post:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/09/homeward-bound-quilt-block.html

Homeward Bound Quilt Block

     I fussy cut the flowers for this 9" Homeward Bound quilt block.  I think the green dot fabric gives the block some "pop."  The pattern can be found in a 6" size in The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird.
     In this diary entry, my grandmother is ending her visit with her younger brother Howard in Manhattan, Kansas.  A jitney is a small motor vehicle that transports passengers on a route for a small fare, usually a nickel.  The Katy was a smaller, second class railroad.  Hen is Henrietta Hanes, a close high school friend of my grandmother's.  The Turkish is an ice cream and candy store located in the heart of Emporia.  They make their own ice cream, chocolates, and candy.  You will notice that my grandmother mentions her future husband, Frank George, once again.

Wednesday, February 23, 1916 -
"It seemed like I was awake every five minutes during the night.  I didn't go to sleep very soon, and about two o'clock Clema and some girlfriends came home from the dance and piled in bed with me.  Then I kept fearing I would sleep too late and dreamed that Howard called me at three o'clock, so that in a way it was a relief when 5:30 came.  Our jitney came, and we went to take the interurban.  It was quite cold and dark, but the sun was shining beautifully by the time I got to Junction City.  The ride on the Katy was, as usual, a dirty, stuffy, and bumpy one, but I passed the time by reading the morning 'Capital' and 'The Battle Cry of Peace.'  I got to Emporia about 10:30 and after getting Mother's bedroom slippers, I went up to Haynes'.  Virginia came to the door, seemed delighted to see me, and I had the usual delightful time with her until Hen came.  After dinner . . . we went to the Turkish and the floral shop, then took a jitney to the station.  Hen and I were having a nice little chat which the brakie was very sorry to interrupt when the time came for the train to leave.

"Frank George rode with me as far as Lebo, and we discussed the Democratic Banquet and politics in general besides the very interesting subject of 'Experiences with Our Cars.'  Drs. Lusk and Mills were also on the train and talked with me a little.  Jennie Sodestrom got on at Lebo, and Mrs. Trapp was on the train, so I had company the rest of the way. . .  

"Then Mother came, and we came right on out home.  It seems good to get home again and in my own bed.  We have been examining seed catalogues this evening and have made a beautiful yard - in our minds."

  Uncle Ted's Swiss Chocolate Hot Fudge

This is a recipe from the Turkish Candy Company in Emporia.  My dad's Uncle Ted (Harriet's younger brother Teddy in her diary) later married Marjorie Thomas, whose family owned the Turkish.  Uncle Ted worked there and made this hot fudge recipe.

3 squares bitter chocolate

6 Tablespoons butter

1-1/2 cups sugar, divided

1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk

1.  Melt chocolate and butter in the top of a double boiler so the chocolate won't burn.

2.  Add one cup of sugar; when well combined, add the remaining half cup of sugar.

3.  Cover and cook over low heat for ten minutes.

4.  Add milk; mix and cook 30 minutes.  Stir occasionally.

                                      

                       from The Woodbury Larder: A Legacy by Phyllis Woodbury Bryant  

You might enjoy reading my previous post: http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/09/country-path-quilt-block.html

Country Path Quilt Block

    
     The pattern for this Country Path block is from The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird.  I ran off the templates for this 6" block, measured the squares, and then rotary cut them.  I cut around the templates for the triangles and the center piece.  When making a block, rotary cutting is always my first option, then templates, and finally paper piecing.  I want to like paper piecing, but I just do not!
     In these three diary entries, my grandmother tells about her time in Manhattan with her brother Howard on the Kansas State campus.  Notice on Monday's entry that Howard goes to drill, as preparation for the possibility of the U.S. entering World War I.  K State is known as the Aggies, and their great rival is Kansas University - which is still true today!  Here's a link to the movie they went to see.  I was really surprised I could find it on-line. 
http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/562441/My-Lady-Incog-/ 

Sunday, February 20, 1916 -
"After a good night's rest, my headache vanished.  We got up about 8:30, went to breakfast, then came back and dressed for church.  I didn't enjoy the sermon much for we had to sit in the gallery with several giggling, talkative girls behind us.  But Sunday School was nice.  I met Howard's friend Miss King and was in her class.  They had a special program for Washington's birthday and Home Mission Sunday.  The orchestra music sounded splendid to me." 

