One of our community grande dames, MMHoney, gave me three copies of the vintage Rumford Cookbook. Two of these copies are from the 1948 edition while the third is the 1918 edition. (The two copies in red above are the 1948 editions.) If you are a vintage cookbook collector, stay tuned. I HAVE A GIVEAWAY.
I examined the cookbooks for clues. I’d never heard of Rumford!
The first few pages tell us about Count Rumford. Benjamin Thompson was “the American ennobled by the courts of Europe because of his pioneer discoveries in cooking.” His accomplishments include being the first to study diet, to invent an effective oven, roaster, and tea kettle, to advocate drip coffee, and to suggest holes in the handles of pots and pans so they could be hung. He designed efficient kitchens, the modern air-tight stove, and the construction of oven doors.
But is this all true? Was there really a Count Rumford? Or was he like Cap’n Crunch who sailed the seven seas in the good ship Guppy and discovered crunch berries? Count Rumford was, in fact, a real person, but the Rumford Cookbook was written by Lily Hayworth Wallace (a food specialist and consultant) for Rumford Chemical Works, which developed and sold Rumford baking powder. The first edition was printed in 1908 and it continued to print subsequent editions until the late 1940s.
Baking powder was invented in the 1840s and was sold in two separate envelopes because baking soda and cream of tartar could only be combined at the last minute before baking. In the mid-nineteenth century, a chemist named Eben Horsford developed the concept of replacing cream of tartar with calcium-acid phosphate, and with the addition of cornstarch was able to make a combination baking powder that could be sold in one package. Together with his business partner, George Wilson, he started manufacturing this new combined baking powder at Rumford Chemical Works. Rumford joined with Calumet in 1950, which was the end of the Rumford name in the baking aisle and explains why we’ve never heard of Rumford today.* (see update note)
But my, oh my, do we owe them our cookies. And their cookbooks are a piece of culinary history.
The Rumford Cookbook does not, by the way, limit itself to baking recipes, despite its promotional foundations. It endeavors, according to the 1918 foreward, to present “the best dishes of their kind rather than take up space for repetition of the same general recipe” and covers the gamut from soups and salads to meats and vegetables to pastries, breads, cakes, and pies. It’s a fascinating look into the heartbeat of the kitchens of its time with lots of quaint extras. (What is a gill? A half a cup! Odd, that.)
*Update to note: This is an interesting page here. Apparently sometime after 1950, Rumford changed hands again and is now owned by Clabber Girl while Calumet was taken over by Kraft. According to that site, Rumford is still available (who knew? not me!) in New England and the Northeastern U.S. (though it sounds as if from the comments it can be found elsewhere). I’ve never seen it. Now I feel obsessed with the idea that I need some.
I’m keeping the 1918 Rumford Cookbook for my collection, but I’m giving away both copies of the 1948 edition–one here, on this post, and another today on my Cooking section at Chickens in the Road. TWO chances to win! (One winner will be drawn from comments on this post, and another winner will be drawn from comments on the matching post in my Cooking section.)
For a chance to win here: Leave a comment on this post and let me know you want it. ONE winner will be drawn from comments on THIS post by random comment number to receive one of the 1948 Rumford Cookbooks. Eligible entry cut-off is midnight Eastern (U.S.) time tonight (December 13). This post will be updated with the winner by 9 a.m. Eastern (U.S.) time tomorrow (December 14). Return to this post to claim your prize!
For a chance to win the other 1948 Rumford Cookbook, go to my Cooking section at CITR and leave a comment there for another shot!
Interested in contributing a guest post to the Farm Bell blog? Read information here for Farm Bell blog submissions.
Want to subscribe to the Farm Bell blog? Go here.
UPDATE 12/14/10: The winning comment number, drawn by random.org, is #17, Leah. Email me at CITRgiveaways(at)random.org with your full name and address for shipping!
Find the other winner at CITR in my Cooking section here.
Raeann says:
Would love to win the Vintage Rumford Cookbook!
On December 13, 2010 at 2:22 am
Laura Newton says:
I would love to win a copy of this cookbook. Laura
On December 13, 2010 at 2:31 am
blessings says:
I would LOVE a copy of this cookbook
On December 13, 2010 at 2:36 am
Jane says:
I would SO love this book!
On December 13, 2010 at 2:46 am
Deborah R says:
Vintage cookbook are one of my weaknesses. Shortly after I moved to WV, I was blessed with over 20 years of the annual cooking insert from the Parkersburg newspaper…a little bit of my “almost heaven” that I’m still exploring. I’d love to win “The Rumford Complete Cook Book.” Thanks for the chance.
On December 13, 2010 at 3:21 am
Vicki says:
I love vintage cookbooks!
