From the 1929 edition of First Congregational Church’s Saginaw Cookbook.
“Miss Macy Kitchen, who forever will be a tradition of wisdom, kindness and understanding at Saginaw High School, died here Wednesday noon. She was 81.” The Saginaw News, Wednesday, February 10, 1954
Cinnamon Toast
“Free sliced bread from crusts. Toast to a delicate brown. Spread liberally with butter; over the butter spread honey, then sprinkle with granulated sugar and cinnamon mixed together. Set into the oven for a moment. Macy Kitchen.” From the 1929 edition of First Congregational Church’s Saginaw Cookbook.
Notes: I must confess, I have trimmed the crust off bread in youth – and still do so when making tea sandwiches. However, I have never described the act so eloquently. The combination of sugar and honey may seem a little redundant, but this recipe is simple, and the result is rather wonderful. The final baking may seem unnecessary - I placed the toast in a 350-degree oven for about 4 minutes; however, it formed a slight crust over the honey. The finished toast was quite tidy and could be easily consumed without making a mess.
History
As we started to do research, we discovered this article in The Saginaw News. It provides insight into her life and career. Actually, we couldn’t do better:
“Distinguished Alumnus Award Given Teachers,” The Saginaw News, May 1, 1947
A Heart-warming ovation Thursday morning greeted Miss Macy Kitchen when a portrait unveiling announced her to be Saginaw High School’s choice as its distinguished alumnus of 1947.
With the exception of a few persons, everyone in the Auditorium audience received instruction from the beloved Miss Kitchen at some time during her 47 years of service as a Saginaw High teacher.
The portrait of Miss Kitchen was enlarged from a snapshot taken of her with a camera recently purchased by Saginaw High. The picture was explained to Miss Kitchen as a tryout of the new camera.
An only child, Miss Kitchen has lived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Y. Wynkoop, 414 Carroll, since the death of her mother 25 years ago. The grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Wynkopp, a favorite, of Miss Kitchen’s, unveiled the portrait. He is John Benjamin 4th of Ann Arbor.
All living member of the graduating class of 1893, classmates of Miss Kitchen were present at the ceremony.
A teacher at Saginaw High since 1900, Miss Kitchen now is senior advisor to the third generation of Saginawians to pass through Trojan halls.
Miss Kitchen taught every other Saginaw High distinguished alumnus chosen in the past. Ralph Rupp, Trojan journalism student, delivered a talk based on that theme. Wilber M. Brucker, former student of Miss Kitchen’s and former governor of Michigan from 1930 to 1932, discussed “Good Government in Michigan”. He now is a Detroit attorney.
Beloved by thousands, Miss Kitchen taught Latin, then history, and for the past five years served as senior advisor. She is a former “Aurora” sponsor. The yearbook has been dedicated to her three times. Two persons from every Saginaw High class since 1900 attended the candlelight ceremony. They all know Miss Kitchen as teacher and friend.
Miss Kitchen’s father, the Dr. Samuel Kitchen, came to Saginaw in 1871 from Canada. A brilliant physician, he was connected with St. Mary’s Hospital here since its founding.
Miss Kitchen left the University of Michigan while in her senior year because of illness. She taught at Midland for one year before instructing at Saginaw High.
As a student at Saginaw High, Miss Kitchen was among the seven senior girls who believed women should be entitled to vote. She was also associate editor of the school paper, “The Advocate”.
