Elaine Wallace, The Cookbook Lady of Kansas

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If cookbooks could talk, I know 850 of them that would be saying, “Toto, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.”  That’s because of Elaine Wallace from Wichita.

This wonderful woman, whom I had never met, emailed me after the flood of The Culinary Cellar last July.  She somehow found my blog and read about how I had lost almost every one of my cookbooks from fifty years of collecting.  Elaine said it touched her heart because she also had a large collection of books and could understand the devastation if it had happened to her books.  Elaine and I are kindred spirits when it comes to cookbooks.  To us they are more than just printed material with recipes; they are tied with memories, tradition, and family.  Every splattered page and notes written on margins are dear to us.  Someone loved that book or that recipe, and we can feel that come through.  I lost my grandmother’s 1914 Fannie Farmer cookbook in the flood.  Inside she had written her name and address of where she lived while in college.  Whenever I would look at her handwriting, it’s like I could feel her with me, and I miss that treasured book more than anything else that was on my shelves.

Elaine said she could sense that I felt about cookbooks the way she did, and she wanted me to have her collection.  She couldn’t imagine the books being sold at a garage sale, or even them not being all together as they always had been in her home.  Since Elaine will be moving elsewhere at some point and will no longer have room for the books, she made the hard decision to give them up.  We eventually talked on the phone and tried to figure out how to get the books to me all the way up to Northern Illinois.  They would cost a fortune to ship and neither of us had any road trip planned.  And that’s when a man named Del stepped in the picture.

Del Boyle is a family friend who works with my husband Bill.  Not only is Del a heavily decorated Vietnam Vet, he also has the world’s biggest heart.  Within an hour of when the flood first happened, Del was on his way to our house with equipment to help rid of the flood waters before it would reach the upstairs.  The seven-foot level of water was at the last step of the basement and it looked like it was going to make it into the family room.  Del saved the day until the professional clean-up team from Servpro arrived.  (most amazing company ever!)  So now fast forward to about a month or so ago when Del heard me talking about the cookbook collection from Elaine.  “I love road trips,” said Del.  “I’ll drive to Wichita and pick them up for you.”  Say what??  I was dumbfounded, thrilled, and in awe of Del’s generous offer.  I couldn’t believe it was actually going to happen.  I wouldn’t be writing this if not for Del because I had no idea when I would have made it to Kansas.  Thank you, Del.

Del and one of his friends took off for Elaine’s a few days before the 4th of July.  I will never forget the excitement of when they pulled in our driveway and opened the trailer where I saw the 42 boxes of Elaine’s beloved books for the first time.  It went halfway up the trailer and all the way to the back.

It just so happened that the books arrived on the same day that we were expecting eight of our cousins from Finland flying in that night.  There was no time to get the books on the shelves before they arrived, but after they checked into a nearby hotel in the evening, Bill, our daughters Kristina and Kara, and I managed to get them out of the boxes and on the shelves in 1 hour, 15 minutes and made it to bed by midnight.  I knew the Finnish cousins who loved to cook and bake wanted to see the books, and we were determined to make that happen!

And here are the filled shelves of Elaine’s books:

There wasn’t even time to look at them carefully at first because we were so rushed, but as we were unloading, my heart was jumping and I let out little squeals when I saw the incredible selection and especially when I saw books that I had lost in the flood and were now back on my shelves.  There was one book that Kristina and I noticed right away, because that particular title was the last book to be pulled from the mud and water of the basement.

I remember this vividly.  Kristina came upstairs and outside to the dumpster which housed what used to be my Culinary Cellar.  I was standing there, still in disbelief of the carnage around us, and Kristina walked up to me with tears in her eyes and said, “Mom, this is the last book to leave the basement.”  In this photo it may look intact but it was completely soaked and unsalvageable.  Right after I took the photo, it was tossed into the dumpster.

As we were unloading Elaine’s books, Kristina again found the same book and brought it to me.  “Look what you have back, mom.”  Yes, it is now enjoying a space on my shelf.  Even the same edition.  Thank you, Elaine.

It wasn’t until after the cousins returned to Finland that I had time to go to the basement by myself and let my mind realize all that Elaine had given me; not just her cookbooks but a part of her life and heart.  I found myself going across each shelf, touching them and taking it all in and feeling so grateful to Elaine that I could hardly swallow.  Her books filled more than half the shelves, and on the other side of the room, were all the books that other people from across the country had also sent me.  These generous souls have healed my broken heart and assured me that there are so many good and caring people in this world.

My Culinary Cellar is really starting to come alive now.  I need to rearrange all the books as I had before, separating them by subject, like breads, cakes, pies, vegetables, etc., and also by country or state, or collections like Junior League or church cookbooks.  Recently, an opportunity presented itself for another exciting change.  I found out that our local kitchen and spice shop was closing because the owner was retiring.  She was selling everything in the store including custom-made cabinets and shelves.  Hmmm… guess who bought a few of those?!  They are in my garage at the moment, getting ready to find a new home in The Culinary Cellar.  I not only love them, I am thrilled to have part of a store from my hometown, plus the pleasure of smelling spices every time I go out in the garage!  I will post photos of those later after they are downstairs and filled with books, dishes, gadgets, and whatever else feels right.

