Martha Washington Questers meet

Marilyn Whitenack was hostess to Martha Washington Questers No. 1032 for the Nov. 17, 2023 meeting, with Barbara Wehr serving as co-hostess. President Jane Fehr opened the meeting with all reciting the invocation, followed by the business of the day. The previous minutes and the Treasurer's report were approved as read.

New member Jolene Colthurst was welcomed and Happy Birthday was sung to Jennine Wolfe. Ideas for future programs were discussed, among those mentioned were Carnegie House, Lincoln Harlan House, Vet Auditorium in Cedar Rapids, as well as Terrace Hill. Reminder was given for the Dec. 15 cookie exchange and program with Linda Soukup.

Marilyn and Barbara presented the program of their collections of salt and pepper sets. A short history was given as to how salt and pepper became commonplace. In early Egypt salt was precious and expensive, used for preservation or used as a valuable trade commodity.

At first, a spoon always accompanied a "salt cellar," using small amounts to sprinkle. John Mason (of mason jars) later invented the salt shaker and soon after the pepper grinder began to be used, and both began appearing at the kitchen or dining table.

Marilyn showed a set of "nodders" from her mother, now quite rare and desirable. Many unique and colorful sets were brought by both, Barbara telling that her large collection consisted and merged with many from her grandmothers home. She had a vast array of interesting sets, stories of how they were acquired, and her memories of which ones used for special occasions.

Several of the members brought special salt and peppers, explaining why they were important to them or on what occasion they were used. A great time to hear about these collections.

Refreshments of cake, ice cream, candies, sandwiches and munchies were served by the hosts of the day.