Review: A Glimpse at Life 100 Years Ago
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 04 5, 2013
Mary is a 19 year old orphan from Philadelphia who writes to her Aunt Sarah and Uncle John, requesting an invitation to spend the summer at their farm in Bucks County; she wants to learn from Aunt Sarah about being a good cook and housekeeper.  Of course, her uncle surmises instantly that Mary intends to be wed, and they respond that they will be delighted to have Mary come for the summer.  The book is a slow and easy read, introducing neighbors and friends who impart valuable life lessons to Mary.  There's also basic instruction on how to do such things as make a rag rug and quilting.  Mary helps Aunt Sarah redecorate the front parlor, and Aunt Sarah helps Mary make and gather furnishings which will make her own home pleasant.  Of course, Aunt Sarah and other neighbors teach Mary all about cooking.  There is also a bit of discussion about Women's Suffrage at the beginning of the book.Only about 1/3 of the book is the story of Mary's summer at the farm; the balance is the collection of recipes which Mary has compiled.  This makes me believe that this book is somewhat biographical.  Many of these recipes could be used today, although in some cases they'd have to be cut down to a size appropriate for today's household.  There are recipes for breads, soups, and desserts, and even instructions for making some specialty vinegars, wines, lye soap, and how to paint a floor to look like hickory.  It's interesting to scan these, even if you have no intention of ever making them.