On December 13, 2010 at 3:27 am
Frank says:
Suzanne, any chance of convincing you to scan the 1918 version for Project Gutenberg?
On December 13, 2010 at 3:36 am
minna says:
I’d love to win this!
On December 13, 2010 at 4:09 am
Teri says:
would love to win one
On December 13, 2010 at 4:57 am
Darlene in North GA says:
I’d love one of these old cookbooks.
Thanks!
On December 13, 2010 at 5:06 am
judydee says:
Hurray! I get another chance! Please enter me.
P.S. I think the Project Gutenberg suggestion is a great idea.
On December 13, 2010 at 5:27 am
Ruthdigs says:
Here I am again – lovin a second chance to win. Thank you!
On December 13, 2010 at 6:06 am
Maureen says:
The book sounds interesting and I would love to win it.
On December 13, 2010 at 6:24 am
CindyP says:
Would LOVE to have that cookbook!!!
Thank you, and MMHoney…what a sweetheart she is 🙂
On December 13, 2010 at 6:28 am
Mrs.Turkey says:
I love cookbooks and would love to add this one to the many I already have. I read them just like a paperback book.
Mrs. Turkey
On December 13, 2010 at 6:35 am
Peggy W says:
I would love to win the cookbook. It would be nice to try a new recipe while it is so cold.
On December 13, 2010 at 6:49 am
Leah says:
The cookbooks are great. I would love to have a copy and see what people were serving up back then and also to have a little piece of the history.
On December 13, 2010 at 6:50 am
Ms. Donnie says:
Would love to have this heritage cookbook. What a find!
On December 13, 2010 at 6:59 am
Mark says:
I would love to have this book for my collection!
On December 13, 2010 at 7:47 am
Sherie says:
What a great give away – please put my name in!
On December 13, 2010 at 7:56 am
kochernut mama says:
Oh my….would love this! Thanks for sharing your goods :0)
On December 13, 2010 at 7:59 am
tsmith says:
I would love this! Thank you!
On December 13, 2010 at 8:04 am
derecol52 says:
Please put my name in for the vintage cookbook. I love cookbooks–have more than I shoud probably! Among my treasures are a few that were my great-grandmothers. Thanks
On December 13, 2010 at 8:05 am
mamma-leigh says:
I would love to get this! Having a crummy day and this would brighten it up!
On December 13, 2010 at 8:14 am
Penny says:
I have heard of and used Rumford baking powder, but I had no idea of the man/history behind it. The cookbook sounds fascinating!
On December 13, 2010 at 8:24 am
Turtle Mom says:
I would love to win this cookbook! I love all cookbooks, but especially the old ones!
On December 13, 2010 at 8:29 am
Pete says:
What a neat book this would be to own! Indeed – count me IN on the drawing!!
Not sure if I have seen the baking powder, one of the cookbooks, or what, but as your story was unfolding, something sure felt familiar about the topic.
Thanks!
On December 13, 2010 at 8:31 am
Carol says:
Oh how I’d love to add this cookbook to my collection. I have one for the 1950’s from my hubby’s great aunt. She’s got notes written all over it. I just love it!
On December 13, 2010 at 8:32 am
Brenda says:
I would just love to have this book!
On December 13, 2010 at 8:38 am
Miss HomeEcs Daughter says:
Vintage X2 what a great deal… Thanks Suzanne!!!
On December 13, 2010 at 8:42 am
Toto's Mom says:
It’s so fun reading old cookbooks – a teacup of this, a glass of that. I’d really like to win this book – afterall it’s my BIRTHDAY! HBTM
On December 13, 2010 at 8:52 am
lizajane says:
I would love to win this cookbook to add to my collection!
On December 13, 2010 at 8:58 am
Rebecca says:
Enter me!
On December 13, 2010 at 9:11 am
Heidi says:
Great giveaway. Please enter me, I would love to have a copy of this cookbook.
On December 13, 2010 at 9:28 am
Patricialynn says:
I’m pretty sure I have seen that cookbook before, on my Grandmother’s kitchen shelf. Unfortunately, I don’t know where it went after her death – probably to one of her daughters (she had eight kids total).
Having that book would be like having a piece of my Grandma living in my kitchen. How cool would that be?
On December 13, 2010 at 9:28 am
Maria says:
I love this second chance…..Please enter me….
On December 13, 2010 at 9:31 am
Carmi says:
Please enter me in the giveaway for the Rumsford Cookbook.
On December 13, 2010 at 9:32 am
annabel52 says:
Cookbooks are so much fun to read. Better than the Enquirer!!! Please enter me for a chance to be the keeper of this wonderful cookbook.
On December 13, 2010 at 9:33 am
IowaCowgirl says:
Count me in for the contest!!
