Matthew Farfan

Jacqueline Sleeper Russell, a researcher of Coaticook-area history and genealogy, and a descendant of the illustrious Sleeper family of Coaticook, is in possession of an early cookbook from Waterville (see photos, left and right). Ms. Russell would like to find out more about this book, in particular the date and circumstances of its publication.

Published by the Ladies of the Waterville Congregational Church, and titled Souvenir Cook Book -- Tried and Tested Recipes, the book contains the names and culinary creations of many local women. The front cover features a photograph of the church, while the back displays an advertisement for Geo. Gale & Sons, Manufacturers of Iron & Brass Beds.

The caption below a bird's eye view of the rather large Waterville factory reads: "Cuban Dominion, New Dominion, Daisy and Peerless Wire Mattresses. Waterville, Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg."

(Photos, left & right: Courtesy of Jacqueline Sleeper Russell)





Any information pertaining to this book would be most welcome at this office. Please email the editor.

This early photograph, c.1910, clearly shows the Gale factory as the dominant feature of downtown Waterville.
(Photo: Farfan Collection)






UPDATE (July 21, 2004): One of our readers has written to us that this cookbook, which may have been published as a fundraiser for the church, was published in 1903.
MF