Monday, February 21, 1916 -
"I decided the bed was better than breakfast this a.m. and slept until nine o'clock.  About ten, Howard and I went up on the Hill.  We walked around a little before his class time.  I spent a good deal of the time in the library. . . After dinner Howard and I went through the shops and Domestic Science building, then he went to drill. . .

"We went to the Kansas University - Aggie track meet tonight.  There were certainly some splendid athletes entered, but K.U. was far the better in most things.  They won 63 points to the Aggies' 19.  Today has been another of the perfect days - just like April or May." 

Tuesday, February 22, 1916 -
"Although I had fully intended going home today, even to packing my suitcase and telling Clema goodbye as she went to school, I changed my mind when Whit came up and said they were going on a hike and wanted Howard and me to go.  So I wrote a letter home to Mother, and Howard and I got ready in a hurry and shot over to Aggieville and got some grub to take along. . . We had intended to go up in the hills but got started on a railroad track, and it was so muddy on both sides of it that we thought we were going to have to eat dinner on the track. . . After we had held numerous councils and discussions, we finally came to a dry crossing, which we traveled until we came to a farm.  Upon investigation, the whole place proved to be deserted.  As the wind had grown quite chilly, we decided to camp upon the south porch to eat our lunch.  There were ten of us in the bunch and, of course, we had quite a time eating and investigating the house of mystery.  Luckily, we were all outside of the house with the door closed when a man came along and inquired if we had the owner's permission and kindly advised us to move on.  As we had finished, we gathered up some of our trash and wended our way back to town.  I was sure tired - especially my feet - I thought I couldn't make the last mile, but, of course, I did. . . We sat around until seven o'clock and then went to the movies.  The pictures were splendid - Hazel Dawn in "My Lady Incog." I was thankful we had to go to the office to order a jitney for morning because we took one home, and my feet are so sore I can hardly walk.  My!  I hate to think about getting up at 5:30!!"

You might enjoy reading my previous post:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/09/railroad-quilt-block_10.html

Railroad Quilt Block

    

     This 9" Railroad quilt block is made up of squares and half square triangles.  I found the pattern in The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird but sized it up from 6" to 9" finished.    
     In these diary entries, my grandmother is preparing for and going on a train trip to visit her younger brother Howard in Manhattan, 95 miles away, where he is in pre-college.  The Friday, February 18 entry is the first one to mention my grandfather and Harriet's future husband - Frank George.  In the Saturday, February 19 entry, the Katy is a smaller, second class railroad.  A jitney is a small motor vehicle that transports passengers on a route for a small fare, usually a nickel.

Thursday, February 17, 1916 -

"I'd better get to bed as I was dreadfully sleepy this A.M.  It has been another beautiful spring day, and I hope it continues until my trip to Manhattan is over.  Papa says I'd better go Saturday A.M. as I cannot make train connections going Friday evening, and I can hardly get ready by tomorrow A.M.  So I have written Howard, and Orv took up the letter tonight.  I have done quite a bit today.  Besides a little housework and 'hafting to churn,' I washed my hair, hemmed my new middy tie, and did several other little things.  But I have a busy day ahead, too, so I must turn in."

Friday, February 18, 1916 -

"I have had a thousand and one jobs to do today, and I am even leaving a few to do in the A.M.  It is after eleven now.  I'd better go to bed, or I won't have any 'morning' to do anything before I go.

"Ethel did most of the cleaning, but I helped a little - dusted my room, baked some gingerbread, ironed a couple of pieces, and washed the separator - all before dinner.  Frank George and Mr. Fulk were here for dinner.  I have been sewing steadily ever since 1:30 it seems - but, of course, have done other things intermittently.  Anyhow, I'm ready for bed!!"

