You can contribute greatly to the happiness and welfare of others through the study of foods... (from the Forward)

{HISTORY}

In 1965, this was how you learned everything and anything about food, your kitchen and the act (and art) of feeding people. A staple course in school in the 1960's, Foods in Homemaking taught high-school aged kids not only about how to cook, but also a plethora of useful information like how to grocery shop, how to arrange your kitchen for maximum function, how to throw a party, how to clean-up and how to select the proper equipment for the right job. 

When I was growing up, home economics was no longer offered in school, but reading through this book, I can see how my mom ingested this information as she utilized, and still does many of the same principles covered in this book. Published in 1965, you might suspect this book would be chock full of dated info that pigeon holes women into a certain type of dutiful role within the house. But surprisingly it doesn't at all. It is refreshingly void of stereotypical cliches and instead just presents the nuts and bolts of how to do things in healthy, efficient and appropriate ways. The photographs and illustrations throughout the book, on the other hand, are a fascinating look into the midcentury kitchen and eating experience overall. Likewise the text is peppered with questions that spark curiosity for the reader and engage all members of the household in the act of cooking (or at the very least, talking about it!) 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Published in 1965

- 558 pages, 12 Chapters

- Ex-school book from the Metropolitan Board of Education

- Mint green coverboards

- Illustrated throughout with color and black and white photographs and line drawings

- Includes a bevy of charts, diagrams, recipes and fascinating facts

{CONDITION}

In wonderful vintage condition. Very clean and bright throughout. There are a few pages that bear some pencil marks (mostly underlines and check marks) but 98% of this book is spot free. The title page has been removed at some point in its life time and there is a board of education sticker on the inside cover.

{SIZE}

Measures 7.25" inches (width) x 9.5" inches (length) x 1.5" inches (thickness).

{WHY IT'S ESPECIALLY FUN}

If you are in need of midcentury source book or pop-culture reference book then this would be an ideal one, as it showcases so many different angles of the 1960's lifestyle as it pertains to kitchens. From decorating to fashion, table settings to storage containers, room layouts to retail shopping experiences, this book is a fascinating look at the industry of food and all that it entailed in the 1960's.