Although ostensibly the focus of our Sunday recipe post is about food, this really is a series about how recipes connect with individual histories and the stories of our community. And this recipe for Alice Hudson Atherton’s Devil’s Food Cake does exactly that.
Atherton, Ms. Alice S.,
Saginaw, Michigan
Wife of W.N. Atherton passed Saturday evening, July 21, 1979, at the Hoyt Nursing Home. Age 75 years. Alice S. Hudson was born Oct. r, 1903, in Saginaw and was a graduate of Saginaw High School and the Bliss Alger Business College. She was married here to Mr. Atherton Oct. 10, 1925. She was secretary and director of the Atherton Electric Co. here for many years. She was a member of the First Church of Christ Scientist and the Mother Church in Boston. She was also a member of the Women’s National Farm and Garden Association, The Martha Washington Chapter No. 113 O.E.S. and sang with the Saginaw Choral Society.” The Saginaw News, July 23, 1979, p. D. 9.
Alice Atherton* graduated from Saginaw High School in 1921. In the Aurora, the Saginaw High School yearbook; her image is accompanied by the motto “The only way to have a friend is to be one.” As you read this excerpt from her obituary, among her accomplishments and memberships, you will note, she belonged to the Woman’s National Farm And Garden Association.
The national organization was founded in 1914. When the Saginaw branch was organized in 1929, an article in The Saginaw News announced “A special invitation to the woman of the rural districts had been made . . .” and continued:
“The purpose of this association is to enable women to co-operate in furthering agricultural and horticultural interests, to stimulate an interest in and a love for country life and to co-operate with federal and state agencies for the improvement of rural conditions. It aims to assist the women on the farm and women in the city to a realization of their interdependence and to a better understanding of their mutual and individual problems. Its members are furnished all possible opportunities for the marketing of farm and garden products, including some types of handiwork, and attempts are made to set forces in motion that will bring producer and consumer together, It offers an opportunity for the exchange of members’ ideas by means of correspondence through the official magazine by arranging meetings and forming branches in different parts of the country and aims to help women through scholarships and expert advice to the best training in agriculture, horticulture and the related profession and to develop opportunities for women so trained.
Branches are being organized throughout the state at the present time and under the direction of Mrs. Henry Ford, who is president of the national association. Mrs. Frances [sic.] King, formerly of Alma and a well known in these parts, is honorary president of the national organization.
Tea will be served after the business meeting and the address by Mrs. McKinney, who will tell of the work of the society and assist in the organization of the local branch.” The Saginaw Sunday News, January 20, 1929.
This link will take you to the website of the Woman’s National Farm and Garden Association national organization As you explore the history and accomplishments of the WNFGA, keep in mind the transformative power that Women’s organizations have had – and continue to have - in the country and in Saginaw. As a tribute of Women’s History Month, over the next few weeks we will focus on the history of a few of Saginaw’s women’s clubs.
This link will take you to the Facebook page for the Saginaw Branch of WNFGA.
*In the first quarter of the twentieth century, Saginaw had at least two Alice Hudsons – that were not relatives. The creator of today’s recipe, Alice Hudson [Atherton], and Alice Kitchen Hudson who passed away in 1931. Alice Kitchen Hudson was a leader in various Saginaw chapters of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. Although we are without a recipe to share for Alice Kitchen Hudson, we will note, Saginaw had more than once Temperance Hall. In the near future we will explore the W.T.C.U. in Saginaw.
The Recipe: Alice Hudson Atherton's Devil's Food Cake
First Part:
2 squares bitter chocolate
½ c. milk
1 egg
½ c. sugar
Melt chocolate in double boiler, add sugar, milk and beaten egg and cook until thick. Place pan in cold water to cool.
Second Part:
1 c. sugar
½ c. butter or spry
2 eggs
2 c. flour, sifted
¼ tsp. salt1 tsp. soda
1 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
Cream sugar and butter, add eggs separately and beat. Sift flour, salt and soda three times and add alternately with milk.
Combine both mixtures and add vanilla. Bake in 350° oven for ½ hour for 3 layers or 50 minutes for single sheet cake pan.
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