On December 13, 2010 at 9:33 am
bjcunningham says:
Would love to win one! I collect interesting books of all kinds (previously owning an online book store), & hubby collects cookbooks (& reads them for leisure! often trying recipes he finds interesting).
On December 13, 2010 at 9:45 am
Faith says:
Cookbook me!
On December 13, 2010 at 9:46 am
Blyss says:
The cookbook would be a great addition to my collection. Thanks for doing this Suzanne!
On December 13, 2010 at 9:50 am
Kellie says:
Thanks for the interesting history. I would love to win this!
On December 13, 2010 at 9:56 am
katherine jenson says:
I love all cookbooks….however, the vintage cookbooks always hold a special place in my heart! Thanks for offering us a chance for one of the books!
On December 13, 2010 at 9:58 am
SailsAgain says:
Old cookbooks are fascinating. I enjoy old books and cookbooks often make me feel as if I were somehow connecting with the past in a special way.
I like trying “new” old recipes. Older cookbooks are great places to search for obscure recipes – like one for suet pudding that tastes the way my aunt used to make it. (Suet pudding sounds gross, but it is actually a tasty version of Christmas Pudding that uses suet for the fat.)
On December 13, 2010 at 10:00 am
leavesofthefall says:
count me in… love the history of it all. Thanks, MMHoney!!
On December 13, 2010 at 10:05 am
David A. Elias says:
Please count me in! I would love one of these books to add to my library.
On December 13, 2010 at 10:08 am
Donna says:
Please count me in, I love old cookbooks. Merry Christmas!
On December 13, 2010 at 10:21 am
lukesmommie says:
I would love to win the drawing.
On December 13, 2010 at 10:33 am
charleycooke says:
I would loveto be entered to win!
On December 13, 2010 at 10:51 am
ML Cauley says:
Such interesting history linking Clabber Girl to Rumford! How neat! I own a few vintage cookbooks (passed down to me from my mother and her mother..), so it’ll be cool to win a vintage cookbook! Count me in!
On December 13, 2010 at 11:01 am
demeleen says:
Count me in! Would love to add to my cookbook collection! Thanks Suzanne and Merry Christmas.
On December 13, 2010 at 11:08 am
Pat says:
I would love to win this cookbook.
It looks so neat.
On December 13, 2010 at 11:16 am
Debbie says:
I really want this Rumford cookbook!
On December 13, 2010 at 11:16 am
sal says:
Oh boy, my second chance to win. I need all the help I can get to win anything! I want, I want. ‘o)
On December 13, 2010 at 11:20 am
Rosemeri says:
I love vintage cookbooks. I hope that I can win this one.
On December 13, 2010 at 11:28 am
AimeeS says:
I would love one!!
On December 13, 2010 at 11:29 am
Rita says:
I love second chances… sign me up!!
On December 13, 2010 at 11:30 am
daiseymae says:
Suzanne, I want you and MMHoney both as neighbors. Thank you both for this most generous and lovely giveaway!
On December 13, 2010 at 11:31 am
mwolson says:
I would love to have a vintage copy of this cookbook! Please enter me in the contest.
On December 13, 2010 at 11:34 am
su says:
I would LOVE this book! Rumford was big in new England. My mother & grandmother used it!
On December 13, 2010 at 11:45 am
0rlasha says:
I have Rumford in my pantry right now.
Please count me in.
On December 13, 2010 at 11:45 am
Kathi N says:
Yes, please include me in the drawing. Thank you!
On December 13, 2010 at 12:07 pm
Kathryn says:
Would love to win a copy of the cookbook. Thanks!
On December 13, 2010 at 12:31 pm
NorthCountryGirl says:
I have used Rumford before. I would put that vintage cookbook to good use. Please enter me in your drawing. Thank you!
On December 13, 2010 at 12:52 pm
Rosanne says:
Please include me in the drawing!!!
On December 13, 2010 at 12:52 pm
Miss Nellie says:
I would love to win the vintage cookbook.
On December 13, 2010 at 12:56 pm
ticka1 says:
Awesome another chance to win this great cookbook! Please enter me for this drawing! I love old cookbooks and collect them! I have over 50 cookbooks in my collection.
Patricia
On December 13, 2010 at 1:01 pm
kensjewl says:
I love old cookbooks. I read them just like others read a mystery novel.
On December 13, 2010 at 1:08 pm
lavenderblue says:
Entering in this section, also. Thanks Suzanne and MMHoney.
On December 13, 2010 at 1:16 pm
ScreamingSardine says:
What a great giveaway, Suzanne! Yes, please enter me for the 1948 Rumford Cookbook.
