Once we had closed on the property it was time to do a little research and really take stock of what we had purchased. I found a cookbook published in 1984. In this wonderful gem is a brief history. “1869-1871 were the years in which the church at Little Plum was being formed. the church was formed by Swedish immigrants in Frankfort Township. At first they met in their homes. On January 18, 1873 the congregation was organized with 68 charter members.Little Plum’s first service held in the new church was on Christmas Day in 1879”. I have since learned through a neighbor that the original stone foundation was replaced in the mid 1960s with the current block foundation. And from an inscription on the floor by the pump house (October 1975) and from a mention of “In the 1970’s we put in the bathrooms and running water in the kitchen”; I think it is accurate to say that is when indoor plumbing made its debut in the church.
Now you are probably wondering why I would chose to put in a clip of “Church Basement Women”. It reminds me of my Dad’s relationship with my sister-in-law, Karen. Karen is a remarkable woman, after all she has put up with my brother and family antics for 30 years. Karen is blessed with the gift of hospitality and a good sense of humor. Karen also grew up Lutheran. Dad was relentless with his constant teasing about her cooking and to dish it right back to him, Karen always brought a green-jello salad to every family gathering for almost a decade. Who says payback can’t be delicious? In paging through the cookbook I found this recipe and it made me smile. Enjoy.
LIME JELLO SALAD by Marge Mason
- 1 pkg lime jello
- 1/2 c. boiling water
- 1 c. mayonnaise (not salad dressing)
- 1 c. cottage cheese
- 1/3 cucumber, cut fine
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
- A little onion cut fine
- 1 c. almonds or pecans chopped
Mix boiling water with jello. Fold in mayonnaise and remaining ingredients. (It doesn’t give any other instructions, but you will need to put this in a mold and place into the refrigerator until it sets up)