There I was, walking around Jackson Square Mall in downtown La Grange with three of my very dear friends; antique sleuths, each and every one. We were talking and teasing, “Penny, you really need to have this” or “my mother had one of these” in the companionable way of old friends.
As we walked toward my favorite booth crammed with used books, nestled in a nook that was probably a closet in a previous life, I squeezed in and I glanced up at the cookbooks. in the far corner. What should be staring back? “The Stillmeadow Cookbook” by Gladys Taber. Well, dear reader, Gladys’ book jumped into my greedy little hands like a puppy who’s been left home alone all afternoon. Squeaking like a mouse, I gingerly opened the pages of this well-preserved, hard bound edition – and promptly declared it was mine, all mine!
You may recall that I adore Gladys Taber and her writings about Stillmeadow Farm. My introduction to her was at the very same Jackson Square Mall where this cookbook emerged, on the same shelf where my first introduction to Gladys Taber’s words was. When I wrote that first post, I quickly learned through generous comments of others that there were more than 50 books written by Gladys Taber and that there was well-establish organization of Taber fans; aptly called the Friends of Gladys Taber. I keep meaning to sign up for their newsletter, which I understand is quite wonderful.
Since that first discovery of Gladys Taber and her common sense wisdom and wit and words that are filled with the simpler things in life and country living, I have acquired a baker’s dozen worth of her homespun books, filled with stories and articles that were published in the likes of Good Housekeeping Magazine and other periodicals. How I miss those days of short story installments and serial essays that used to be in women’s magazines. Ah well, dear friend, those days are past, but, we can still find words in books, some of which sit patiently on shelves in used book stores and booths, just waiting to be discovered.
The simpler days were best, I think. I’d love to thumb through this cookbook. I’m jealous of my friends/clients who are currently in Chicago. If I were with them, I’d be at your house like a shot.
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Nothing would make me happier than to give you a meal (or two or more) and have a good chat. Seems like everyone was in the Chicago today, down by the Lake, watching the soccer game. It was a perfect day for being in the city. This is a good, old fashioned sort of cookbook. Love it.
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I remember your posts about Gladys Taber ; another blogger who loves her is Nan at “Letters from a Hill Farm”. I too remember reading Gladys in the women’s magazines. … and, in general, the lovely feeling of waiting for your favorite magazine to arrive so you could read the latest installment of a continued story … or your favorite writer’s articles.
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I do know that about Nan and have enjoyed her Gladys Taber posts immensely. Oh, Sallie, you phrase the anticipation of these magazines perfectly, especially waiting for the next installment of a continuing story; hard to fathom in this age of instant communication.
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What a find! I love the way you tell the story, and the greedy puppy analogy. I can just see the scene, with you are your friends wandering so companionably. I suspect that some tasty meals are on their way now.
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I have my taste buds fixated on quite a few, Juliet. Thank you. It was an unexpected find on a nice afternoon.
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I have been keeping my eye out for Gladys Tabor books since you first posted about her. No such luck, but I am so glad you found this one. What a marvelous addition to your already lovely day! You described it so well.
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Thank you, Janet. One of these days you will stumble upon one, which is how I’ve found all of mine. That they are but a few dollars each makes it all the sweeter. Hmmm I should try one of her cookie recipes.
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Good for you to find that treasure! Those old recipes are such a delight to read. My last cookbook find wasn’t as old or well known but I love it. It’s from Mayberry, the Andy Griffith show. Let us know what you cook!
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That must be a fun cookbook to have, Marilyn! 🙂 I’m imagining some of Aunt Bee’s pies and Thelma’s cookies. Don’t tell anyone, but, I still like to watch The Andy Griffith Show. Stillmeadow Cook Book is a good, old-fashioned cookbook, peppered with her words in each category.
