In this class, students choose various topics to research inspired by either their international conversation partners, class lectures, or personal interest. For example, students have chosen to research quality standards in Chinese restaurants after hearing a story about a bad experience from a Chinese conversation partner, or an art major chose to research how food was used in pigment.
In 2019, we celebrated the 150th anniversary of women's voting rights in Wyoming. That year the class examined the importance of cookbook sales to the Suffrage Movement.
Between 1886 and 1920 at least six cookbooks were published by suffragette associations around the country. Suffrage Cookbooks had not only recipes but also political statements and quotes from notable people of the time and from history. These all helped move the suffrage movement forward.
It's important to remember that it was only a few generations ago that a state constitution had these words:
Idiots, lunatics, paupers, felons and women shall not be entitled to vote. -- Illinois constitutional law circa 1891
Sales of cookbooks not only raised money for the Suffrage Movement, but they also allowed women to network during sales events such as bazaars and fairs.
… I ask the ballot for myself and my sex.
As I stood by you, I pray you stand by me and mine.
-- Clara Barton, The Holiday Gift Cook Book, 1891
Give us the vote and we will cook
The Better for a wide outlook
-- 1909 Washington Women's Cook Book
Now that women are coming into their own, and being sincerely interested in the welfare
of the race, it is entirely proper that they should prescribe the food, balance the
ration, and tell how it should be prepared and served.
-- L. O. Kleber, Editress, The Suffrage Cook Book, 1915
STATE OF WYOMING EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT CHEYENNE.
Dec. 22, 1914.
Editress Suffrage Cook Book:
After observing the operation of the women suffrage laws and full political rights
in the state and territory of Wyoming for many years, I have no hesitation in saying
that everything claimed by the advocates of such laws have been made good in the state.
I am unqualifiedly and without reservation in favor of woman suffrage and equal political
rights for women for all states of the American union.
Very truly yours, JOSEPH M. CAREY, Governor.
-- Suffrage Cook Book, 1915
Each year in this class, students select a charity to support. In 2020, due to the pandemic, students created ornaments for the UW Art Museum's fundraiser ornament auction. In 2021, still with COVID restrictions, students helped create a video for the virtual UW World Languages Day. In 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023, students selected the Karma Fund for their charity. The Karma Fund is a program created by the UW International Student Association in 2011 to help raise money for international students in case of a medical emergency. The funds from Karma help pay for medical expenses and help students return to school. The photos below include arrows as a scrollbar. The first photo shows a 2018 student Brenna Kosowicz presenting a check to the International Students and Scholars Office Representative Jessie Hughes. To access 2019 student photos, click on the arrows.
Students sold the mason jars of cookies at the 2019 Holiday Market on December 13, 2019. They also displayed posters representing their research on both international topics and historical topics, including the Suffrage Cookbooks.
The recipes in the 1886 Woman Suffrage Cook Book. do not contain instructions for baking temperature nor timing of baking, so students worked hard to test four takes on the older recipe. The mason jars that are being offered reflect a modern take on this recipe. The recipe we found for the jar mix is slightly different so that it is easier to make in a jar and requires less obscure ingredients.
One cupful of sugar, one-half cupful of butter, once cupful of milk, one egg, one cupful of molasses, one teaspoonful of soda in the milk, three scant cupfuls of flour, ginger or not as you like.
--Lucy Goddard.
from The Women's Suffrage Cook Book, page 81
NOTE: Periods after titles were commonplace formatting in this cookbook, and even the book's title ends in a period: Woman Suffrage Cook Book.
light brown sugar, ginger, allspice, cinnamon, chopped crystallized ginger, flour, baking powder, baking soda
Mix 3/4 cup (150 g.) melted butter with 1 Tbsp molasses and 1 egg yolk. Add to the dry ingredients, mix well, then knead to a dough. Chill for 15 min then roll out 1/4 inch thick. Shape with cookie cutters, place 2 inches apart, and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 mins. Cool on a wire rack.
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The Office of Engagement and Outreach was created to coordinate and streamline engagement efforts on campus. We received support to purchase materials for our Suffrage Tasting Event, including the mason jars and stickers which proudly display our logo.
Our event is also an officially recognized Wyoming Women's Suffrage Celebration event endorsed by the League of Women Voters of Wyoming.
2016 Cookbook
Benefiting Heifer Int'l & Interfaith
2017 Cookbook
Benefiting Sustain Hope & Interfaith
2018 Bakesale
Benefiting the Karma Fund
2019 Jar Sale
Benefiting the Karma Fund
2020 Ornament Auction
Benefitting the UW Art Museum
2021 Pay it Forward
Benefiting UW World Languages Day
2022 Pasta Party
Benefiting the Karma Fund
2023 Gamelan with Curry
Benefiting the Karma Fund
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Email: first-year@uwyo.edu