The generations before us have left a legacy that I hope we will not soon forget.
My grandmother was one of those who left a legacy of a lifetime. She was a sweet but strong woman as was evidenced by her strong work ethic. She worked hard, but she also made things seem effortless. You see, her generation in particular had a way of simplifying life, making time for what was important and leaving the rest.
What was important to her? Home, family, and food.
As a farmer’s wife, my grandmother could appreciate the hard work that went into a meal. She was never without a garden, whether a large garden on the farm, or a few small plants in the backyard as she grew older.
My grandmother NEVER wasted food. Produce was canned or frozen and leftovers were always reheated for the next meal or sent home with guests. It seems like she baked something every day of her life, and kept a freezer full of cookies, pies, and goodies so that she was never left without something to offer friends or family who were visiting or in need.
My dear grandmother passed away recently, so I dedicate this to her. Though these were generations of budding new packaged and processed food companies, it was also still a time when real food was held dear. I feel a sense of pride looking into the past via these pictures.
Enjoy!
(and don’t forget to leave a comment telling me about your parent’s or grandparent’s legacy)
1. The Alden Fruit Vinegar
Creative commons image by Boston Public Library
2. Fry’s Pure Cocoa
Creative commons image by jbcurio
3. Sunkist Lemons
Creative commons image by jbcurio
4. Vintage Party Burgers
Creative commons image by adrigu
5. Best Ice Cream Freezers
Creative commons image by Boston Public Library
6. The Universal Food Chopper
Creative commons image by DanCentury
7. Make Meat Go Further
Creative commons image by jbcurio
8. Taste the Difference
Creative commons image by jbcurio
9. Iron Rich Vegetables
Creative commons image by perpetualplum
10. Plano Harvesting Machinery
Creative commons image by pds209
11. 250 Ways to Prepare Meat
Creative commons image by x-ray delta one
Which is your favorite?
~
Vanessa integrates EMDR, sandtray, and attachment-focused approaches in her work and is completing credentials toward Registered Play Therapist and EMDRIA certification. With a background as a certified birth doula and a passion for making healing accessible, she writes and teaches on the intersection of trauma, neurodevelopment, and story-based therapy.
I got one of those crank meat grinders for my birthday! I love it! So fun!