Midnight Star Quilt Block

     The pattern for this 12" Midnight Star quilt block can be found on-line at:

http://www.quiltmag.com/resources/12%E2%80%9D-midnight-star-fabric-stash-block/

It was a cheerful block to make in the middle of winter!
     In this diary entry, 20-year-old Hattie has a date with Howell Lusk.  While on the date, she runs into her future husband, Frank George.  Anna is Hattie's 12-year-old sister.  Although she has "unusual hard luck" with her first attempt at baking a cake, she later becomes known for her delicious cakes.

Saturday, July 1, 1916 -
"It is almost midnight.  I had a date with Howell tonight, taking in the town.  Mrs. Cochran had a little birthday party, and Howell thought he was invited but found out differently in plenty of time.  There were just Mr. and Mrs. Cochran, Mrs. McCauley, Hester, Lenore, Grace, May, and I.  After we ate ice cream and cake, we enjoyed some music from the Victrola, then made our adieus hastily as it was whispered that there was to be a much delayed 'serenade' for our host and hostess.  So we went down to the old bank where the kids were serving ice cream and then on down town, rounding up the crowd.  Frank George was down on the street, and he explained to me that he just got my note yesterday morning.  He went with us up to Cochran's - it seemed like almost the whole town went.  The lights were all out, and we wondered if they had retired so soon, but the crowd began the noise, and they soon appeared.  They had heard of our plans and were not surprised.  After a few pieces on the Victrola, we departed.  I think the Cochran's are lovely people.  Mr. C. said they were going to give a nice, big party for the young people soon.

"Anna baked a cake this afternoon but had unusual hard luck and disappointment with her first attempt." 

Aunt Annie's Eggless, Milkless, Butterless Spice Cake

"Poor Man's Cake"

2 cups brown sugar

2 cups hot water

1/3 cup lard

1 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon cloves

2 cups raisins

1.  Boil all ingredients together for five minutes and let cool.

2.  Then add flour to make a stiff batter (about 2-1/2 cups) and 2 teaspoons soda dissolved in a little hot water.

3.  Bake in moderate oven in a large loaf pan.  

Note:  from The Best of the Farmer's Wife Cookbook:  Moderate (Medium) = 350 to 400 degrees F 

Frosting

3 cups brown sugar

1 cup cream

Boil together until it forms soft ball.  Cool and beat.  Spread on cake.

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

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/01/harvest-star-quilt-block.html