Nana and Papa's Wedding - 1906

I also found the newspaper clipping of Nana and Papa's wedding in 1906. Sarah Derrickson Lodge (Hade) was a bridesmaid.

Mommy, Jane and I are the only ones that remember Nana, Papa and Hade and we saw them as being very old. But I have some great pictures of them much, much younger and will eventually scan them in and post.

Nana was a Suffragette

Also among the papers was an obituary for Nana Bringhurst who died at the age of 80 in 1957? The paper does not have the date though Mom will know.

What I didn't know was that Nana was "Among the Delaware women who played a large role in founding the National Women's Party, which she served for years as vice president." The Delaware Historical Society has a lot of information on the movement. I looked for Nana in this picture, but couldn't find her.

Bringhurst Letter - Library of Congress

If you haven't seen this before, take a look at this letter written by one of the Bringhursts regarding a school for blacks, free and slave, that he was trustee of in Philadelphia.

Text of Letter - 1858

If you have trouble reading the linked letter, I think this is what is says:

"All creation a far" 1858"

Dear Sarah

Please let the Reases (Beases?) (Bearses?) have "Derry's" old no top wagon, should he ("Derry"), not be at home. if there I expect him (him is underlined) to the the honours(?) - Expedite the "African" as I am going a long distance

Most devotedly your cousin

Will?
March 25, 1858

Underground Railroad??

I was sorting some old family letters and came across this one. It was rather cryptic but what immediately came to mind was a reference to the Underground Railroad. Unless someone else has another idea as to what Expedite the "African" means?

The Sarah, to whom the letter is addressed, is probably Sarah Derrickson Harvey (b. 1836) who married David Penny Derrickson(b. 1812) in 1856. As to who the signer is, I have no idea. I think the name is Will.

Wilmington was a major stop on the Underground Railroad with the Quaker, Thomas Garrett, who lived on 4th and Shipley one of the best known Conductors. The Friends Meeting House was a stop on the way to Philadelphia. And Harriet Tubman was very active with Garrett.

Anyone have any ideas about this letter or how to research my theory?

Nectarine Chutney

Actually, this is the recipe I used for nectarine chutney. It can also be used for peaches, however, the nectarines do not need to be peeled so they are easier. The first time I made this, the temperature was about 100 degrees but it was worth it.

From Better Than Store-Bought by Helen Witty and Elizabeth Schneider Colchie, 1979.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 pounds very firm peaches or nectarines (to make 7 cups when cut in 1/2 inch dice)
2 cups golden raisins
1 1/2 cups medium-finely chopped onion
1 cup cider vinegar, or more
1 cup water, or as needed
1/2 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
1 cup sugar, more as desired
2 teaspoons very finely chopped garlic
3 tablespoons minced fresh gingerroot
2 teaspoons mustard seeds
2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 sticks cinnamon (each about 2 inches long) broken in half
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoons turmeric
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Combine ingredients in kettle and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently until the fruit is translucent and the chutney is thick enough to mound up slightly on a spoon. May need to add more water.

Taste and add more sugar or vinegar if you wish. Remove cinnamon sticks. Can normally re Ball Blue Book instructions. Makes about 7 half-pint jars.

Potato Lace

From a Jaques Pepin 1982 cookbook, "Everyday Cooking", this is a thinner, crisper version of the typical potato pancake. Shredding and grating can be done with a food processor or a hand grater. The trick to getting airy, not starchy potatoes is to really squeeze out the liquid in a tea towel before mixing with the other ingredients.

Ingredients:

1 large or 2 medium onions (for 1/2 cup grated onions)
3 to 4 large potatoes, peeled (1 3/4 lb.)
3 eggs
2 tablespoons flour
1/3 cup chopped parsley
1 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
vegetable oil for cooking

Grate the onions into a smooth puree. Shred the potatoes and squeeze out the liquid. Combine with the other ingredients and mix thoroughly in a non-reactive bowl.

Heat oil in skillet and put about 3 tablespoonsful of mixture in for each pancake, flattening and spreading out so that it is thin with holes showing through. Fry for about 2 minutes a side on medium high heat. Best when eaten as soon as possible. That is usually not a problem since they are very good. Applesauce is traditionally served with them.

Lord Love a Duck

I have seen similar methods of defatting a duck in a number of cookbooks. This one works very well. Without first defatting a Long Island Duck, it is very easy to set the oven on fire (ask me how I know) because of the amazing amounts of fat that pours out.

From "Keeping Company" by Moira Hodgson -

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add a duck, bring to a boil and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and drain. Salt the duck. Using a hand-held hairdryer, dry the outside of the ducks for 8 minutes, wiping away the drops of fat that appear on the surface.

After this, you can cook the duck normally. Hodgson's recipe uses a ginger, garlic and thyme mixture which is pretty good.

Gastronomica - Julia Child Issue

Gastronomica - Summer 05

If you can find a copy of this magazine it is well worth reading. The entire issue is devoted to Julia Child and is mostly wonderful with exception of one young cook who wants cookbooks with shorter recipes and pictures. The younger generation may not get it. But Mommy, Jane, Barbara and I will. There are several articles that can be downloaded on the website.