Pioneers: the Second Generation

Our Sisters' Recipes

The frontispiece image seen here persists without explanation. It is unknown why this image was used to adorn this charity book: some conjecture that she was the synagogue cook, others that this was used to denote the homely quality of these receipts.

Another interesting element of this cookbook is the inclusion of a recipe for a "Delicious Easter Pudding." In addition to a name that, today, sounds out-of-place in the context of Jewish cookbooks, this recipe is verbatim from the 1903 Temple Beth El cookbook (it is also attributed to Mrs. Louis Blitz of Detroit, Michigan). Many of those original cookbooks are revised, reprinted, or used as inspiration and source material for these "second generation pioneers."

PA_1909_1.jpg

Economical and Tried Recipes

The preface to this book offers a heartwarming introduction to the importance of charity and the hope for this cookbook. This book is a continuation of the 20+ years of pre-existing work that this charity has done for the community and the growing Jewish immigrant population. While not explicit in the projects previously undertaken or the day-to-day work done by this charity, this preface makes a compelling argument for people to support this charity and do their part in assisting those in need.

Looking at the advertisements, one can see the sheer diversity of businesses patronized by this community. There are kosher delicatessens and butchers, scores of garment-industries, wine and liquor merchants, and many more.

NY_1909_4.jpg

The Practical Cook Book

This cookbook is an iconic, early Jewish-American cookbook. Balancing a section of Passover recipes and other traditional items with a menu for a "Washington Birthday Luncheon" and many non-kosher items (e.g. Lobster and Yorkshire pudding, amongst many others).

NY_1910_2.jpg

The Flower City Cook Book

Written by Rebecca Leiter and Sara Van Bergh on behalf of Congregation Berith Kodesh Sisterhood, this cookbook was intended to be a “valued possession of every good housewife”. According to Publisher’s Weekly records, this cookbook initially sold for $1.25. A revised and enlarged edition was published in 1925.

NY_1911_1.jpg

A Collection of Well Tested Recipes (Orphan Aid Cook Book)

This early New Jersey charity cookbook has advertisements from across America, not just local vendors, which shows how important the national economy and global market was even in the early twentieth century.

NJ_1911_cover.jpg

The 1914 Cook Book

This represents the earliest-known Southern Jewish charity cookbook.

AL_1914_cover.jpg

The Neighborhood Cook Book

The first edition (1912) sold out very quickly, leading the ladies to publish this revised and enlarged edition. There is also a 1932 edition that is part of the 50 states charity cookbook collection.

OR_1914_title.jpg

The Ladies Auxiliary to Temple de Hirsch, Famous Cook Book

See the 1908 first printing of this book; this is an expanded and revised edition.

WA_1916_title.jpg

The True Pioneers

The Golden Twenties