Saturday, February 19, 1916 -

"I am writing this account on Sunday because I had such a splitting headache last night that it was all I could do to hold my eyes open, let alone write anything.  I don't know why - I never do have the headache, but I think my ride on the Katy was probably responsible for this one.  I didn't get to bed very early Friday night, then got up pretty early the next A.M. and tore around getting my suitcase packed, etc. 

"Griffie was going home so was on the train as far as Emporia with me.  Lela Roberts and Ruth Jones got on at Lebo and were with us, too.  Grace's train was at the Katy depot when we were at Emporia Junction, so she had to wait until P.M.  She went with me to do a little shopping until time for my train.  Of course, mine was late, and the 12 o'clock whistle had blown before we left Emporia.  It was terribly stuffy and hot on that delightfully bumpy road, and I thought I'd never get here.  I finally got the interurban out of Junction City, and the ride over from there was about as uncomfortable except that I enjoyed the scenery.

"I was sure glad to see Howard, and we had a coke about the first thing, then took a jitney up here.  After I had washed and combed my hair and gone to supper, I felt better.  Clema Gordon, the girl who lives here, is sharing her room with me.

"We took in the Oratorial contest, which was splendid, but I contracted the worst headache imaginable.  They did a great deal of yelling, and the whole affair was quite exciting and, of course, entertaining."

You might enjoy reading my previous post:

http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/09/cross-and-crown-quilt-block.html

suemac said...

Hard to imagine a world without cars. We are spoiled.

September 9, 2011 9:38 PM

Julie Fukuda said...

I love that tidy little block and the diary is so interesting. When I was a kid in school, history was a boring subject with lots of memorizing names and dates (which I could never do as a severe dyslexic). When I finally figured out how to read, this is the kind of thing that most attracted me. You can almost put yourself there.
I was in Japan when my mother's things were divided up among my siblings. One sister took all the diarys but has never shared one word from them with me. Maybe after reading these I will work up the nerve to ask for some ... at least, the ones that were written before she was born...

Cross and Crown Quilt Block

     For this block, I used more of the Jay McCarroll Habitat fabric I received from the Front Range Modern Quilt Guild as part of a challenge.  I found the pattern for this 12" block at http://www.quilterscache.com/C/CrossandCrownBlock.html
     Baker University is a Methodist college in Baldwin City, Kansas.  Ethel is a neighbor who works for them.  Ted is Harriet's 14-year-old brother.  Orv and Henry are hired men.  
    "William Ashley 'Billy' Sunday was an American athlete who, after being a popular outfielder in baseball's National League during the 1880s, became the most celebrated and influential American evangelist during the first two decades of the 20th century.  Sunday was a strong supporter of Prohibition, and his preaching almost certainly played a significant role in the adoption of the 18th amendment in 1919." (Wikipedia)
  
Sunday, February 13, 1916 -
"We walked to Sunday School this A.M., but it was worth it for Dr. Mason from Baker University had a splendid sermon.  We enjoyed the walk, too, for it has been bright and a little cold all day.  It whetted our appetites for the good dinner Mother and Ethel had ready when we got home.  Right after dinner, Bertha and Sara and Sophie and Chick came.  They had been down to see the ice jam and came on up here to see the house.  I think Chick sure took everything in.  Fred Fillmore also came after Ethel and was here quite awhile - left about 4:30, I think.  Ted went to church again tonight.  I tried to get Orv and Henry to go but didn't succeed.  Orv said he had letters to write, but he was sure going to hear Billy Sunday in Kansas City in April.  I have been writing some tonight, too."

You might also enjoy reading my previous post:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/09/maltese-cross-quilt-block.html

Maltese Cross Quilt Block

     The King's Daughters is an interdenominational Christian service organization that began in 1886, whose focus is to lend a hand in service to others: "Not to be ministered unto, but to minister" Mark 10:45.  In her diary, my grandmother always refers to this group as the KD's.  I thought it was just a local club but found out on-line that there are groups across the United States and Canada still today.
     Their symbol is a little silver Maltese cross.   I found the pattern for this 8" quilt block at http://www.quilterscache.com/M/MalteseCrossBlock.html.  My good friend Doris (a non-quilter) went to the Netherlands last year to visit friends, found a fabric shop, and brought back this fabric for me.  It looks like polished cotton, with a sheen to it.   