Early last week I made it my mission of the day to bring up one book of Elaine’s to sit down and enjoy.  I selected this one by one of my favorite authors, Richard Sax, and it was topical because it’s summer and we have a great Farmer’s Market in our village.

Oh my goodness, is this book a jewel!  I can’t wait to start cooking from it.  Near this book was another treasure I had to also bring upstairs, not a book but the discs from Julia Child’s “The French Chef” when she was on PBS in her early years of television.  I have a little (old) TV that I keep on my kitchen table which happens to have a disc player.  I will happily be watching Julia as I cook!

Look at all those episodes!  I am going to have a ball with these.

I could go forever about the joy of these books, but I’ll be taking the whole collection one by one, and making and photographing recipes for you all to see.  In the meantime, watch for all the new changes coming to The Culinary Cellar.  When it’s all done, I’m having a huge party!  Who wants to come?!

Dearest Elaine, and to all who have changed my culinary life, I love you all more than I can say, I will continue to share the books, recipes, and love with my readers and friends.  My heart is full and grateful.

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40 Responses to Elaine Wallace, The Cookbook Lady of Kansas

  1. August 11, 2018 at 3:14 pm #

    How absolutely wonderful ! There are so many fantastic people in the world that never get any gold stars for what they do for other people very quietly and without fanfare–Elaine is one of those people !

    • August 11, 2018 at 5:45 pm #

      Totally agree, Barb! And by the way, Elaine became a recipient of the famous Finnish cardamom!

  2. August 11, 2018 at 3:22 pm #

    What a beautiful soul! She knew her collection would be treasured. So happy you are rebuilding your cellar and adding new memories to the trove too.

    • August 11, 2018 at 5:43 pm #

      Elaine is amazing. I will treasure her books always.

  3. August 11, 2018 at 4:46 pm #

    So wonderful. Elaine & Del are special people for sure.

    • August 11, 2018 at 5:41 pm #

      Thanks, Pam. They are very special!

  4. August 11, 2018 at 5:32 pm #

    We all need more Del and Elaine in our lives!

    • August 11, 2018 at 5:41 pm #

      Yes, we do Lisa!

  5. August 11, 2018 at 5:35 pm #

    I love reading the stories in your blog posts Debbie! How amazing it is for you to now own Elaine’s entire collection and I’m sure she is thrilled that you love them so much !!!!! Enjoy going through each and every book!!!!!!

    • August 11, 2018 at 5:40 pm #

      Thanks, Ronna! I have lots of happy days ahead for cookbook reading and recipe testing.

  6. August 11, 2018 at 5:50 pm #

    This story has brought me literally to tears. How amazing, how wonderful, how beautiful. Something special made her find you, and I am so happy she did.

  7. August 11, 2018 at 5:56 pm #

    How wonderful!! SO happy for you!

    • August 11, 2018 at 6:01 pm #

      Thanks, Christina!

  8. August 12, 2018 at 11:33 am #

    It’s stunning to see the kindness of friends and all those cookbooks sitting on your shelves. I have to think it’s the love you have always sent out to the world coming full circle back to you.

    • August 14, 2018 at 11:56 pm #

      Priscilla, that’s one of the nicest comments anyone has ever said to me. Thank you for that. I hope you will come for a visit someday and see the kindness for yourself, because it actually is stunning to see kindness in cookbook form. Anyone who walks in the basement lets out a gasp at seeing all the books with eyes wide open, after realizing they all came from generous souls.

  9. August 12, 2018 at 1:22 pm #

    Debbie and followers, I had tears when I see the books in their rightful places, To see OUR books in their new home was like seeing old friends again. You’re blog was so gracious, I am blushing. Your hubby’s pal Del is indeed a treasure. I enjoyed them both.
    It is I who am grateful that the collection found a nurturing and caring home. You are the best person I know of to be caretaker of this part of our history. I love the printed words. internet is OK but books are to held, read, loved, and respected. Thank YOU for giving me a chance to share these with the rest of the Cullinary Cellar readers.
    I have a happy heart today.

    • August 14, 2018 at 11:47 pm #

      Elaine, I have a happy heart too, every time I see your books on the shelves. Actually, I get goosebumps and have to pinch myself that I am the new keeper of OUR books. Not only will I love and treasure the books but so will my cookbook-loving readers. There are many, many blogs ahead! Someday, I hope you can visit OUR books in my Culinary Cellar. They will welcome you with open arms, or rather pages…

    • August 17, 2018 at 4:03 pm #

      Elaine, I have always known that you are the kindest most caring soul on this earth. I love you with all of my heart!

      • August 18, 2018 at 1:02 am #

        Tracy, thank you for writing and letting the world know the wonders of Elaine!

    • August 18, 2018 at 2:58 am #

      Auntie E, You are not the only one in tears . what a lovely thing to do

      Kevin. x

      • August 18, 2018 at 5:46 pm #

        Thank you, Kevin, for your loving words to your amazing Auntie Elaine.

