Foods, Nutrition and Home Management Manual

British Columbia Department of Education - 1947

Though published by the Department of Education for the Province of British Columbia, versions of this book were used as curriculum and reference texts for Alberta junior and senior high school students from 1937 to 1969 (“Alberta School”). This copy in particular belonged to Zenovia Pidruchney of Vegreville High School. Her homework is evident on page 83. In addition to simple recipes (with relatively vague directions), the book contains basic nutritional information, including a chart dividing foods primarily by their effect on the body: “Foods which Furnish Fuel,” “Foods that Build Muscle,” “Laxative Foods,” and “Foods Rich in Mineral Matter or Ash.” The table of oven cooking temperatures and “simple home tests” speaks to readers who may not have had an oven thermometer or thermostat, both of which were relatively uncommon until after World War II.