Friday, February 11, 1916 -
"I feel as if I never wanted to venture out again after my experience of today.  It was bright part of this A.M. - although a little foggy at times, but I never thought of it turning so disagreeable.  It wasn't hardly cloudy when Papa brought the horse to the gate, but oh the wind was fierce!  Mrs. Mc had invited the King's Daughters up to crochet, talk business, and put our clock in the church.  It seemed like it took me all P.M. to go, and I was the first one there.  Pretty soon May ran in, and Griffie came after school.  We elected ourselves as officers and put ourselves on all the committees, hung the clock, and had 'lickin' good eats' - as we usually do at Mrs. Mc's house.  I started home sometime after 5:30, but it had begun to mist and it grew dark so early and, of course, I couldn't make Luke go faster than a slow plod.  I thought I would never get home!  I got so wet and cold, and the last bell rang just as I got down the Ely Hill.  Of course, the folks were worried, and Ted was going to get on Rag and start after me when he found me there at the barn.  I wouldn't have blamed Papa for scolding, but Mother was so glad to see me she wouldn't let him, so he didn't say much and I think my experience was enough of a lesson to me.

"May gave me a pretty new lace pattern, and I have been taking that off this evening.  I don't think my tatting pattern is going to work."

You might enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/09/cut-glass-dish-quilt-block.html

Cut Glass Dish Quilt Block

     
     This Cut Glass Dish quilt block has 51 pieces of fabric.  Because of that, I chickened out and made it 9" square instead of the 6" square called for in The Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird.
     In this diary entry, the Woodbury family is celebrating Papa's 56th birthday.  I looked up "Larapin" and found that it is slang for great food, usually home-cooked.  From what I can tell, "Larapin" salad is not a specific recipe.  If someone knows differently, please comment.    

Tuesday, February 8, 1916 -
"The lights are so dim tonight on account of a shortage of coal oil that I must not keep mine burning long or there will not be enough for morning.  I hope Orvel brings the mail soon, or I'm afraid I'll be in bed.  I am a little weary tonight as this has been sort of a busy day.  I cleaned some this A.M. and ironed this P.M.  Then tonight we had Papa's birthday dinner.  He had intended to leave for Wichita this evening.  Then, as he wasn't feeling very well, he put off going until morning, but we had everything all planned.  Minerva baked a cake, and I put 56 candles on it.  We had 'Larapin' salad and hot chocolate and some of the best dishes out.  He was quite surprised, although we had a hard time to keep him away from the dining room.

"Orv's little whistle sounded below, and I went down and received the mail - after all my waiting, nothing for me.  Darn!  But Orv brought me a Hershey, so that is some consolation."

Aunt Minerva's Chocolate Birthday Cake

1/2 cup cocoa

3/4 cup water

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 cups sugar

2 eggs

3 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 cup milk made sour by adding 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar

1 teaspoon vanilla

 

1.  Mix cocoa and water in saucepan and stir over low heat until consistency of whipped 

     cream.  Cool.

2.  Beat together butter, sugar, and eggs.

3.  Combine flour and baking soda.  Add to sugar and egg mixture alternately with milk.

4.  Add cocoa mixture and vanilla.  Beat well.

5.  Bake in a 9 x 13" pan for 30 minutes at 375 degrees.

             

           from The Woodbury Larder: A Legacy published by Phyllis Woodbury Bryant

You might enjoy reading my previous post:

http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/09/whirlwind-quilt-block.html

Whirlwind Quilt Block

     I wanted the full hummingbird with flower in the middle square so ended up making this Whirlwind block 12" square to accommodate that.  Both of these fabrics are favorites of mine, so I am really pleased with how the block turned out.  You may have to tweak the fabric choices, but here is a free, online pattern that you can use.
     In this diary entry, the annual hog butchering is finally finished after four days of work.  My grandmother refers to the hired men's bunk house as the "Country Club."  Cleaning the "Country Club" is one of her regular household tasks.  Orv is a hired man who is about my grandmother's age.

