The York Hospital Benefit Cook Book, originally published in 1916 by the Woman’s Auxiliary, is a treasure of information.
The book is subtitled: “a home formulary of tried and tested York County recipes with hints and helps to good housekeeping.”
In addition to recipes for everything ranging from fish and oysters to pickles and catsup, the book features hundreds of advertisements for local businesses and tips on everything from how to get rid of flies to how to clean diamonds.
The book is being sold for $10 in York Hospital Volunteer Services as a fundraiser for the York Hospital Auxiliary. Volunteer Services is open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Payment can be cash, check (make payable to the York Hospital Auxiliary) or credit cards (Visa and Mastercard only).
Proceeds will go to the Book Nook Bonanza, which funds community initiatives.
“It’s an interesting and fascinating book,” said Christi Brown, director of volunteer services. “It’s a glimpse into what life was like in 1916.
“It’s an amazing slice of history, particularly with the advertisements. It’s a certain conversation starter.”
The original cook book was found among the collection of Kathryn Zimmerman after her death. Kathryn had served as a York Hospital volunteer.
Her family had the cook book reprinted with the sales to benefit the York community.