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This book was clearly waiting to be discovered by you….someone who will appreciate it, will love it and give it a new lease of life. Jx
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I surely intend to do so, Janice. Hope all is well in Caunnes. 🙂
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This book is such a treasure, I’m sure. I think the era when Gladys Taber was publishing was much simpler in comparison to our hectic, unfocused society, but the richness of the wisdom and solid values that come through in those writings have to be enriching, even this many years later. Wouldn’t she be thrilled to know that so many years following publication there are still people who so lovingly care for her books. I love “finds” like this, Penny. You have a nice little collection of your own now. 🙂
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I think she would be delighted to know of her following and that her words still resonate so many years later, Debra. I always feel as if I’m stepping into her parlor, kitchen, garden, etc. when I have one of her books in my hands.
You are so right; it was a simpler time and one in which we had more time to focus.
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Well, I have to check out Gladys Taber, it sounds like a great find for you. I have never heard of her. I love cookbooks and pages with interesting recipes I tear out of magazines.
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I do hope you can find some books of Gladys’, Gerlinde. I’ve been so fortunate to have these little gems “pop up” in front of me at various times. I have so many pages such as the ones you tear out (and a stash of them that mother and Tom’s great-aunt tore out many moons ago). They are interesting recipes and little pieces of a time capsule as well. Enjoy!
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Gladys Taber is my favorite author. And, I am a member of the Friends of Gladys Taber. If you love Gladys, you must join to receive the amazing newsletter – four times per year, most always 40 pages, Susan Turnley as editor is fabulous and the wealth of information regarding our dear Gladys is priceless – worth, many times over, the price of the $20.00 membership. Check out http://www.friendsofgladystaber to join. Please do!
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Thank you, Cyndy, and I do see your correction to the website below. I keep meaning to sign up for the newsletter and time gets away from me. I must remedy that and be part of what seems to be a wonderful and dedicated conversation about Gladys Taber. I was thrilled to discover her a few years ago and absolutely delighted to find the cook book. 🙂
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Sorry…the Gladys Taber website is http://www.friendsofgladystaber.org
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What fun, Penny! I can imagine your jubilation when you spotted another book by Gladys Tabor. The previous posts you’ve written about her writings make me wish they were easily available on this side of the Atlantic. Enjoy….
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I was jubilant, indeed, Perpetua. My poor family and friends surely cringe in horror when I “discover” these things (though the sales folk smile, knowing a sale is at hand). I wish her books were available there as well. I think all my friends and you on your side of the pond would appreciate her life and her words. Stillmeadow Farm still exists and is centuries old farmhouse, likely built, I image, when we were still one of your colonies.
Hope all is well with you – and your traveling plants have set their roots firmly into the soil.
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Thank you so much for this (for me) introduction to Gladys Taber. I was curious enough to do a quick google search on her ~ how delightful!! I could not believe I had not heard of her ~ but then I found this quote ‘Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain.’ Yes, I have heard / seen this quote many time, I just never knew where or who the quote came from. I will definatly be on the look out for her books during my travels. Now look what you have done 😉 Thank you!
I did read, during my search, that Christmas in Connecticut ( one of my very favorite Christmas shows) is possibly fashioned after her ~ Gladys Taber, do you believe this to be true??
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You are most welcome, Melissa. I’m glad you have now met Gladys Taber and hope that you will find some of her books to grace your shelves as well. I only discovered her myself a few years ago and wondered the same. How could I have not known about her before? I think these wonderful authors/artists/etc. come into our lives just when we need them.
I had thought that the movie was about her as well. In one of my posts about it, I was corrected and told it was not. It was a member of the Friends of Gladys Taber. No matter, however, for I absolutely adore Christmas in Connecticut. We are, it seems, kindred spirits, Melissa.
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Have you read any of Susan Branch’s delightful books or blog? She is also a huge fan of Gladys Taber and Susan’s own beautiful work is influenced by Gladys. Here is a post of Susan’s to give you a taste: http://www.susanbranch.com/2014/06/light-the-candles-and-set-the-table-gladys-taber-stillmeadow-farm-marthas-vineyard/
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I have, indeed, read Susan Branch’s blog and love her books, Susan. I especially enjoyed hearing about her presentation about Gladys Taber. I enjoy Susan Branch and her spot on ability to pinpoint home and its comforts. Thank you for commenting and for sharing the link here. I hope readers will come back and then go on to see her posts – and yours. 🙂
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Yes, Susan Branch elevates the domestic life to an art form. Thanks for your supportive comment.
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