first edition
1937 · Bridgeport, Conn
by [Second Baptist Church (Bridgeport, Conn.). Semper Fidelis Class]
Bridgeport, Conn: s.n., 1937. Large booklet (30.5 x 23 cm.), 28 pages. Advertisements. Date of publication inferred from prefatory remarks. ~ Evident FIRST EDITION. A charitable cookbook with elevated fare for family and friends in 1930s New England: twelve menu suggestions accompanied by twelve recipes for each month of the year, supplemented by an additional selection of salad, sandwich, and cookie recipes, all addressed to the gracious hostess embarking on a "mission of friendship." Among the (unattributed) "suggestions": Rice Waffles with Honey Butter or Eggs [baked] in Tomatoes (for breakfast); Stuffed Cymling, Onion Sandwich, or Turnip Coleslaw (luncheon options); Cheddar Pennies or Artichoke and Asparagus Salad (alongside the dinner casserole). ~ In 1874 a Second Baptist Church, located at the corner of Kossuth and Arctic Streets, sprang from Connecticut's mother church of Bridgeport - a sponsor of many congregations following the influx of Baptists to the state beginning in the 1830s (including churches dedicated to Swedish, German, and Hungarian communities). The Semper Fidelis Class was a woman's Sunday School charitable group initiated in 1919. Five of the original members were still contributors in 1937. The Second Baptist congregation is documented as late as 1988, by which time the laity's "mission of friendship" was but a half-remembered notion. Today the building is occupied by a branch of the Pentecostal Church of God. ~ Stapled in gilt-foil wrappers with a mother of pearl effect; printed in navy blue, and tied with a blue cord. Corners lightly chipped. Near very good. Unrecorded. [OCLC reports no copies; not in Brown or Cagle]. (Inventory #: 5497)