On December 13, 2010 at 1:19 pm
Cin says:
I’d love to win this! Thanks
Cin
On December 13, 2010 at 1:30 pm
Sharon mommafox says:
Thumbing through all the new cookie recipes at Farm Bell, and a second chance to win a heritage cookbook. What better way to spend part of my day?
On December 13, 2010 at 1:47 pm
Darlene says:
Count me in!
Darlene in Ks
On December 13, 2010 at 1:55 pm
jan~n~tn says:
Serious collector of cookbooks, here!
I would love to receive one of these.
On December 13, 2010 at 1:56 pm
barbie says:
I love looking at older cookbooks, I remember some of the recipes that are “out of style” that my Grandma and Mom made. Thanks for the chance to win the Rumford Cookbook!
On December 13, 2010 at 1:56 pm
MaryLundShu says:
Please count me in the drawing for the VRC! Thanks!
On December 13, 2010 at 2:26 pm
claudia says:
Thank you for the chance to win the vintage cookbook. Hope I’m one of the lucky ones.
On December 13, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Jan says:
Sounds facinating!
On December 13, 2010 at 3:05 pm
Sonyaw says:
How interesting. I LOve love cookbooks old or new:) Love your blog. Thank you for all you do for all of us. Merry Christmas Sonya-in Wet Washington State:)
On December 13, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Banana says:
I would so love to win this. Cookbooks are my weakness!
On December 13, 2010 at 3:30 pm
Jeanne says:
Yes, please! I would love the cookbook!
On December 13, 2010 at 3:35 pm
mafong says:
I just finished a can of Rumford baking powder that was given to me by a dear friend. Please enter me for the drawing.
On December 13, 2010 at 3:52 pm
Ashlee says:
I’d love to have this cookbook!
On December 13, 2010 at 3:58 pm
farmershae says:
Thank you for 2 chances to win, yay! I just adore all old books – to my husband’s angst.
On December 13, 2010 at 5:38 pm
mygirls01 says:
would love to win!!
On December 13, 2010 at 5:39 pm
Mother of a ROCKSTAR says:
I would love to win one. Thanks for the chance.
On December 13, 2010 at 6:10 pm
barefootntn says:
What a neat idea….would love to be able to add a cookbook to my collection….thank you Suzanne!
On December 13, 2010 at 6:16 pm
Wendy says:
This sounds like a fascinating book, I’d love to have one
On December 13, 2010 at 6:21 pm
Spiderjohn says:
I want it!
On December 13, 2010 at 6:24 pm
Clarissa says:
I use Rumford (Aluminum-Free) Baking Powder all the time her in CA. It comes in a nice little red container with the counterfeit of Count Rumford above the brand name and a “golden” plastic lid on top. Thank you for the chance to win such a precious cookbook. I would sure like to win it.
On December 13, 2010 at 7:22 pm
Nikki says:
I love vintage cookbooks! Enter me please.
On December 13, 2010 at 7:22 pm
whaledancer says:
I’m curious about how MMHoney ended up with 3 spare copies of the Rumford cookbook. There must be a story there…
On December 13, 2010 at 7:54 pm
brookdale says:
Thank you for offering this giveaway, Suzanne! Please enter me for the drawing. I love the old cookbooks.
On December 13, 2010 at 7:54 pm
Cathy Jones (catray44) says:
Please count me in!
On December 13, 2010 at 9:13 pm
drucillajoy says:
I’d love to win the book & if I don’t, I might see if I can find it on half.com or ebay…it sounds very interesting….Thanks MMHoney & Suzanne for this gift to the lucky winner!
On December 13, 2010 at 9:50 pm
tea4too0 says:
I would love to have this book to add to my collection. Thanks
On December 13, 2010 at 9:58 pm
momof3inok says:
I would love to own this cookbook!
On December 13, 2010 at 10:55 pm
Patrice says:
I’d love to add this to my collection of cookbooks.
On December 13, 2010 at 11:07 pm
Sundownr says:
Yep, me again, #200 on the other thread! I really would like one of the 1948 Rumford Cookbooks!! Pick me, pick me, over here, pick me!
I do love this site, regardless if I win a free antique cookbook or not!
Thanks for the op,
Sundownr / Bev
On December 13, 2010 at 11:32 pm
Shar says:
I’d love to be in the drawing! It looks like it would be just my style!
Thank you MMHoney!
On December 14, 2010 at 12:06 am
mary says:
I would love to have the cookbook. It would be priceless.
On December 14, 2010 at 5:56 am
Gem says:
I can get you Rumford baking powder by the TRUCKLOAD!!! I would LOVE this cookbook 🙂
On December 14, 2010 at 8:06 am
evonne says:
i would love to have one of the books… what a great piece of history
On December 14, 2010 at 4:07 pm