MORNING

I found an old tattered book today when I was clearing out a corner of the attic. I remember it well from my childhood.

Its called “The Modern Housewife’s Book.” Its not dated inside but it looks as if it was published in the 1920’s from the pictures inside. It was probably the standard book that was given to brides. It incorporates recipes and household tips by “Auntie Kate.”

I think I’m going to spend some time with this. I’ve already found a photograph of an old kitchen cabinet. I can remember this style, in fact I think its the very cabinet that was the kitchen when I was very young. It had probably been bought by my grandmother and was handed down. I remember the large flour sieve that fitted into a groove inside and the working surface that pulled out to become an enamel table. My mother rolled out her pastry on it because it kept it cool.

This is the description of the cabinet.

This spacious and comprehensive kitchen cabinet is a combination of the old fashioned dresser, kitchen table and store cupboard and is excellent for the small kitchen. The easily cleaned porcelain enamelled table-top, the hygienic glass containers, and the numerous other fitments all add to the efficiency of this piece of furniture.

Funny how a reminder like this brings out forgotten memories. I now can see vividly the catch mechanism on the door and the knobs on the drawers – they looked like clear facetted glass but may have been some kind of early plastic substitute (or was it too early for this?). I remember too, the spoon and cup measures on the inside of the doors. Yes this cupboard is exactly the same as the one in our house. Ours was painted pale green and cream – art deco colours.

I can’t believe this information was still hiding in the depths of my brain. Do we ever truly forget anything we’ve seen or done?