Letter From Mrs. Charles L. Wagner to Alfred L. Shoemaker, April 5, 1949

Authors

• Mrs Charles L. Wagner

Document Type

Correspondence

Files

Date

4-5-1949

Keywords

pumpkin custard pie, egg custard pie, coconut custard pie, recipes, desserts, radio program

Description

A handwritten letter from Mrs. Charles L. Wagner addressed to Alfred L. Shoemaker, dated April 5, 1949. Mrs. Wagner writes in response to a Lancaster newspaper column by Shoemaker in which he discusses pies and custards. She provides her own family's definition of pie and custard and inquires about the availability of a Pennsylvania German periodical.

Sender

Mrs. Charles L. Wagner

Recipient

Alfred L. Shoemaker

Corresponds to:

Packet 3-1

City

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Transcription

April 5, 1949

Dr. Alfred Shoemaker,

Dear Sir,

Referring to your column in the April 4th Lancaster New Era - I would like to add my bit to the controversy as to what constitutes a pie or custard.

While I have been accustomed to saying pumpkin pie instead of pumpkin custard when speaking of a one crust dessert such as that written about in your newspaper column, I remember that mother and grandmother always called it pumpkin custard pie. This seems to describe it completely since two crusts with filling "between" is pie and custards are soft, creamy mixtures without any pastry. Egg custard pie, cocoanut custard pie were sometimes called custard or custard pie without any mention of kind. We, meaning my close friends, relatives and family have never known the pie you gave the recipe for. It sounds delicious. I would like more sugar or molasses in it. I think so but shouldn't without a taste made as you make it.

I heard and enjoyed two Armstrong radio programs recently in which you had a part. Some mention was made concerning the "Pennsylvania Dutch Weekly." I have yet to learn how it can be ordered and at what price and hope to have this information in time to have the first issue. Hoping this letter will help to clear up the difference between pie and custard.

I remain, sincerely yours,

Mrs. C. L. Wagner

Mom, will you pass the custard? Cocoanut custard? Pumpkin custard pie!

Language

English

Rights Statement

This item is available courtesy of the Ursinus College Library Special Collections Department. It is not to be copied or distributed for commercial use. For permissions which fall outside of educational use, please contact the Special Collections Department.

Recommended Citation

Wagner, Mrs Charles L., "Letter From Mrs. Charles L. Wagner to Alfred L. Shoemaker, April 5, 1949" (1949). Alfred L. Shoemaker Folk Cultural Documents. 320.
https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/shoemaker_documents/320