Historical society collecting recipes for new publication

The Sanders County Historical Society is publishing a book of traditional recipes and photos, a project members say will explore the unique link between food and history in the region.

The group is seeking submissions for the publication, which is planned for release this spring in conjunction with the celebration of the David Thompson bicentennial. Thompson is believed to be one of the founders of Thompson Falls.

Helen Meadows, the historical society treasurer, said the recipe book is part of the Old Jail Museum's 2008 theme - "a taste of the past." She said the project will focus on local recipes, from the diet of homesteaders and Native Americans to Depression-era food. The history group is also interested in "foods of the wild," including game, fish and huckleberries. "We thought it would be interesting to look at history through food, because obviously that played a part," said Meadows. "We thought that it would be a unique way to look at our history."

The book will begin with the foods of some of the first settlers in the region, and will continue with the recipes of the fur trade, gold rush, railroad, homestead and Depression periods.

The Sanders County Historical Society has completed three other books, including a 2004 publication focusing on firefighters, road builders and foresters and a 2006 project exploring the topic of the 1910 fires in Western Montana. The group also printed a Lookout Cookbook in 2005, adding history and photos to the collection of simple recipes from the past.

"Our whole purpose is to preserve history," commented Meadows. The recipe book will be an element of the historical society's bicentennial, focusing on the diet of explorers and mapmakers in the region. Meadows said the Sanders County Historical Society formed in 1980, and the group is always seeking new members. With the exception of December and August, the society meets on the last Friday of each month at 5 p.m. at the Old Jail Museum. More information on the historical society is available at saleeshhouse.org. Recipe and photo submissions can be sent to the Sanders County Historical Society, P.O. Box 774, Thompson Falls, MT 59873.