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“Milady’s Own Book” by the A l a c h u a Co u n t y H o s p i t a l Association – 1916 Prior to 1928, Alachua County had no public hospital. In the early 1900s a group of women came together with the plan to bring attention to this fact and to start raising funds. In 1916 the Alachua County Hospital Association published this cookbook as a fundraiser. The Gainesville Sun mentioned that it was being sold at the Association’s booth at the county fair that November. Alachua County Hospital opened in 1928 and was eventually renamed Alachua General Hospital. (Okra Soup)
“Down Home Cookin’” by the Newberry Garden Club – second edition, 1981 The Newberry Garden Club was founded in 1947 “for the main purpose of beautifying the city as well as educating its members on native horticulture.” The club’s cookbook was dedicated to the “members of the Newberry Garden Club, who with their friends and relatives, contributed their best recipes and the material used in this book.” (Shocking Pink Pinto Bean Dip)
“Florida Cookbook” by the Gainesville Woman’s Club – 1963 Throughout its history, the Gainesville Woman’s Club has worked to improve our community “through service and charitable commitments.” Founded in 1903, the Gainesville Woman’s Club began as the Twentieth Century Club. Early club projects included the development of Gainesville’s first public library. The current clubhouse, at 2809 West University Avenue, dates from 1961. (Barbecue Wafers)
“The Windsor Zucchini Cookbook” compiled by Robert and Julie Hutchinson – 1970s The Windsor Zucchini Festival celebrated its 38th year on October 1st. The festival raises money for the Windsor Fire Department and celebrates one of the major crops of the area. (Fried Zucchini Blossoms) 42 |
OUR TOWN MAGAZINE
NOV/DEC 2022
“Overture and Encores: An International Collection of Appetizers and Desserts” by the Gainesville Chamber Orchestra – second edition, 1990 The Gainesville Chamber Orchestra was founded in 1983 and their first concert was held that year in the Reitz Union at the University of Florida. In 2013 they changed their name to the Gainesville Orchestra. Music Director and Conductor Evans Haile has led the orchestra since 2001. (Five Ounce Chocolate Pudding)
“RSVP Advisory Council Cookbook” by the Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Alachua County, Florida – 1977 The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Alachua County was founded in 1973. The program “facilitates the productive involvement of persons sixty and over in community life through volunteer service.” The 1977 cookbook was dedicated to “all RSVP volunteers – past, present, and future – in acknowledgment of their contributions to society, in appreciation of their demonstration of concern for others through volunteerism.” (Sour Cream Cookies)
“Treasure of Personal Recipes” by the Gainesville Charter Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association – second edition, 1968 The Gainesville Charter Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) was founded in 1964 and operated until the early 2000s. The national ABWA is still encouraging businesswomen today by bringing together “businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition.” (Fun on a Bun)