With a Cardigan, Of Course!

I was watching Father Knows Best again today - I say it's for blog research, but it's really just so intriguing to me, watching a sitcom from so many years ago. In my defense, I do watch Maragaret Anderson like a hawk, noting all the things she does and says; I try to decipher what morsel of good 50's housewifery I can glean from her today.


The episode I watched today was the 5th in the first season, called "Live My Own Life." In this episode, Bud wants to move away from home to prove to his family he is old enough to be his own boss. It was cute and predictable, as you would expect it to be. The whole time I was watching it, I was thinking about what I could blog about. I watched and studied as Margaret put towels away, cleaned the dishes and arranged flowers in a centerpiece on the dining room table. She looked so elegant and domestic as she completed all these taks, which is something I need to work on (read: eek, it's 2 pm and I haven't hit the shower yet today!!).


The thing that interested me the most, though was when dear Mrs. Anderson sat on the couch, reading a magazine, pretending she didn't care that her darling son was about to leave the house "for good." I didn't quite catch the magazine she was reading, but it made me curious enough to do some further research: What did ladies of the 50's read in their magazines? How is it different, if at all, from what we read today?

I found a great source for upcoming blog posts online where 1950's issues of Good Housekeeping and other 50's housewife publications like The Journal of Home Economics are available to read. Today will be the first of many posts from these archives - and guess what? They have also encouraged me to include some pictures in my postings to liven things up a bit! Gee, now isn't that swell?!

Today's topic comes from the May 1950 issue of Good Housekeeping and is an update on an article of clothing that is the epitome of timelessness: the cardigan.

The article is short, but the writer insists:

On a summer street, cover is what you need. Cotton offers two solutions: dresses with cardigans of their own, dresses that welcome yours (p.69).

So, ladies, as we are just stepping into summer with Memorial Day just behind us, what say we all pair our sundresses with a cotton cardigan to achieve two important purposes: 1: much needed cover on a summer street and 2: to really feel the part of the 50's housewife. Perhaps if I look the part, I'll then feel the part, and then I'll just...become the part. Methinks this would be a good time to ask my dear husband for a lovely strand of pearls, no?!

Ok, so that might not happen for a while...or ever...but I do have plenty of cute sundresses and I, for one, intend to rock those frocks this summer the way June might have - with a cardigan, of course!

Clergymen...Now and Then

We've already discussed one topic of considerable discomfort this week: politics. Today I say one good controversial topic deserves another. Having done very minimal research on the topic, I'd like to discuss how religion has changed from the 50's until now. Just kidding...we'd be here all YEAR.

I would, however like to address the change in how a church congregation might have esteemed their priest or pastor in the 50's versus how people might do so today. Obviously, there can be no generalizations - every congregation is different, today, as well as in the 50's. However, because this is meant to be a short musing on the topic, generalizations will have to here suffice. My apologies in advance if anyone is somehow offended by my "trying as hard as humanly possible not to be offensive" blog post.

I think there are probaby two major differences in a clergyman's relationship to his congregation back in the 50's vs. today. And I use "his" knowing full well there are many women pastors out there. However, all the churches I have attended have been pastored by men, so forgive me for being a bit sexist...again with the generalizations, I know!

The first difference was that the clergyman was a bit of a town celebrity back in the 1950's. It was definitely noteworthy if you saw the priest while out doing errands or out for dinner at night. He had this allure of speaking in front hundreds of people on Sundays, this authority figure to be listened to very carefully. Today, he's just another guy in the supermarket. And with all the churches in a given town, he might just as soon go unnoticed all together on any given day. Well, any day but Sunday, that is.

On the way out of church, a mother may shake the priest's hand and say "Good morning, Father." And he might smile and say a cheerful good morning in return. The mother secretly envied the person in front of them to whom he responded "Oh, good morning Martha. And how's little Davy this morning?" Because he obviously knew these people. Well, at least he knew their names. In a large congregation, this would be something only a small percentage could hope for. Because although he was an authority figure in the church and possibly the community at large, he was still only human...and that's a lot of names to remember!

