William L. Clements Library

Advice to the New Housekeeper

Guides and sources of advice directed at young or new housekeepers form a distinct genre within culinary publishing and publishing having to do with home life. The premise of these works is that the young woman (often presumed to be a newlywed) just setting up housekeeping must have a reliable source of advice, to direct her in mastering the multiple skills required for creating a well-run home. The authors are sometimes blandly authoritative, but most often portray themselves as well-wishers or confidential friends who will guide the new housekeeper past the numerous dangers and difficulties she will encounter.

In each case the researcher will find a distinct rhetoric present in the prefaces and chapters. The text exemplifies contemporary ideas of womanhood and domesticity, addresses common fears, and caters to common aspirations. In some works, we find evidence of social dislocation and changing patterns, with the author reassuring or consoling the reader who was not taught the relevant skills in the course of her upbringing. In many cases, specific moral burdens are placed on housewives, with prescriptions about their place in the world

Keywords in Titles:
Young housekeeper
Young house keeper
Beginner

A sample of such works is listed below:

The young woman's companion, or, Frugal housewife : containing the most approved methods of pickling, preserving, potting, collaring, confectionary, managing and colouring...(1811)

The young house-keeper, or, Thoughts on food and cookery, by Wm. A. Alcott (1838)

The housekeeper's almanac, or, The young wife's oracle for 1840 : containing upwards of 250 valuable recipes in cooking, confectionary, &c. &c. (1839)

Domestic cookery : useful receipts and hints to young housekeepers, by Elizabeth E. Lea (1846)

The young house-keeper, : or Thoughts on food and cookery (1848)

The young housekeeper's friend, or, A guide to domestic economy and comfort, by Mrs. Cornelius (1850)

Domestic cookery, useful receipts, and hints to young housekeepers, by Elizabeth E. Lea (1855)

The practical housekeeper and young woman's friend : containing useful receipts and advice on domestic economy, by M.L. Scott (1855)

The young housekeeper's friend, by Mrs. Cornelius (1859)

Mrs. Putnam's receipt book and young housekeeper's assistant (1865)