From the readers: Scribble-In Book, decorating horrors, recipes and more

I'm so happy that people are still finding Papergreat after all these years and despite the low volume of my new output. Here are some comments that came in over the summer.

Late 1930s college expenses logged in The Scribble-in Book: Anonymous writes: "I have a Scribble-In Book of my grandmother's beginning December 29, 1932. She would jot down poems from various poets, particularly, Winifred Woods, Winifred Black, Charles Mackay, Ada Parker Smith, Ada Burke, Dorothy Henderson. The history is so rich!" 

What a wonderful family keepsake! I'm curious about some of the poets, because I have very little knowledge of that literary genre.

I can't find anything about Winifred Woods, but there was a Winifred Letts from that period who was a poet.

Is Winifred Black the American journalist Winifred Sweet Black Bonfils, who wrote under the names Anne Laurie and Winifred Black?

Ada Parker Smith is probably Ada Elizabeth Smith.

I can't find anything about Ada Burke or Dorothy Henderson, but would love to learn something!

Saturday's postcard: America House Motor Inn: Two more memories spurred by this postcard came in over the summer.

Anonymous #1 writes: "My family stayed at least twice at America House in the 1970s; the last time was during the summer of 1976. I remember that we loved it both times. Surprisingly, my biggest memory is of the restaurant, which was excellent from a kid's perspective."

Anonymous #2 writes: "Yearly stop with my family in the 70s on the way to Cape Hatteras. I looked forward to dominating the upstairs ping pong table! Demolished in 2018 to build homes."

The "magical" world of early 1970s interior decorating: Wendyvee writes: "Oh, that green still haunts ... no matter how fashionable it may become once again. I dig the swirly rug; but that chair does make me think that Karen Black, Mia Farrow, Sissy Spacek, or Margot Kidder will be chased around a Greenwich Village brownstone by something evil causing that chair to roll. I'm not typically neurospicy but what is WITH all of those off-center paintings in this collection?"

The 1970s offer more unanswered questions than any decade in history. Which is why I love that decade.

The One Where I Get Sucked into the Mecki Universe: Anonymous writes: "Mecki has always been part of my childhood. I have a 7-inch Steiff Mecki my mother had shipped from Germany for me around 1954 or 55. I was about 3 or 4. I was allowed to play with it until she discovered I was chewing on his nose. Then he went up on the shelf. I still have him, in excellent condition except his nose is a little chewed."

Wonderful memory! Thank you for sharing this.

Zita Spangler: From St. John's Reformed to Rolling Green Park: Anonymous writes: "I knew Rita Spangler/Cortright. She was my stepfather’s mother. Extraordinary woman. Smart, kind and so talented. She went on to become a textile artist. I don’t know what inspired me to google her, but I found your article and now know another part of her story. Thank you."

And now we know another part of the story, too, thanks to this comment.

A neat piece of Phillies history: Joan writes: "I am fairly certain the Roadside America hex sign is a [Jacob] Zook design as well." 

Oh, this is worth looking into!

Montoursville 2018: Hurr's: Anonymous writes: "My aunt was connected to the Millers and gave me this recipe: Hurr's Peanut Butter Fudge Sauce -- Boil together 3/4 cup sugar + 1/2 cup water. Then simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add 16 oz of Hershey's syrup + 12 oz. Peter Pan peanut butter. Beat with electric mixer (slow) till smooth. Refrigerate. You can serve it warm or cold. Enjoy. Makes about 1 qt."

Oh my! What a delicious recipe that appears to be. I imagine some of us will try it!

Flashback to outer space: Joan writes: "I miss the word of the day!!! We still have binders of them, though."

Old postcard: "The World's Most Famous Chicken Dish": Anonymous writes: "I remember when the Richmond Chicken in the Rough burned down. Our family loved that place. My church youth group used to go to the Clover Room on Sunday nights sometimes."

"The Valley of Hell" in Germany's Black Forest: Reba Birmingham writes: "Thank you for posting. I am writing a series (fiction) which has headquarters of both the good and evil camps in the Black Forest. In the next book (#6 Hercynian Forest Series) my characters will go through the Valley of Hell. I am researching now."

Thanks for letting us know about this fantasy book series, which is praised by reviewers for its fun characters, LGBTQ representation and more  And good luck with finishing your next one!

McCall Chair Co. ink blotter: Anonymous writes: "I am currently trying to recreate the #90 chair. Have been told it was a pistol to upholster, so I'll see."

Some tasty cookie recipes from Joanne van Roden: Anonymous writes: "I just acquired her Favorite Seafood Recipes from a local Goodwill. Great pamphlet. Glad you posted some recipes from her cookie recipe book. If the recipes in the cookie book are anything like her seafood book you have quite a find."

There are so many great finds to be had at Goodwill stores. I love donating to them, too, to keep the recycling of treasures going.