The 1950's priest or pastor also had an air of mystery about him. Not many in the congregation knew how he spent his days or interacted with him socially. But many families wanted to. Again, it was the celebrity-ish appeal. And the allure of being on friendly terms with a pseudo-celebrity. I'm noticing that a lot of people cared a great deal about "keeping up with the Joneses" and keeping up appearances in general in the 1950's. This is not to say that people who hung out with their pastors always had ulterior motives, but come on, admit it...people would have probably been impressed when you casually mentioned at tea the next day that you had the pastor and his wife over for dinner last night. Because they, like everyone else, want to know about him. What's he like? What's she like? Was he normal?

As a teacher's wife I compare it to a student seeing their teacher outside of the school they go to. Especially out in a social situation like having dinner with friends or taking the little one out for a walk in town - the kids often do a double-take, like "what are you doing here?" Because, as we all know, teachers, pastors, and family doctors typically stay 24/7 in their schools, churches, and offices, respectively.

And so the idea of becoming friends with a priest or pastor served two puproses: one - friendship. Two - social status.

The second major difference between the 1950's clergyman and one now is that today, on the whole, they seem a little friendlier, a little more down to earth, and that they don't want to remain under the facade that they are anything other than just a normal human being. Who just happens to know a lot about the Bible. For example, the pastor at our church uses himself as an example of what not to do almost weekly - he's humanizing himself! Which, believe me, is a lot easier to listen to and relate to than someone telling me how much better than me they are or how much "work" I have to do in order to get closer to God. Frankly, that's just not how God operates. And I like a pastor who acknowledges that!

Well anyway, thanks for enduring my "controversial" topics this week. I'm certain the next post will be business as usual. To close, I'll leave you with a bit of education from Amy Vanderbilt. When addressing a priest in writing it's:

Reverend Father or Dear Father Cullen

And wouldn't you know, it's the same darn thing if you're addressing him in person. Thanks for keeping it simple, Amy.

Until next time, God bless!!

It's About to Get Political

As my little boy just celebrated his first birthday, I have found myself thinking a lot about the world he will grow up in. We got through the first year unscathed, and I look forward to all the great times ahead of us. However, I have also found myself worrying at times for the things we may have to survive. I was a freshman in college when the September 11th attacks happened and I remember like it was yesterday how it shook me to the core. Everyone related it to what Pearl Harbor must have been like for our grandparents...a day that will live in infamy.

Thinking about our nation's politics and all the craziness a two-party system invites, I truly feel for the President and all the difficult decisions that have faced him so far as well as those that will face him in the future. Let me also be quick to say this has nothing to do with political party or even the President himself. I felt the same way about George W. Bush when he was in office. It just can't be an easy job, there's no doubt about it.

As I ponder these things, and pray for the best possible world for my son, I think it would be interesting to compare the man who was president for most of the 1950's, Dwight D. Eisenhower with our current president, Barack Obama. What similarities do these men share? What are/were the main difficulties of their presidencies? Is there really more to fear now than ever before? Or are we still dealing with the same issues of the 1950's, just in slightly different packaging? Hang with me...it's about to get political.

According to www.whitehouse.gov, Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States "worked incessantly during his two terms to ease the tensions of the Cold War."

Ten presidencies later, Barack Obama is trying to fight The War on Terror and ease tensions in the Middle East.

Dwight D. Eisenhower, or "Ike" as he was referred to, enjoyed a "sweeping victory" to the presidency, as did Barack Obama. It seems like both these men campaigned around the idea of hope, which the nation so desperately needed at the time of their respective elections.

Ike and Barack both had to deal with budget issues (apparently we couldn't get our spending under control in the 50's either!) - and President Obama's are far from over. Somehow he needs to find a way to get the two parties to work together and really make the decisions that are best for the American people. And that is not a task I envy in the least!

