From the perspective of a big-city upbringing, this stove is…interesting. But what did it represent to the women pioneers of Lumby? For them, stoves like this were an essential part of day-to-day life. On a recent visit to the Lumby Museum, I (tried to) pick up that black pot. It’s weighty! Pioneer women were strong! That week I came into possession of a cookbook from 1877. The cookbook not only showcases recipes from across Canada, it also comments on topics like: housekeeping, table talk, dinner etiquette, social observances, little housekeepers, opinions on kitchens.
The recipes require few ingredients and seem simple. I’ll share some with you over the next few articles! What is amazing is the honest assessments of some of the contributors, like one brave working woman’s opinion on kitchens: “I have no conceit of those fine houses,” said she with considerable asperity of manner “with not a room in it but where a regiment might meander comfortably, but the kitchen, which is only large for the range, the sink, the ironing table and–the cook. … a dark little place of work without one gleam of cheer about it.”
The Lumby Museum invites you to visit and share your family pioneers’ stories.
