I inherited my dearly departed Mother-in-law's Betty Crocker cookbook (copywright, 1961). I've found many of the suggestions this book contains for the busy "housewife" hysterical! I've told a few of you about it, so little by little I'll post excerpts. Enjoy!
And please feel free to post your own, if you own an ancient cookbook like this! A true timewarp!
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From the Kitchen Know-How section, page 5:
Refresh Your Spirits
Every morning before breakfast, comb hair, apply makeup and a dash of cologne. Does wonders for your morale and your family's too!
Think pleasant thoughts while working and a chore will become a "labor of love."
Have a hobby. Garden, paint pictures, look through magazines for home planning ideas, read a good book or attend club meetings. Be interested - and you'll always be interesting!
If you have a spare moment, sit down, close your eyes and just relax.
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I'll let you all 'stew' on that - pun intended!!!! Think "pleasant" thoughts now!!!!! he he
Mary
Excerpts from an old Betty Crocker cookbook....
Moderator: S2k Moderators
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Miss Mary
Alicia - do you still have it? If so, post away. I still enjoy old movies with Doris Day and that whole time period. A coworker years ago became like a second mom to me. She was this type housewife, back in the 50s/60s. She said she ironed everything! Even underwear. Washed walls down. Kept a strict schedule, each weekday she did specific chores and rarely deviated from this schedule. My husband jokes but I think he secretly means it, that I should follow a schedule like that. Maybe he's right. But this lady kept us laughing so hard at work, each time she'd tell us something else she faithfully did. Because as she said "all the women did!"
Recently I volunteered up at church with other women, labeling a huge mailing. I was the only one in my age group, the rest were 65 and older. And somehow we started talking about what it was like when all the wives stayed home, rarely did any of them work outside the home. One lady said they had a race each morning to see who could get their washed laundry hung on the outside clothesline first! She said she secretly thought some of them washed the clothes the night before, putting the wet clothes in baskets by the back door. Now I wanted to howl at that, but I didn't - since I was the only one from a baby boomer generation there!!! LOL
Mary
Recently I volunteered up at church with other women, labeling a huge mailing. I was the only one in my age group, the rest were 65 and older. And somehow we started talking about what it was like when all the wives stayed home, rarely did any of them work outside the home. One lady said they had a race each morning to see who could get their washed laundry hung on the outside clothesline first! She said she secretly thought some of them washed the clothes the night before, putting the wet clothes in baskets by the back door. Now I wanted to howl at that, but I didn't - since I was the only one from a baby boomer generation there!!! LOL
Mary
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Here are some that are from the book I had:
http://www.coax.net/people/lwf/textbook.htm
Have dinner ready: Plan ahead even the night before to have a delicious meal on time. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospects of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed.
Prepare yourself: Take 15 minutes to rest so you will be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work-wary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.
Clear away the clutter: Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, gathering up school books, toys, paper, etc. Then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift, too.
Prepare the children: Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair, and if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.
Minimize all noise: At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of washer, dryer, dishwasher, or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quite. Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and be glad to see him. Some don'ts: Don't greet him with problems or complaints. Don't complain if he's late for dinner. Count this as minor compared with what he might have gone through that day.
Make him comfortable: Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soft soothing and pleasant voice. Allow him to relax-unwind.
Listen to him: You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first.
Make the evening his: Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other places of entertainment. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to be home and relax.
The goal: Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.
I hope some of the guys in here dont get any funny ideas about reverting to the 50s!
http://www.coax.net/people/lwf/textbook.htm
Have dinner ready: Plan ahead even the night before to have a delicious meal on time. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospects of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed.
Prepare yourself: Take 15 minutes to rest so you will be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work-wary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.
Clear away the clutter: Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, gathering up school books, toys, paper, etc. Then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift, too.
Prepare the children: Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair, and if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.
Minimize all noise: At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of washer, dryer, dishwasher, or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quite. Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and be glad to see him. Some don'ts: Don't greet him with problems or complaints. Don't complain if he's late for dinner. Count this as minor compared with what he might have gone through that day.
Make him comfortable: Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soft soothing and pleasant voice. Allow him to relax-unwind.
Listen to him: You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first.
Make the evening his: Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other places of entertainment. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to be home and relax.
The goal: Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.
I hope some of the guys in here dont get any funny ideas about reverting to the 50s!
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Miss Mary
Jen's laughing her head off - I'm busting a gut here reading your list Alicia....stop, stop, stop.
Yes you guys....we KNOW you're glancing at this thread - we are not, repeat not, returning to the 50s.....LOL
Oh man, did I ever need a laugh. But I have to get serious here, we're hosting a party in 9 days and my oh my does this house need help! Couldn't help but think if I had followed some of the items on this list, I could throw a party at a moment's notice!!!
Prepare yourself....be a little gay. I fully support that lifestyle so I mean nothing judgemental here, but that one line made me almost pee my pants. Put a ribbon in my hair....that's what I'm missing - a ribbon! Going to run right out to Hancock's this very minute....LOL
Prepare the children...