"As desegregation of schools began, [Eisenhower] sent troops into Little Rock, Arkansas, to assure compliance with the orders of a Federal court; he also ordered the complete desegregation of the Armed Forces. 'There must be no second class citizens in this country,' he wrote." (www.whitehouse.gov). Decades later, our country has elected the first African American president. We still have a long way to go, but there is a part of me that is hopeful that we could one day live in a country where there truly aren't any people thought of as second class citizens - I'm guessing no one would have believed back in Ike's day that there ever would be an African American president!

As I read through the struggles each of these presidents has had to face, I realize that there is no way to shelter my son completely from the evils of this world. I also realize that the evils of this world haven't gotten any bigger since Eisenhower's day, though they certainly remain. Beacause of this, I believe that all presidents deserve respect as the elected leader of our nation. I don't have to agree with everything they do or say, but I will try not to be disrespectful of our country's president, no matter who they are. They have the least desirable job I can think of and everyone in the world watching them while they do it!

Amy Vanderbilt states in her Guide to Gracious Living that if you are ever in a situation in which you are addressing the president in writing, you do it this way:

"My dear Mr. President".

And you sign the letter:

"Very respectfully," (p. 437). Coincidence? I think not.

Shad NO Ring

Ugggh, I hate to start this post by complaining, but I feel I'm in a real bind here. I absolutely love all of my 50's books on entertaining and homekeeping...except for one. The cookbook. Thoughts for Food seemed like it would be a worthwhile purchase many months ago when I was starting my blog. It even came recommended by name from Amy Vanderbilt herself. But aside from my one foray into 50's cuisine, I just can't bring myself to make anything else from this book!

I'm having friends over tonight for a meeting and I thought, What a lovely way to serve them - I will plan a full 50's spread of food for them to enjoy! But as I flip through the pages of my well-worn edition of Thoughts for Food, I can't find a single menu that is entirely appealing or something I could truly accomplish before 7:30 pm when they arrive. It's now 2:19 pm. Think I'm joking?? Here's one of the menus I was contemplating, under the section titled "Guests for Sunday Night Supper":

Shad Roe Ring
Ripe Olive Roll
Cold Turkey
Assorted Cold Cuts
Cranberry Jelly
Celery Root Salad
Cheese Mixture
Crackers
Bread
Fruit Thais
Chocolate Coconut Cookies
Lebkuchen
Coffee

(p.324)

HOLY HELP ME! I mean, I look at this menu and at first I'm happy because it's essentially cold cuts with bread and cheese and cookies. Seems manageable at first glance. However, I then look at some of the recipes and my very next thought is to chuck this cookbook out the window!

First, there's the issue of Shad Roe. I believe I discussed Shad Roe in a previous post - something to the effect of: WHAT IS SHAD? WHY WOULD PEOPLE WANT TO EAT ITS ROE? WHERE WOULD ONE ACQUIRE SAID SHAD IF THEY DID? AND IN THE NAME OF ALL THAT IS HOLY, WHY, WHY MUST IT ALWAYS BE IN A RING?!

To further my point, the recipe for Shad Roe Ring is as follows:

1 1/2 to 2 shad roe
6 eggs, separated
1 1/2 pints cream, whipped
salt, pepper

Parboil roe and put through ricer. Add yolks and seasonings; fold in stiffly beaten whites and cream. Put in buttered and floured ring, cover and set in a pan of hot water. Bake in a moderate oven (350 degrees F) for one half hour (p. 324).

I rest my case. Well, not entirely.

Second, "Cheese mixture" doesn't sound all that appealing. Especially when Aloutte makes a lovely cheese dip for crackers that I'm sure doesn't involve "Pabstette cheese," as the recipe calls for...which again...I don't know what that is.

