bearisgray

What is your oldest cookbook?
I acquired a 1938 copy of a Watkins Cook Book. It seems to have been used - judging by the splatters and stains in it.
It is very well written and some of the recipes seem to be worth trying.

Daffy Daphne

Bear, this is my oldest cookbook. I have tried some of the recipes and they were good, but my favorite feature is the quotes that appear in each section. For example, in Meats, there is this:

"All human history attests
That happiness for man---the hungry sinner!
Since Eve ate apples, much depends on dinner." ---Byron

Daffy

(I hope the pic shows up)

RedGarnet222

My favorite and oldest cookbook I have is the," American Woman Cookbook". published in 1938. I have used it many times and have never been disappointed.
By the way, I love watkins extracts. They used to be based out of Reno and I could visit the store at the factory.

aashley333

The 80s doesn't seem old, but that's 40 years! My oldest book is called "La Pinata". It was a McAllen, Texas Junior League fundraiser. Great recipes with name of contributor included.

Pam S

A 1964 edition of "The Joy of Cooking " thanks to my MIL. And a 1963 set of Betty Crocker cookbooks: "Dinner for Two," "Do Ahead Cookbook," "Family Dinners in a Hurry, " "Good and Easy Cookbook ", and "The Cookie Book " courtesy of my Mom. I think Mom got them by sending in proofs of purchase (remember the little coupons that used to be on cake mix boxes?). I was a child when they were published but was given them 15 or 20 years later.

Onebyone

My oldest is this 1940's recipe booklet from a shortening manufacturer. Wonderful recipes for baked goods. B/w photos on every page with fun little stories.

cashs_mom

I have my mom's Better Homes and Gardens cookbook that's probably from the 40's. I also have my MIL's Betty Crocker that's probably from the 50's

KalamaQuilts

when I quit smoking in the 80's I started collecting cookbooks. Around 2004-5 I sold them on ebay, I had 4 three foot stacks of them
Did keep a few favorites though ranging from 1880s to 1940s (top shelf)
From my cooking days on lower shelves 1970s-2000ish (pour on the butter and cream) to slim cooking to bread making.
I'd never buy a cookbook now, web is clogged with recipes.
In my collecting days they set on the nightstand for reading just like other books.

b.zang

I'm as overwhelmed with recipes as I am with quilt patterns. My oldest recipe book dates back to the early '70's. It is the Betty Crocker Cookbook and is in binder form. I have used it to death; the front has come off and pages are loose but it is still my first go-to. Crazily, I have kept the front cover and grab it along with the rest of the binder every time, just as though it were attached.

tropit

1912 Boston School Of Cooking. It was my great, great aunt Nettie's cookbook. She was a private cook for a wealthy family in Pasadena and this was her "go to cookbook." I rarely use it because it's falling apart, but I do love looking at all of the recipes that are no longer in vogue.