Place of Origin

United States ➔ Missouri ➔ St. Louis

Date of Composition

1840-1850

Description

Virginia Kyle Campbell (1822-1882) was a prominent St. Louis socialite who played host to a number of notable St. Louis citizens, including President Ulysses S. Grant and General William T. Sherman. She was married to Robert Campbell, a prosperous entrepreneur and businessman. Their St. Louis home is now preserved as the Campbell House Museum, which holds her cookbook.

Written in script by Mrs. Campbell, her cookbook contains 50 pages of recipes and remedies collected over the years from family and friends. Most of the recipes provide only a list of ingredients, without instructional text. Many are of southern influence (the Kyle family was from North Carolina). Some recipes are credited to someone and a couple have comments such as "tried and good." The front of the book has an index with tabs that arranges the recipes alphabetically. 

For information about this manuscript, contact the Campbell House Museum.