Prepare for His majesty's arrival.....no wonder my mom HAD to have dinner on the table every night before my dad walked in the door. She'd plant me by the picture window and say now Mary, be a good little girl and tell me the second you see your daddy's car!!!!
On second thought, I think I like where we are too. I long for simpler times though.....but not wrapping your entire world around your husband!
Mary
Yes you guys....we KNOW you're glancing at this thread - we are not, repeat not, returning to the 50s.....LOL
Oh man, did I ever need a laugh. But I have to get serious here, we're hosting a party in 9 days and my oh my does this house need help! Couldn't help but think if I had followed some of the items on this list, I could throw a party at a moment's notice!!!
Prepare yourself....be a little gay. I fully support that lifestyle so I mean nothing judgemental here, but that one line made me almost pee my pants. Put a ribbon in my hair....that's what I'm missing - a ribbon! Going to run right out to Hancock's this very minute....LOL
Prepare the children...
Prepare for His majesty's arrival.....no wonder my mom HAD to have dinner on the table every night before my dad walked in the door. She'd plant me by the picture window and say now Mary, be a good little girl and tell me the second you see your daddy's car!!!!
On second thought, I think I like where we are too. I long for simpler times though.....but not wrapping your entire world around your husband!
Mary
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mf_dolphin
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Miss Mary
Oh Marshall - you could dream about them maybe? Because I don't think women will ever return to that world again.
On second thought, there was a wife on Wife Swap last night that pretty much did what her husband said. He was in full control in that household. She cleaned ALL day long! And we didn't like her one bit - we liked the other rock and roll type family much better (they had tatoes, piercings, etc. but seemed so much nicer!). Not that we're into that stuff, but the June Cleaver wife was one judgemental lady....LOL
Mary
On second thought, there was a wife on Wife Swap last night that pretty much did what her husband said. He was in full control in that household. She cleaned ALL day long! And we didn't like her one bit - we liked the other rock and roll type family much better (they had tatoes, piercings, etc. but seemed so much nicer!). Not that we're into that stuff, but the June Cleaver wife was one judgemental lady....LOL
Mary
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Miss Mary
Lets see...
Come home from work, first thing upon entering the door: DAD, TylerdrankthelastrootbeerhegotthreeandIonlygottwo. DADIhave togotoafootballgameandadanceandIneed$15.DADIhaveaprojectdueforschooltommorrowandIneedflourescentposterpaperandpaintandmarkersandaframe.HONEYI'mtiredandIdidn't
feellikecookingdinnersoyou'regoingtohavetomakesomethingfast.ThekidsarehungryandthedogpoopedinAaronsbedroomandthesinkiscloggedandcanIhave$50forsomethingIwonon
ebay.I'llbeupstairsinthebedroompaintingceramicsdon'tbotherme.
Come home from work, first thing upon entering the door: DAD, TylerdrankthelastrootbeerhegotthreeandIonlygottwo. DADIhave togotoafootballgameandadanceandIneed$15.DADIhaveaprojectdueforschooltommorrowandIneedflourescentposterpaperandpaintandmarkersandaframe.HONEYI'mtiredandIdidn't
feellikecookingdinnersoyou'regoingtohavetomakesomethingfast.ThekidsarehungryandthedogpoopedinAaronsbedroomandthesinkiscloggedandcanIhave$50forsomethingIwonon
ebay.I'llbeupstairsinthebedroompaintingceramicsdon'tbotherme.
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This space for rent.
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JenBayles
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coriolis wrote:Lets see...
Come home from work, first thing upon entering the door: DAD, TylerdrankthelastrootbeerhegotthreeandIonlygottwo. DADIhave togotoafootballgameandadanceandIneed$15.DADIhaveaprojectdueforschooltommorrowandIneedflourescentposterpaperandpaintandmarkersandaframe.HONEYI'mtiredandIdidn't
feellikecookingdinnersoyou'regoingtohavetomakesomethingfast.ThekidsarehungryandthedogpoopedinAaronsbedroomandthesinkiscloggedandcanIhave$50forsomethingIwonon
ebay.I'llbeupstairsinthebedroompaintingceramicsdon'tbotherme.
Sounds pretty normal to me!
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Miss Mary
Friday excerpts.....enjoy!
Meal Planning section....
1. A good breakfast every day for everyone
Start everyone in your family off with fuel for the morning's activities. Breakfast can have as much variety as other meals. Menu includes:
Fruit
Cereal and milk
Egg, meat or cheese
Bread and butter
Milk or other beverage
2. Lunch or supper is the "Third" meal
Lunch or supper should be a third well planned meal, lighter than dinner but well balanced and nutritious.
Menu:
Main dish (meat, egg or cheese)
Vegetable or fruit
Bread and butter
Dessert
Milk
3. Dinner is an important time of time of day
Not only a place for good nutrition, dinner is one of the happiest times the family has together. Good food is important for family pleasure.
