Manuscript Location

Elting Memorial Library , Haviland-Heidgerd Historical Collection, Archives Room

Place of Origin

United States ➔ New York ➔ New Paltz

Date of Composition

1826-1850 or somewhat later

Description

This book of nearly 50 pages is inscribed “Cath’rine DuBois’s Common Place-book Bought Anno Domini 1826”. The first half of the book contains poetry, most likely written by friends as the handwriting varies and a number of different individuals have signed their names. Recipes, both culinary and medical, begin on page 34, at the top of which is written the date 1850. The culinary recipes focus on cakes, cookies, fried cakes, and breakfast and tea breads. A recipe for Soda Biscuit, calling only for flour, water, and chemical leavening, is endorsed: "They are made in a few moments, and are very good with coffee for breakfast."

Catharine DuBois (1795-1856) married Benjamin Van Wagenen (1796-1848) in 1826. Her husband was a storekeep and Justice of the Peace of New Paltz in 1833. The couple had six children.