Delia Gaffney – Many Branches, One Tree

Family Recipe Friday: (Old-Fashioned) Salad Dressing

Benita (McGinnis) McCormick (1889 – 1984) This recipe was written in Benita (McGinnis) McCormick’s hand on a back page of Congregational Church Recipes. The book, first published in 1916 in Conneaut, Ohio, was a gift to her in 1921, presumably as a wedding gift, from her maternal aunt, Delia “Di” Gaffney. The cookbook eventually made its way … Continue reading

Family Recipe Friday: Aunt Di’s Millionaire Steak

Delia “Di” Gaffney (1864 – 1952) Delia “Di” or “Deal” Gaffney. This is part of a group portrait of the six Gaffney sisters. There seems to be an impish expression behind those innocent eyes, as if Di had to stop whatever mischief she was up to to pose for this portrait. Of the six Gaffney sisters of Conneaut, Ohio, … Continue reading

Wisdom Wednesday: Wise and Loving Matriarch

Mary Jane (Gaffney) McGinnis: (1858 – 1940) Friends and sometimes complete strangers often dropped by Mary Jane (Gaffney) McGinnis’ home during the 1920s and 30s, hungry for a meal or even advice. Janie gave both quietly and generously, never asking for anything in return. She was a fervent follower of the Golden Rule: Do … Continue reading

Amanuensis Monday: A Grand Aunt

[Note: Amanuensis is an ancient word meaning one who performs the function of writing down or transcribing the words of another. Derived from the Latin root manu- manual, or hand, the word also has been used as a synonym for secretary or scribe.] Benita Elizabeth McGinnis (1889 – 1984) From my Grand Aunt Benita … Continue reading