Menu:
Juice or soup
Meat and potatoes
Vegetables
Salad
Bread and butter
Dessert
Milk
4. Between-meal snacks are the "fourth" meal
In between our main meals, we eat what we like, we eat for fun. A thoughtful mother of a growing family keeps a variety of foods on hand for sncaks after-play, after-school and before-bedtime. A thoughtful hostess plans snacks for her guests after-the-concert and after-the-game (whether it's football or bridge.
Suggested snacks:
Apples/cupcakes
Ready to eat cereal with fruit/milk
Cold Fried Chicken/Bread with butter/celery
Tomato Soup/Grilled Cheese sandwiches
Meal Planning section....
1. A good breakfast every day for everyone
Start everyone in your family off with fuel for the morning's activities. Breakfast can have as much variety as other meals. Menu includes:
Fruit
Cereal and milk
Egg, meat or cheese
Bread and butter
Milk or other beverage
2. Lunch or supper is the "Third" meal
Lunch or supper should be a third well planned meal, lighter than dinner but well balanced and nutritious.
Menu:
Main dish (meat, egg or cheese)
Vegetable or fruit
Bread and butter
Dessert
Milk
3. Dinner is an important time of time of day
Not only a place for good nutrition, dinner is one of the happiest times the family has together. Good food is important for family pleasure.
Menu:
Juice or soup
Meat and potatoes
Vegetables
Salad
Bread and butter
Dessert
Milk
4. Between-meal snacks are the "fourth" meal
In between our main meals, we eat what we like, we eat for fun. A thoughtful mother of a growing family keeps a variety of foods on hand for sncaks after-play, after-school and before-bedtime. A thoughtful hostess plans snacks for her guests after-the-concert and after-the-game (whether it's football or bridge.
Suggested snacks:
Apples/cupcakes
Ready to eat cereal with fruit/milk
Cold Fried Chicken/Bread with butter/celery
Tomato Soup/Grilled Cheese sandwiches
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Miss Mary
Donna - yep, quite the opposite of what I posted from this cookbook! It sound like most households I know. Sure isn't Leave It to Beaver around here, although I do stay home. One thing we all do is eat dinner together at least 6 nights a week. My cancer scare/surgeries taught me to slow way down. So something good came out of all that. But do we talk nice to one another? Oh no! And sometimes we have to eat in silence, b/c our girls cannot stop arguing for even 5 minutes. I know someday when it's just the two of us eating together, we'll miss the bickering (and I suspect you might too Ed).
Mary
Mary
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But it was not really like that...
The cookbooks, magazines of the day, etc. would have you believe that real people actually did those things--and some of them actually did try to do some of those things (c.f. the laundry on the line contest), but the bottom line is that, like Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving illustrations, that was not the reality.
The reason for that spate of post-war "stay home housewife" stuff was that after the war and well into the 1960s, the government was on an aggressive campaign to try and get women to return to being "just housewives" after their widespread participation in the workplace during World War II. The economists felt that the women neeed to get out of the workforce to make room for soldiers returning from WWII and the Korean War.
My godmother (and other friends of my parents) wrote for some of the magazines of that day (and also wrote a series of books) and contributed to those cookbooks, etc. but the reality was that you were likely to get Cheez Whiz squirted on Ritz Crackers or something for dinner... The reality is that while some of they stuff they did was "different" (e.g., you ironed everything because if you did not it was unwearable--no cotton that you COULD wash and wear, for example... You cooked a lot of stuff from "scratch" because there were few mixes and those that existed were pretty awful, etc. But their kids whined, there were dust bunnies under the bed, etc. The primary difference was that the women felt a lot more GUILTY about these realities because of the barrage of articles, cookbooks, etc. that told them they weren't womanly enough if they could not be the perfect "wifey." It was a load of crap then and it's still a load of crap.
If your kids/grandchildren read certain magazines of today (Martha Stewart Living comes to mind), they may well have similar thoughts about today's women. Who do YOU know who lives like that??? Who do you know who would WANT to live that way?
The reason for that spate of post-war "stay home housewife" stuff was that after the war and well into the 1960s, the government was on an aggressive campaign to try and get women to return to being "just housewives" after their widespread participation in the workplace during World War II. The economists felt that the women neeed to get out of the workforce to make room for soldiers returning from WWII and the Korean War.
My godmother (and other friends of my parents) wrote for some of the magazines of that day (and also wrote a series of books) and contributed to those cookbooks, etc. but the reality was that you were likely to get Cheez Whiz squirted on Ritz Crackers or something for dinner... The reality is that while some of they stuff they did was "different" (e.g., you ironed everything because if you did not it was unwearable--no cotton that you COULD wash and wear, for example... You cooked a lot of stuff from "scratch" because there were few mixes and those that existed were pretty awful, etc. But their kids whined, there were dust bunnies under the bed, etc. The primary difference was that the women felt a lot more GUILTY about these realities because of the barrage of articles, cookbooks, etc. that told them they weren't womanly enough if they could not be the perfect "wifey." It was a load of crap then and it's still a load of crap.
If your kids/grandchildren read certain magazines of today (Martha Stewart Living comes to mind), they may well have similar thoughts about today's women. Who do YOU know who lives like that??? Who do you know who would WANT to live that way?
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