The Eldon House Collection holds several books of cookery – from printed materials to hand inscribed “receipt” books. Historical cookbooks contain more than just tips on turning a “joint of meat to perfection;” they are encyclopedia’s of domestic advice, encompassing recipes for home remedies, medicinal treatments as well as delicious desserts! This exhibit aims in its display and interpretation of several historical cookbooks to elaborate on the origins, uses and terminology of these wonderful examples of social history.
Very few recipe books from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries are organized and regulated in the way we expect today. It is unusual to have cooking temperatures listed, as cooks worked from a variety of devices – from tin stoves to open fires. Measurements also are unregulated, the author often referring to handy kitchen implements, such as teacups, to determine the correct ration. Recipes for household remedies are also mixed together, often on the same page, with food preparation. For example, a poisonous remedy for pests might be found alongside a recipe for cake icing.
481 Ridout Street North
London, Ontario, Canada N6A 2P6
519.661.5169 | info@eldonhouse.ca
March:
Thursday-Sunday
12:00 • 5:00 PM
Admission to Eldon House is by donation with a recommended donation of $5.00-$10.00 a person, except for special events.
We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.
We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.
The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.
