“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It Goes On.”
Robert Frost

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

It's Beautiful

I am speaking of the weather. Yes the temperatures have finally returned to what it is supposed to be like here in Minnesota this time of year. Lovely cooling breezes have replaced the oppressive heat and now if it would just rain again! It has been over three weeks since we had a good rain.

We planted some large shrubs and had to move some enormous hosta plants when we did so.  We noticed that even though we thought we were watering enough, the ground was dry over a foot down into the soil.  I get the job of moving the sprinkler around the yard, my husband keeps saying "our next house will have an automatic sprinkler system", sometimes I think that would be a good idea!

Anyway... during the hot days last week, I spent some time going through some books I picked up at an estate sale over the summer. I want to share them with you because one especially is very unusual.










The first book is a very cute kids cook book called Mary Alden's Cake and Cookie Cook Book for Children. It's a step-by-step picture recipe cookbook that helps the inexperienced cook with each recipe.  I love the photos of the testers above.  Anyone you know here?




















The Shiny Scoop by Camilla Wing - illustrated by Harley F. Davidson - Published by Dannie Books, Excelsior Minnesota in 1941. First Edition.

This is an unusual educational book featuring in elfish-character form - Mineral, Protein, Vitamin, Carbohydrate and Fat. In their illustrated forms, they accompany Dannie and his Mother while they visit the market. The foreword was written by E.J. Huenekens, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota.

I would guess this is an extremely rare book. I am not sure if it was widely distributed.  While researching I have not found another like it.  I also tried to locate information on the illustrator with no results, many of you may notice the name is similar to a well known motorcycle company.


They are both available in my shop, CraveCute on Etsy.

I will try and get around to all of your blogs as soon as I can.  Lets all have a wonderful week!  ~~ Diane


12 comments:

  1. Diane - that cook book for children is wonderful. Takes me back to such a sweet time. You find the best things. Love the illustrations too in the "Shiny Scoop." Such fun. Glad you are having cooler temps. Ours came today and it certainly feels like fall. Have a great week.

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  2. I would guess it's a rare book as well. And I am hoping your coller temperatures make their way here to KY :)

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  3. Harley F. Davidson? I bet he just rode into town one day on his chopper and said "Anyone got any children's books they need illustrated?"

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    1. Haha! I know! Isn't that funny and curious at the same time!

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  4. You do find such interesting things !

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  5. That is such a unique find! And what better testers for food than kids. If you can get them to eat what you've made, you're doing alright!

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    1. It is a brilliant idea isn't it? This book was published in 1956 so these kids would probably be in their 60's and 70's now. There were two girls from Minnesota listed - Elaine Watson and Margit Sheff.

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  6. That is so neat! This is a trip because now I remember seeing that book when I was little - I'm betting my grandmother got it for my mother and her siblings when they were growing up.

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  7. It's wonderful, you find so many treasures. I hope you are well!

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  8. Hi Diane ;o) I am catching up in blog land too ;o) Glad the weather has changed for you! It has for us as well ;o) We finally got some rain last week ;o) Yepeee! I hope it comes for you too ;o) I love these books and that second one, is very interesting! Great finds! Hugs ;o)

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  9. I'll send wishes for some good, hard rain your way! :)

    I love both of those books and their wonderful illustrations. Very unique indeed!

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  10. I know the feeling. It's becoming harder and harder to blog and catch up on blog friends, but that recipe book is adorable.

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