Recently my brother Michael shared a recipe book that had once been Mom’s. Initially it looks as if it was an autograph book. It was interesting to read the recipes . . . those that still could be read on the faded thin pages.
An entry:
“Feb. 13, 1934
I know of a peaceful eventide; and when I am faint and weary, at times with the journey sorely tried, through hours that are long and dreary. Then often I yearn to lay me down and sink into blissful slumber. Dear Lena when you read these lines, think of me as your friend. Mrs. Hans Jensen”
An entry:
“Feb. 13, 1934
Dear friend Lena, I wish you health, I wish you wealth, I wish for you heaven before death. What more can I wish for you.
For-get-me-not.” Your Friend, Al. Alice DeMenge.”
Mom and Dad were married in 1937. Most likely Mom was working as a hired kitchen hand in 1934. It was almost as if on that 13th day of February in 1934 some friends were together to share recipes and thoughts. Mom was 18 at the time. So many special memories in a tattered little book.