Saturday, February 5, 1916 -
"I'm glad tomorrow is a day of rest, for today has certainly been a day of labor.  Although I am not so very tired, I don't want to go through another day like this very soon.  It seems as if we have done so many things not commonly done on Saturday.  Mother even washed this A.M., and there has been sausage and lard making progressing, too.  Thank goodness that annual event is over!

"The Country Club seems to be flushed with candy.  I even found some in one of the beds today.  Perhaps they meant it as a little tip for me.  However, I left it reposing on a pillow.  That's where I should be now - on my pillow (although I don't sleep on one).  But I'm waiting for Orv to bring me my promised letter.  He just now whistled, and Papa has gone to the door."

Farm Sausage

2 pounds lean ground pork, at room temperature

1/3 cup finely chopped onion

2 teaspoons finely minced fresh parsley

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon rubbed sage

1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)

1 teaspoon dried marjoram (optional)

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)

 

1.  In a deep bowl, combine all ingredients, using hands, if necessary.  

2.  On waxed paper, shape and roll mixture into two logs 6" long and 2" in diameter.  Wrap in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight.

3.  To serve, slice the rolls into rounds about 1/2" thick and fry in a heavy skillet over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes on each side or until done.  Drain and serve immediately.  Makes 24 slices.

 

Fresh sausage is very delicate; if you don't plan to use within a day or two, the sausage should be frozen.  It will not last in the refrigerator beyond two days.   

 

I got this recipe from the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site in Colorado Springs, Colorado at a program I attended called "Everything but the Oink."

You might enjoy reading my previous post:
http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/09/waste-not-quilt-block.html

Waste Not Quilt Block

     I first tried paper piecing this 6" block but wasn't happy with it.  I ended up using the templates, being as careful as possible with the cutting, 1/4" seam allowance, and pressing.
     In this diary entry, the butchering process is into the second day.  Dutch, a local farmer, continues to help the family with the butchering.  Dan is the long-time foreman on the farm.  My grandmother refers to the hired men's bunk house as the "Country Club." 

Friday, February 4, 1916 -

"Dutch didn't come until after ten this A.M., so it made a rather late start for the meat and lard cutting process; but that part is finally done, and we are all tired so I'm not going to write much.  In fact, there isn't much to write.  We have been busy with the meat and getting the meals all day.  Dan and Mr. Scott were our guests at dinner this noon.  It sure made us tired.  Hospitable - not?

"Henry was serving refreshments in the way of marshmallows at the Country Club this P.M.

"I read Ted's 'Comet' and have been writing a letter to Ruth, waiting for Orv to bring me a letter - but in vain.  I got nothing!"



Ruth Woodbury, 1920

     My middle name is Ruth, for this beloved aunt of my dad's.  Aunt Ruth made her living as a seamstress.  For my parents' wedding gift, she designed and sewed my mother's wedding dress.  It was made of champagne Chantilly lace over a satin slip in very pale green to show off the lace pattern and to complement my mother's red hair.        

 Aunt Ruth's Spiced Nuts

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

Pinch of salt

½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

¼ teaspoon cloves

1.    Combine all ingredients in a 3-quart saucepan.  Stir well and bring to a boil.

2.    Add 2 cups of walnuts or pecans.  Boil 10 minutes.

3.    Meanwhile prepare a small bowl with a mixture of one cup sugar and one teaspoon cinnamon. 

4.    Remove nuts with a slotted spoon to drain the syrup.

5.    Roll nuts (a spoonful at a time) in cinnamon-sugar mixture.

6.    Separate nuts on waxed paper and dry thoroughly.

7.    When dry, mix in some red hots for color.

You might enjoy reading my previous blog entry:

http://starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2011/08/windblown-square-quilt-block.html