Fraternity, loyalty, charity… (the motto of the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic) 

{HISTORY}

What can we learn from a recipe pamphlet that is over 120 years old? As it turns out, quite a bit! This one sheds light on the Civil War, a ladies aid society, and the importance of recognizing the sacrifices war veterans have made in serving their country.   

First formed in New Jersey in 1881 as the Loyal Ladies League to offer support for Union soldiers who fought in the Civil War, this civic-minded organization worked in tandem with retired veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Eventually changing their name in 1886 to the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, members across the country worked tirelessly to provide care and assistance to aging Union soldiers, their widows and children, and medical personnel affected by the war. 

Through volunteer programs, fundraising efforts, and community outreach. the women of the L.G. A. R. were instrumental in helping to build veteran hospitals and homes, erect monuments and memorials, and establish patriotic and community celebrations to honor the sacrifices men, women and children made while defending the country and upholding the US Constitution during wartime.

Sometime between the late 1890s and early 1900s, the New Haven, Connecticut chapter of the Ladies of the G.A.R, also known as Warren Thomas Circle No. 5, published The Harvest Cook Book, a pamphlet highlighting a select number of recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Interspersed amongst ads for local businesses, recipes for soups, sandwiches, griddle cakes and salads are featured along with an interesting array of   baking recipes focusing on pies, cakes, and puddings. 

Handwritten quotes in fountain pen in the back of the pamphlet suggest that this cookbook may have been part of an advertising campaign or a fundraiser to erect a  Civil War monuments in honor of Union soldiers.  Possibly these handwritten notes were part of a speech given by one of the ladies of the L.G.A. R. at an event and recorded for future advertising copy. 

A rare piece of Civil War memorabilia and culinary history, this slim paper bound, center stapled recipe pamphlet is over 120 years old. It offers an interesting glimpse not only into women’s history in New England, but also the  endeavors made to recognize and care for aging soldiers at the turn of the 20th century. In addition to sharing favorite recipes of the Victorian era it also lists the names of the 10 female officers that served on the board of the New Haven chapter of the  L.G.A.R - an important reference for genealogical study and local history enthusiasts. 

Interesting recipes include Balloon Pudding, Wedding Cake, Lemon Custard Pie, Mock Turtle Soup, Oatmeal Cakes, Graham Rolls, Twin Biscuits, Waffles, Potato Salad, Deviled Eggs, Green Corn Soup , Rhubarb Pie, Hill Cake, and Queen Pudding. 

Gorgeous advertisements for an array of local businesses include Winslow’s Cottage  Bakery, Sugenheimer & Sons Millinery, Moran’s High Class Laundry, Central Market Fish, Oysters & Clams, Grandma’s Pancake Flour, and the New Haven Ice Company. 

Still in operation today, the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic continue their charitable work assisting veterans of all wars with housing needs, medical and mental health programs, and educational outreach. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Published sometime between the late 1890s-1908
• 20 pages
• Paper bound with staple binding
• Local advertisements for New Haven, CT businesses included throughout

{CONDITION}

In lovely antique condition, this recipe pamphlet is completely intact and securely bound with staples. A small piece of the cover is missing in the top right corner on the front. Opposite that corner is a slight wrinkle if the booklet which carries through the whole pamphlet. There’s some staining on the front and back cover, as well as a hand drawn pencil sketch of a statue on the back cover. The interior pages are clean and bright with no cooking spots or stains. Please see photos. 

{SIZE}

Measures 9” inches (length) x 6” inches (width) and weighs 2 oz.