Learning From ‘The American Frugal Housewife’ Cookbook

The American Frugal Housewife

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The American Frugal Housewife by Lydia Marie Child was written 188 years ago. What could a woman born at the beginning of the 19th century possibly have relevance to anyone in the 21st century? Her words on page 87, under the heading “General Maxims for Health,” answer this question: “Rise early, eat simple food, never fear a little fatigue.”

Child’s American Frugal Housewife is part life guide, home helper, and receipt collection. On February 28, Katy O’Neill-Day discusses etiquette, recipes, and lessons from the bestseller of its time as part of our yearlong Relishing Rhode Island programming theme.

O’Neill-Day, starting her 10th year as a staff member of Mystic Seaport, can often be found cooking in the Buckingham Hall House in the 19th-century kitchen. She also is trained on board the historical vessels, formal galleries, and as a costumed role player. She owes her historical foodways passions to her beloved grandmother, Cora-Lou, who taught home economics for 30-plus years in the Bridgewater, Mass., community, and her pursuits can be traced back to a favorite quote: “Well-behaved women rarely make history.”

Register for this free Relishing Rhode Island event!

Presented by The Rhode Island Historical Society

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