Third, "Lebkuchen," I don't know what that is either, but if a guest were to say something like, "My, this is delicious, what do you call it?" I would have to think very quickly on the fly, because I clearly do not know how to pronounce Lebkuchen! I think "Special Dessert" would scare them, and I'm not sure I'm quick enough on my feet to think of something else between now and then. And again, I'll remind you of the time. It's 2:26 pm.

With all that being said, I'm contemplating leaving Thoughts for Food out of my rotation of 50's books to post on. All I ever do is get frustrated and complain about the recipes in it. I hate to say it, but this could possibly be the one time Amy has led me astray. I'd love to find another 50's cookbook to use - something a little more every day...and I hate to say it, but truly...something a little more modern day. If any of you have thoughts or suggestions, I'm all ears! Until then, it's ADIOS to Thoughts for Food!

Behind Every Good Man...

I was watching an episode of Father Knows Best for blog research today, and I was struck by the interactions between the family members, particularly between Margaret, the mother, and Jim, Father himself. When I think of 50's family dynamics, I think of things just as the title of the show suggests: Father knows best. For some reason, that gives the impression that Mother should silently agree with whatever dear Father says.

I was thrilled to see that Margaret Anderson (bless her sweet heart) had a mind of her own. The episode I watched (on Hulu - a gift of the new millennium and something they definitely did without in the 50's!) was episode 3 of the entire series, entitled "The Motor Scooter." In this episode, Jim wants desperately to gift his teenage son Bud with a motor scooter, but Margaret disapproves. She fears Bud isn't responsible enough and/or he will get in an accident. Sounds like a typical mother from any decade to me!

Margaret, donning her pearls and baking (actually, burning) cornbread - perhaps there's hope for me yet! - puts her foot down on the matter of the motor scooter right away. Her first response is, "I'm not going to let you give it to him, Jim!"

I was astounded by the "I'm not going to let you." Father Knows Best portrays the epitome of 50's family life, and here is a wife forbidding her husband to do something. She later states (after more of Jim's pleading) "The appeal is denied, the answer is no." And although Jim won't give up the fight easily, he actually does end up listening to her. And what's more....he obeys!

As a mother (not yet of a teenager, thank God!), I can see exactly where Margaret is coming from. We are, the moment we become mothers, worriers. Creeping in to check on the baby who sleeps through the night for the first time - are they still breathing? Following 2 inches behind them with arms outstretched as they crawl around the house, ever ready to keep their head from hitting the floor or to keep the cat food out of their mouth. I can only imagine it gets worse when they start driving...and become less and less easy to follow!

Though my career as a parent is just beginning, I can also plainly see that both parents have to be on the same team. Sure there are always going to be times when parents disagree - one is a little more lenient about some things, the other a bit more strict. But presenting a united front to the kids is important. And I do like that, for the most part, that's how the Andersons operate. They keep the motor scooter a secret from Bud until they decide together that it's best if he doesn't have it.

I won't spoil the ending for you, in case you want to scoot (pun intended) over to Hulu to watch the episode yourself, but I just had to comment on the fact that even in the 50's mothers had a voice. It wasn't just "Father Knows Best;" it was also "Behind Every Good Man...!"

Care for a Spot of Tea?

Hello, friends! SO sorry to have been absent for so long! I still don't have my computer back, plus we went on vacation for a week so I have yet again been out of touch. I have a loaner computer for now, so I am hoping to get at least a few posts out a week. Fingers crossed!

In this time "away", I have been trying to live out the "June lifestyle" at home, and it's been going pretty well. I'm a little easier on myself than I once was...not sure if that's really allowed, but my boy is into everything these days, so time that was once reserved for homekeeping is now allotted for picking up knick-knacks and toys, seeing to it that no little fingers go into electrical sockets, and...then trying to catch my breath!

