The Perry Home Cook Book. (Kansas Regional Cookbook)

Loose binding, almost dis bound. Fragile. The pages present are 1-124. The final page includes Table of Measurements; thus, the recipe collection is presumed complete but it is missing, at minimum, the back cover. The pages are edge chipped and stained, there is a hole in the middle of page 59 affecting the advertisement and recipe, page 60. The Spine is taped with "Mom's Old Book" written in black "Sharpie" and there is a name inside the cover, perhaps Mom? Throughout the book are stains from use and moisture; there are a few pencil scribbles from a young budding artist as well. So why offer such a tattered book for sale? This is an intriguing book reflecting the regional and local history, a glimpse into the midwestern farm and small community; work was hard and physically demanding, self-sufficiency was life style. Perry was at the time of this publication, and remains a small community within Jefferson County, Kansas. The town started in 1865 following construction of the railroad through the territory. It was named for John D. Perry, the President of the Kansas Pacific Railroad. This collection is from the many families who farmed the area, and a few city folk from Topeka, KS, within these narrative recipes is the account of the American Midwest. True to the hard-working farm life, there is an assumption within these often-terse instructions, of assumed experience and little surplus. The business adverts give a glimpse into rural life and commerce. Among them are ads for dentists, harness & hardware dealers, grocery companies, and “Jacks,” a place to cool off in the summer, warm up in the winter, to play billiards, smoke cigars and drink soft drinks. Along with recipes for meats, soups, breads, sweets etc, I found a recipe for cough medicine as follows: Muriate of ammonia, 10cc; chloroform, 1 ounce. To mix, use 1/2 teaspoon chloroform, 1 1/2 teaspoon ammonia, 4 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 pint water." Helpful Hints offers a recipe for Wall Paper Cleaner and Table Etiquette tells us that "Exactitude is the politeness of kings and of well-bread people.” Uncommon.…