Mrs. Simon Kander, Bridging Cultures and Communities
In the late 19th century, America's shores welcomed a surge of dream seekers from far-flung lands. Streets buzzed with a rich tapestry of languages, diverse traditions, culinary customs, and a lot of trepidation.
Immigrants and the Settlement House Movement
Immigrants flocked to the US in the search of job opportunities created by industrialization and urbanization. Many had been pushed from their home countries due to poverty, overpopulation, religious persecution, and political instability, and they saw hope in the land of opportunity. However, it soon became apparent to the waves of newcomers that the American dream was not easily achieved.
The immense influx of people led to overcrowding in cities, resulting in unsanitary conditions, a lack of housing, and access to basic necessities. The dream had become a nightmare for many. It was in the midst of this crisis that the Settlement House Movement was developed.
Settlement Houses and Cultural Exchange
The Settlement Houses were established in urban areas to provide support to immigrants, including access to housing, education, healthcare, and other basic necessities. The houses were staffed by social workers whose goal was to improve the lives of their clients by providing them with the resources they needed to succeed in their new environment.
The Settlement House Movement was part of a broader movement in America. It promoted cultural exchange and understanding among diverse ethnic and socioeconomic groups. It provided a space where people from different backgrounds could share experiences and learn from one another.
It was within one of these Settlement House that Mrs. Simon Kander creatively used food as a unifying bridge to overcome cultural divides and advance the cause of social welfare.
Lizzie Kander: A Philanthropic Force and Culinary Legacy
Born Elizabeth Black in Milwaukee to German-Jewish parents in 1858, Lizzie was a product of the melting pot of cultures that defined American society in the late 19th century. She married Simon Kander, a prominent businessman, and philanthropist, and together they became involved in the Jewish community. Kander was appalled by the lack of support for Jewish immigrants in Milwaukee, who were often discriminated against and struggled to make ends meet.
In 1901, Kander and a group of other Jewish women established the Settlement Cookbook Committee to raise funds for the establishment of a settlement house in Milwaukee. To fund this initiative, Kander conceptualized "The Way to a Man's Heart," a cookbook that not only offered culinary insights but also served as a beacon of hope for the community. The cookbook's success was nothing short of remarkable, spanning 32 editions and selling over 2 million copies.
The recipes in the cookbook were not just about food; they were a means to teach new immigrants how to assimilate into American culture. The cookbook included recipes for traditional Jewish dishes, as well as recipes for American classics such as apple pie and fried chicken. Kander believed that by teaching new immigrants how to cook these American dishes, they would be better equipped to assimilate into American society.
I addition to writing cookbooks, Lizzie was also a social activist who fought for women's suffrage and the rights of Jewish immigrants. She established the National Council of Jewish Women and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of women and children.
Today, Lizzie Black Kander's legacy lives on through her cookbook and her advocacy for social welfare. She used food as a means to promote cultural understanding and social change, and her work continues to inspire generations of cooks and activists alike.
Please do leave a comment. We love to hear what thoughts surfaced while reading the article, or just what’s going on in your world today.
If you enjoyed this article, we hope you’ll click on the little heart ❤️ below ⬇. It really makes our hearts happy and we can tell what type of content that you like.
Join us next week as we discuss The Settlement Cook Book, The Way to a Man’s Heart on the As We Eat podcast. We’ll discuss the concept of the melting pot. Does it create social cohesion and a national identity or does it create the loss of unique cultural heritages and identities? We hope you’ll join us to find out our thoughts.
If you would like to become a patron supporter, for just a few dollars, you’ll be the first to hear the podcast episodes with your early access key 🗝️, join us for Afternoon Tea, a virtual klatch to be in community, receive a discount code to use in the coming-soon AWE market, and most importantly you’ll help keep our oven lights on!
We would love to connect with you…
…on Instagram @asweeat or in our new As We Eat community on Facebook. Subscribe to the As We Eat Journal or listen to the As We Eat Podcast.
Do you have a great idea 💡 for a show topic, a recipe 🥘 that you want to share, or just say “hi”👋🏻? Send us an email at connect@asweeat.com
Looking for a unique gift idea for a birthday, anniversary, holiday, host or hostess, or just because? Consider giving a subscription to the As We Eat Journal.