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Household Words and Catherine Beecher- PART TWO - Page 3

© Sandra Linville

"In social gatherings the claims of the stranger are too apt to be forgotten; especially in cases where there are no peculiar attractions of personal appearance, or talents, or high standing. Such a one should be treated with attention, because he is a stranger; and when communities learn to act more from principle, and less from selfish impulse, on this subject, the sacred claims of the stranger will be less frequently forgotten.

"The most agreeable hospitality to visitors who become intimates of a family, is that which puts them entirely at ease. This can never be the case where the guest perceives that the order of family arrangement is essentially altered, and that time, comfort, and convenience are sacrificed for his accommodation. Offering the best to visitors, showing a polite regard to every wish expressed, and giving precedence to them, in all matters of comfort and convenience, can be easily combined with the easy freedom which makes the stranger feel as if at home; and this is the perfection of hospitable entertainment.

There is much more to read of Beecher's statements online. Also included are many interesting recipes, including one for Charlotte Russe.

Beecher also collaborated with her sister Harriet Beecher Stowe in writing The New Housekeeper's Manual which is a feature of the University of Pennsylvania's Library exhibit of Household Words: Women Write from and for the Kitchen. This online exhibit features some of the Esther B. Aresty Rare Book Collection on the Culinary Arts. The collection includes cookery manuscripts and published books of recipes, etiquette and household advice.

The introduction states: "Through activities connected with food and cookbooks, women worked together for charity and created powerful support networks to benefit each other as well as their neighbors, friends, and communities. In so doing they all contributed to the shaping of family life, and helped create local, regional and national cultures."

(continued in part three)

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