  10. August 12, 2018 at 4:39 pm #

    My MomE has the biggest heart of anyone I know. She is always helping someone. I know she loves her cookbooks and for her to find the best home for them makes her feel good also knowing the recipes inside will be shared. Good luck and God bless. MomE you never cease to amaze me with your giving nature.

    • August 14, 2018 at 11:40 pm #

      Hi Dorothy from Kansas! How lucky are you to have MomE! I completely agree about Elaine’s big heart. It must have been very difficult for her to pass on her incredible collection. I am beyond grateful and will treasure them all forever. They will live on and touch many hearts along the way.

  11. August 12, 2018 at 9:36 pm #

    What a wonderful story. It warms my heart to know there are so many kind and generous people who are willing to share with others. Having grown up with you and remembering the great smells and food coming from your mother’s kitchen, I am so happy that through your disaster you have been blessed with the love of others.
    I find myself walking into vintage stores and thrift stores looking at cookbooks now. I always enjoyed reading my cookbooks but a busy life has left little time for that. Reading your blog has brought back that interest.
    Elaine Wallace is a special person as you are dear friend.

    • August 14, 2018 at 11:35 pm #

      Wish I could hug you, Linda. I always miss you just reading your words. I’m thrilled you now find yourself looking at cookbooks! When you come here next time, we’ll have a great time going through my new collections!

  12. August 13, 2018 at 9:27 pm #

    What a lovely experience for both of you! Sadly, items that have been treasured for many years will not be of interest to many of our children. They have their own lives, interests, and collections. And, space will nearly always be a factor. This special woman will know her collection will be treasured by someone else.

    • August 14, 2018 at 11:28 pm #

      Deborah, I definitely will treasure Elaine’s collection always, and am so grateful for this gift.

  13. August 14, 2018 at 9:37 am #

    I just read about Debbie’s disastrous flood on Eat Your Books and was moved to tears. What a heartbreaking event to lose this wonderful collection of recipes, memories and so much more. Elaine was truly a generous, kind soul to donate her own collection of cookbooks. There is truly a special place in this world for cookbook collectors!

    • August 14, 2018 at 11:24 pm #

      Sue, I couldn’t agree more. I am still in awe of Elaine’s generosity.

  14. August 17, 2018 at 10:17 am #

    Wow what a great story. My grandma is an amazing person and I’m so glad she was able to help you out and give you back a piece if your life. she had always been there for people in need. Just in awe of the story you wrote about her. Love you Gma Elaine.

    • August 18, 2018 at 1:09 am #

      What a wonderful grandson you are Zach, to write about your grandma Elaine. She must be elated to read all these love stories from her family and friends. The world needs more Elaines. I am in awe of her. Thank you for your heartfelt words.

  15. August 17, 2018 at 12:01 pm #

    Elaine is my sister’s mother-in-law. She not only is an awesome cook, but she also makes beautiful clothes. When my daughter and niece were little (1990) she made them outfits and also doll clothes for what would eventually become the American Girl dolls. My daughter still has hers.

    She is one in a million.

    • August 18, 2018 at 1:04 am #

      One in a million indeed! Thank you for writing, Terry. How lucky you are to have Elaine in your family circle.

  16. August 23, 2018 at 9:49 pm #

    Oh, wow! I just read your story in Taste of Home and came to see if I could find your contact information. Offering you my roughly twenty cookbooks seems kind of pathetic now. You’re a rockstar, Elaine! And so is everyone else who made this happen.

    • August 23, 2018 at 9:57 pm #

      Hi Mary Jane- You are so right- Elaine is a rockstar. I believe she has the biggest heart in all of Kansas! I think cookbook collectors and those who love cooking are generous souls. That is certainly what I have discovered with so many people writing and offering cookbooks. It doesn’t matter if it’s one book or a thousand, they are all special to me. Your twenty books will be loved and treasured if it moves you to do so. Thank you for the offer.

      • August 30, 2018 at 1:47 pm #

        I sent you a message asking if you had a specific address you wanted the books shipped to. It’s been a week so I thought I’d mention it here in case the contact form didn’t go through for some reason. 🙂

        • August 30, 2018 at 2:06 pm #

          Mary Jane- I am so glad you wrote because I have been having problems with outgoing and incoming emails at that address. I will send you an email from another one of my addresses.

  17. August 24, 2018 at 5:16 am #

    Mary Jane, your twenty cookbooks represent our passionate love of carrying on the authors, recipes and joy, with the same intensity as my contribution. Debbie’s tragic loss gave me the opportunity to find a home for my collection rather than ending up unappreciated and maybe discarded. You go girl! We’re all in this for the love of the written recipes and how they came to be. Debbie is our vehicle to get this done. I could NEVER write as well as she does from her heart.
    Blessings

  18. August 27, 2018 at 2:12 pm #

    Love, love, love your story about your very generous friends. What blessings! Count me in for your Culinary Cellars Party!

    • August 27, 2018 at 2:52 pm #

      Kim, I love, love, love to think about you coming to the party!

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