I have been dreaming of my next entertaining endeavor, and perusing Successful Entertaining at Home like a madwoman to answer the question: "Whom shall I entertain next?" As Mother's Day swiftly approaches, I can think of no one better than my mom and my mother-in-law, who will be coming into town in a few weeks for my son's first birthday party (another reason to celebrate!!). I found, on pg. 45 of Ms. Coggins' guide, some simple instructions for "a large tea for a guest." In my case, two guests of honor - a belated Mother's Day Tea, two weeks after Mother's Day for two wonderful women and some of my lovely lady friends who may wish to stop by. Shelley and Sherry, consider this your invitation to afternoon tea on Sunday, May 22!

Ms. Coggins writes:

Let us suppose that you are going to invite twenty-four guests, that you have a dining room where tea is to be served, and that you have a delightful friend who has agreed to pour. On your dining room table will be your most beautiful lace or linen tablecloth.

Well, Carolyn, that's supposing a lot! We will probably invite closer to 12 guests and indeed, have to be content not with a formal dining room, but with our "great room" - my fancy 50's name for our dining room/living room combined. But there is a table, as well as a buffet (possibly from the 50's!) and plenty of space for people to sit comfortably. As I have been fortunate enough to host more than one Thanksgiving in my home, I do possess a tablecloth or two for just such an occasion!

If there is room, the cups and saucers should go [at the end of the table where tea is to be served]. But for a large tea party, the cups and saucers can be placed at the left of the friend presiding at the table so that they can easily be picked up and filled as people arrive asking for tea (p. 45).

One unnerving thought has just struck me as I plan my delightful tea party...I have no teapot. We registered for and received a lovely and expensive teapot for our wedding...only to have it break a year later. Since then, I have been making tea in a medium saucepan...the same one I sometimes make Kraft Macaroni and Cheese in for dinner. There are so many un-fifties-like things about that last sentence, I don't even know where to begin. Perhaps my delightful friend who is pouring the tea will also be in possession of a teapot I can borrow for the occasion. Note to self: See which delightful friend has teapot I can borrow. Immediately.

Two stacks of small plates, with a napkin on each, would be arranged so that guests coming in can help themselves to the small cakes or dainty sandwiches invitingly arranged on the table on separate plates. These small cakes, cookies, and sandwiches are usually those most easily handled by guests, but if you wish you may serve a luscious frosted cake, or two of them if you like (p. 45).

This brings us to the question of a menu. Obviously little cakes, cookies, and sandwiches are a must. I'm thinking many of them will have to be store bought, however, because my son's birthday party is the day before and I will have spent most of my energy baking a cake for him, and getting everything ready for his big day. Perhaps if they are delicately arranged, no one will be the wiser. This I must ponder further. On second thought, who is going to question a luscious frosted cake? As long as there are plates and forks to eat it with, I think everyone will be just fine!

Because of our national preference for coffee, when a tea grows to larger and larger proportions there are often two guests pouring, one serving tea and the other serving coffee, at opposite ends of the table. The coffee urn is surrounded by cups and saucers and the same kind of plate arrangement, each bearing its own napkin, and of course, the inevitable pitcher of cream and bowl of sugar (p. 45).

If I can drudge up a coffee urn from someone, I will. If not, I have a perfectly good coffee pot to brew coffee in for anyone who wants it. It seems I will also need to find lump sugar, because isn't that just a little more fancy - nay, a little more fifties - than a bowl of granulated sugar with a teaspoon beside it?

When giving a tea with friends presiding at your table, there are always a few chairs near by so that anyone who likes can be seated to chat with friends there while having tea (p. 45).

Add that to the list: A few extra chairs. Check!

Naturally, all the guests serve themselves, going in for tea when they like, helping themselves to cakes or sandwiches, asking for hot tea when they wish it, and drinking it in the living or dining room, whatever spot seems most comfortable for them (p.45).

I like the casual, laid-back atmosphere described above. That's what I will strive for: a classic, comfortable tea party (because, who doesn't love the idea of that?) to honor two fabulous women in my life. And what girl (big or little) isn't thrilled by the idea of a formal tea? I, for one can't wait!