[CULINARY MANUSCRIPT] Two Handwritten Recipe Journals

Holland, Ohio, c.1940-1980s. Hardcover. Blue cloth covered boards. Fair and very good. (1) 22 × 17 cm. The front free endpaper inscribed: Mrs. Geo. A. Peak, 1413 30th St., Des Moines, Iowa. An unlined volume of over one hundred pages, filled with recipesmany attributed to family and friends. Vera Saunders Peak was clearly an accomplished baker who took joy in feeding her family; the numerous stains and kitchen wear throughout testify to years of frequent use. Among the desserts are Ferns Pumpkin Pie, Graces Snow Pie, Mothers Date Pudding, and Albertas Potato Split Biscuitslikely family favorites. Savory dishes include Mothers Macaroni Loaf, Albertas Salmon Soufflé, Ferns Chili, and Ham Loaf, along with recipes for pickles, preserves, and vegetables. Many entries bear Veras later notes commenting on flavor or success. Over one hundred pieces of loose ephemera are laid in, including handwritten recipes on index cards, card game scorecards, and clipped recipes. Boards heavily rubbed, spine frayed and torn, many pages disbound.

(2) 22 × 17.5 cm. Front free endpaper inscribed: Property of Mrs. Geo. A. Peak, 1080 22nd St., Des Moines, Iowa. Another unlined journal of over two hundred pages, approximately three-quarters filled. Recipeslargely credited to family and friendsare organized by category, including cakes, cookies, pies, candy, vegetables, and meats. Boards and pages intact.

Vera Saunders Peak (18911983) was the daughter of Iowa State Senator C. G. Saunders and a graduate of Drake University, where she met her husband, George A. Peak. The Peaks were active in their Des Moines community and appear in the D.A.R. registry. By the 1950 census, their household included two maids and a hired hand.