throwback
BH&G is turning 100! That’s a lot of recipes, DIY plans, and garden to-do lists. We hit the archives to spotlight a few absolute gems and, just for fun, a couple of head-scratchers.
A TOAST
TI ME TE ST ED
We stand by these tips from decades past.
“Suppose we each agree this year we will plant a flower at every opportunity. ... This ‘flower’ may be merely a thought, a good deed done, or a bit of unselfish service rendered to a neighbor.”
1961
To protect a wet paintbrush between coats, “Wrap brush in a plastic bag and immerse in water. Water forces air out of the bag, so bristles remain soft.”
—E.T. MEREDITH, publisher BACKSTORY
This New Year’s toast from our founder appeared in Fruit, Garden and Home— our original title from July 1922 to August 1924. When we changed our name, Mr. Meredith wrote: “I’m sure you will agree that Better Homes & Gardens is ‘better.’”
1944
1923
You don’t need a yard to put up a bird feeder, as we wrote nearly 100 years ago: “A simple and pleasant way to neighbor with winter birds is to maintain a window feeding-tray.”
1957 [ OFFICIAL
File this under What were we thinking? This midcentury story claimed that “bathrooms can lead a double life: Durable by day, dressed up for parties,” suggesting (with a straight face) this slightly terrifying, supposedly sturdy clown rug for daily use. And for parties? Add “luxurious wall-to-wall cotton carpet.” Cut it in two, of course, for easy washing. How … practical?
19 55
12
| Jan/Feb 2022
R E T RAC T I O N ]
100 YEARS OF
PANCAKES
Over the years we’ve published 171 pancake recipes, 107 mentions of “griddle,” 12 “flapjacks,” 10 ideas for camping pancakes, and 2 suggestions of pancakes for “husky plaid-shirt breakfasts” (left). In 1950 we offered this tasty syrup sub: Mix 1 cup honey with ¹∕4 cup melted butter; add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to taste. In 1972 we put sourdough starter to use in pancakes. And in 1930 we went Russian-style: Wrap thin cakes around cottage cheese and serve with jam. Mark your 2022 calendars: National Pancake Day is March 1. Use your smartphone camera to scan this code for our best-ever buttermilk pancake recipe.
ILLUSTRATION: EDWIN FOTHERINGHAM
To avoid rug dimples: “Move the furniture a little each time you clean. You can raise the rug’s pile by placing a damp cloth and running a hot iron lightly over it.”
