1909 Good Housekeeping Everyday Cook Book, published by The Oregonian newspaper. WHC Collections 2023.035.0001
This cookbook belonged to Anna Louise Breyman, the third child of Ernest A. and Minnie Eldriedge Breyman. Louise was born June 9, 1879 in Fairfield, OR where her father ran a general store and grain business. The family moved to Portland in 1881. In adulthood, Louise worked as a stenographer for a newspaper, and then as a clerk for the firm of Pettis-Grossmayer Co. She lived with her parents her entire life and never married.
Her sister Emma was ten years her junior and her life took a different path. She married 7ughter in 1920. The family faced a series of losses with the deaths of Ernest in 1920, Minnie in 1925, and Louise in 1926 due to myelitis. Following Louise’ death, the cookbook passed to her niece Leah who would follow her aunt’s independent legacy, remain single and run a successful ballet studio in Portland for her career. Two women, one cookbook, and a family history treasure.
Ernest A. and Minnie [Eldridge] Breyman Family, circa 1900. Image from Schuster Ancestry tree, used with permission.
Mrs. Mayo’s Candy recipe on p. 53 of the Good Housekeeping Everyday Cook Book, written in the handwriting of Louise Breyman. WHC Collections 2023.035
Mrs. Mayo’s Candy
1 qt. of granulated sugar
1 box of Knox gelatine
soaked half hour in a
little cold water, add
1 cup of water (boil all
these together just ten (10)
minutes then add juice
of 1 lemon the grated rind
and juice of 1 orange one
pound of almonds blanched
and chopped fine, then
boil 10 minutes more
to stir in two (2) table
spoons of brandy or
whisky (or any other
flavor) pour into
shallow pan to cool.
The next day cut in
squares & roll in con-
fectionary sugar.
