Stevenson Memorial Cook Book

This cookbook offers a snapshot of everyday culinary life in Chicago's early twentieth‑century charitable community. Organized into clear sections—appetizers, breads, soups, desserts, and even household hints—it presents straightforward recipes that were prepared for women and children staying at the Stevenson Memorial Lodging House. The index guides listeners through everything from simple soups to elaborate pies, while the measurements and cooking times are tailored for modest kitchens.

Beyond the dishes, the book carries the spirit of the organization that founded it, a network of women dedicated to helping those displaced by poverty. Each recipe is accompanied by practical advice on budgeting, preserving, and feeding families on limited means, reflecting the ethos of self‑respect and mutual aid. Listeners will hear stories of how a modest night‑rate and a supportive work program allowed mothers to regain independence, all while sharing comforting meals that sustain both body and hope.