Name/Title
“The Compleat Housewife"Entry/Object ID
2005.11.1Description
Recipe book entitled "The Complete Housewife" by Eliza Smith. The cover is made of red cloth over the original leather binding. A piece of paper is adhered to the front cover that details the life of the woman who originally owned the book. The book contains a guide to foods and dishes appropriate for specific seasons of the year, suggested table layouts, a guide to marketing, recipes for meals and home remedies, and a guide to different cleaning methods.Context
Originally published in London in 1727, “The Compleat Housewife” was later republished in Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1742. It is believed to be the first cookery book published in Colonial America. Although the publisher's page has been removed, select additions found within this copy reveal that it was printed after May 1750. During the 17th and 18th century, the phrases "Compleat Housewife" and "Gentleman's/Gentlewoman's Companion" were commonly used in many books to indicate their inclusion of housekeeping tips and recipes for food and ailments. This well-loved copy of Smith’s book was found in the library of Columbia Bible College during the time it was located at the Robert Mills House. The book was taken by the college’s librarian for safekeeping and later donated to Historic Columbia.
Research on this piece, including the identify of "Mrs. Daniel Hall," is ongoing.Transcription
"This old receipt book was the property of my paternal ancestor, Mrs. Daniel Hall, whose father, was Governor Daniel, one of the first Governors of South Carolina. Her marriage with General Hall makes quite an interesting chapter in her history. She was said to have been a wonderful housekeeper, and was a rare character in many ways. General Hall was killed in the American Revolution, and his body is interred beneath the bapistry of the Old First Church, Water Street, Charleston South Carolina. The burial ground having antedated the building of the church."Inscription/Signature/Marks
Type
InscriptionLocation
Inside front Red CoverTranscription
Elizabeth Hartman 1922Material/Technique
InkDimensions
Height
1-1/2 inWidth
5-1/2 inLength
8-1/2 in
