Vintage Recipe Box 003 is a beautifully curated collection of recipes from the 1950s to the 1970s, all housed in a charming white tin box made by the Ohio Art Company in Bryan, Ohio. Decorated with nostalgic images of grinders, coffee pots, fruits, and kitchen utensils in red, white, and tan, this recipe box is a tangible piece of mid-century Americana. It contains standard 3″ x 5″ index cards, each holding a treasured recipe that offers a window into the home cooking traditions of the time.
Join our Vintage Recipe Facebook Group to discuss and find “new” old recipes to enjoy.
Links to find other recipes:
Vintage Recipe Box 003
The Culinary Legacy of Merridelle Ruth DePUE Sowers
This collection is believed to have belonged to Merridelle Ruth DePUE Sowers, an Ohio native and daughter-in-law of Goldie Rhee LEWIS Sowers, the owner of Vintage Recipe Box 001. Merridelle’s recipe box reflects the rich culinary traditions passed down through her family and shared among friends. Each card represents a dish and a connection to the people who contributed to this collection, making it a true community treasure. She was also the owner of Vintage Recipe Box 002.
Contributors to Vintage Recipe Box 003
Adelaide OLSON Lanker
- Contributions: Crockpot Apple Butter, Calico Beans, Chicken Casserole, Oyster Cracker Snacks, Sweet Dill Pickles, Taffy Dip, Vegetable Pizza
- Background: Adelaide Olson Lanker was born in New York in 1919 to Norwegian parents and later moved to Ohio, where she passed away in 2001. She was a Navy veteran during World War II, and her diverse contributions to this box reflect her rich cultural background and love for home cooking.
Corrine Elizabeth GREER Coe
- Contributions: Pudding Cake
- Background: Born in 1918 in Ohio, Corrine was the wife of James W. Coe and daughter of Harvey Carl Greer and Lelah C. Nichols. Her Pudding Cake recipe adds a sweet touch to this collection.
Elsie DAWSON Stockmaster
- Contributions: Pecan Pie
- Background: Elsie was born in 1914 in Ohio and passed away in 2005. Married to Theodore Frank Stockmaster, Elsie was the daughter of James Phillip Dawson and Mabel Fern Cox. Her Pecan Pie recipe is a testament to her love for baking.
Goldie Rhee LEWIS Sowers
- Contributions: Grape Butter, Grape Juice
- Background: Goldie was the mother of Dr. Harry Lewis Sowers, Merridelle’s husband. Her contributions of Grape Butter and Grape Juice show her deep connection to the family’s culinary traditions.
Doris Marie SCHWAB Hessler
- Contributions: Strawberry Sherbet Freezer Jam
- Background: Born in 1904 in Ohio, Doris was married to Clarence Hessler. Her Strawberry Sherbet Freezer Jam recipe is a delightful addition to the collection, perfect for preserving the taste of summer.
Jean Fulton
- Contributions: Ham Salad for Sandwiches, and more
- Background: Jean Elizabeth Hansmann Fulton, wife of Joseph Fulton, contributed several recipes, including Ham Salad for Sandwiches. Her recipes likely reflect the everyday meals enjoyed by the Fulton family.
Others:
- Arlene ____: Apple Dumpling
- B Royer: Peanut Butter Pie, Zucchini Casserole
- Connie Cahill: Breakfast Casserole, Glazed Pork Chops
- Daryl ____: Apple Slices, Garlic Cheese Spread
- David ____: Fruit Pie (potentially Reverend C. David Wright)
- Dottie ____: Apple-Walnut Cake
- Frances Shaffer: Shink’s Pickles
- Gail ____: Kansas Cuke Salad
- Hammer?: Rhubarb Cream Pie
- Hazel ____: Rhubarb Strudel
- Helen Hines: Coffee Cake
- Jane ____: Apple Cobbler, Apple Crisp
- Leah K___: Freezer Strawberry Syrup
- Marsha Adams: Nauvoo County Pie Pastry, Never Fail Pie Crust
- Martha ____: Martha’s Meringue
- Mike Bell: Sausage Breakfast Casserole
- Mirian Wright: Old Fashioned Cream Pie
- Mrs. Van Buren: Rhubarb Cake
- Olive River: Meatballs With Sour Cream Sauce, Party Potatoes
- Pat Flenner: Zucchini Casserole
- Pat Parton: Apple Crisp
- Patty ____: Potato Soup
A Culinary Journey Through Time
Vintage Recipe Box 003 is more than just a collection of recipes—it’s a culinary journey through time. Each card, whether handwritten or typed, tells a story of family, friendship, and the shared joy of cooking. As you explore the recipes within this box, you’ll uncover the flavors and techniques that defined mid-century American home cooking, offering a taste of nostalgia that’s perfect for modern kitchens.
Vintage Recipe Box 003 Recipe Cards
“Sister” Vintage Recipe Boxes
You can find gold and red recipe box made by Ohio Art Company on Etsy.
- VRP001 – Wood Box
- VRP002 – Wood Box
- VRP003 – White Tin Box
- VRP004 – White Tin Box With Hearts & Flowers
- VRP005 – White White Tin Box With Flowers
- VRP006 – Shredded Wheat Tin Box
- VRP007 – Colorful Geometric Shapes Tin Box
- VRP008 – Green Metal Box
Below are the recipes found in Vintage Recipe Box 003:
Tiffany
Friday 20th of September 2019
Oh my goodness! I knew Meridelle and many of the people mentioned from her recipe box from my church growing up. I just asked my mom for Arlene’s apple dumplings and was looking on Pinterest and came across this! What a small world! I am so excited right now!
Billie
Monday 23rd of September 2019
I love this and will be in touch to see if you can help me fill in some blanks we have. THIS IS SO COOL!