In September 1962, the Saginaw Junior League held a two-day fundraiser at the Saginaw Museum, now the Saginaw Art Museum. Held as a fundraiser for the League’s youth programs, the group had transformed the museum and its grounds into a carnival-like setting. The Saginaw News reported:
“Leaguers have come up with a variety of attractions for all ages. Among the features for the young fry will be horse back rides along the Museum’s wooded bridle path, masquerade booths and games . . .” (The Saginaw News, September 23, 1962.)
The article notes among the items for sale at the festival were tablecloths, homemade baked goods and “‘Gourmet Gab,’ the League’s first cook book just off the press, filled with favorite recipes of members is sure to be best seller.”
Written and assembled by the members of the Junior League of Saginaw cookbook committee, Gourmet Gab’s contributors included committee member, Mrs. Harold J. Stenglein, Jr. - Suzanne A. Stenglein. Her obituary outlines her life and accomplishments:
Stenglein, Mrs. Suzanne A.
1595 Coolidge Road.
Wife of Harold J. Stenglein Jr passed away Sunday afternoon at Saginaw General Hospital following an illness of one week. Age 39 years. Suzanne A. Anderson was born Dec. 4. 1935, In Vincennes, Ind., the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin J. Anderson moving to Bloomfield Hills with her parents in 1964. She was a graduate of Kingswood School and Bradford Junior College and In 1951 from the University of Michigan. On Feb. 5, 1955 she was married to Mr. Stenglein. He survives her. They had made their home here since that time[.] She was a member of Christ Church Cranbrook, in Bloomfield Hills, also of the Junior League Inc. of Saginaw and the Delta Gamma Sorority. Surviving besides her husband are one son and one daughter, Harold Stenglein III and Jane Anderson Stenglein; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, Bloomfield Hills, Mich.; one sister, Mrs. Richard G Williams, Birmingham. Funeral service will take place 2 p.m. Tuesday at St. John's Episcopal Church. Rev. Charles Stuart will officiate, with entombment in Oakwood Mausoleum, Friends may call at the Case Chapel, 409 Adams St, 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday. Those, who so desire may give memorials to the Suzanne Anderson Stenglein Memorial Fund at Saginaw General Hospital. (The Saginaw News, February 12, 1968.)
Her obituary testifies to her life in Saginaw. However, if we look a little further, there is documentation of her accomplishments prior to her move to Saginaw. This link will take you to the story of a commemorative sculpture at Kingswood School for Girls– and a 1947 yearbook portrait of Suzanne Anderson. You can take a virtual architectural tour of the beautiful Kingswood campus here, which shows the statue in more detail at about 10:21.
This link will take you to a history of the Saginaw Junior League and its work in the community.
The Recipe: Mrs. Harold J. Stenglein’s Roquefort Salad Dressing
from Gourmet Gab
1 cup salad oil
1 T. lemon Juice
1t. salt
2 t. paprika
½ small onion
3 oz. Roquefort cheese
2 sprigs parsley
Beat together in electric blender
CTK NOTES:
If you followed our quest to recreate a Holly’s Landing salad, this recipe would not be a contender. Closely related to what would have been called French Dressing – until the advent of bottled dressings, it is close to a vinaigrette with some Roquefort cheese added. And, of course, it made in a blender – a household appliance that, by 1962, was starting to appear in many kitchens.
Comments