Remembering Mom....

Mrs. Bakersfield of 1956!

     As I looked through my mom’s photo album recently, I came upon a real find! Neatly tucked away in a plastic holder was her story of the time she tried out for the Mrs. America contest for “homemakers.” She had also saved pictures, a newspaper article, a certificate and the recipe for her “Mrs. Bakersfield Chocolate Cake!”

One of her friends persuaded her to try out for the prestigious title, a first for my mom who loved adventures.  “It was strictly a homemaking contest back then—no bathing suits!” She wrote in her neat penmanship.  “A lady from the contest came to my home unannounced and stayed all morning, checking my house over, the kids. and the way I handled them. She timed me while I ironed Jim’s (her husband) white shirt and went over my dinner menus for the week.”

      The next step was the baking competition between other women who lived in our home town of Bakersfield. When the big night arrived, all of the contestants had to bake a cake in front of judges and an audience. Evidently, mom had a winning “recipe” with all of the right ingredients, because she won the title of Mrs. Bakersfield!

       Soon afterwards, an article came out in the local paper along with a picture of mom wearing a short-sleeved, scoop necked dress with a flared skirt, heels, white gloves and a hat, reaching out to receive a silver plate from James K. Thrasher, president of Thrasher Motors in 1956.

      She was also awarded a certificate which stated: “Mrs. Madolyn Turner has demonstrated her ability as one of California’s outstanding homemakers...And, furthermore, that through her entry she has helped to bring deserved credit to all of the fine homemakers in this country who’s efforts have played such a major role in producing our American Way of Life.”

      The next step was to compete for the title of Mrs. Kern County. After that, would come the state finals and then the national competition. Unfortunately, the power went out and her chocolate cake didn’t turn out as nicely as she had hoped. “I lost to Mrs. Tehachapi!” she remembered.

     According to her notes, it was a fun experience. But I remember mom telling this story and saying that it was nerve wracking too…especially when she was being watched while ironing, and also when the fuse blew as she was baking her cake.

      That was the last of my mother’s pursuit of national titles. However, I’m sure that if you asked any of my brothers or sisters, we would all agree unanimously that our mom was definitely Mrs. America!

       Dear Lord, thank you for our wonderful mother, who loved you with all of her heart and let it overflow to her family and friends. Thank you for the great example which she set for not only me, but also all of her kids, grandkids, great-grandkids and generations to come. Please give her a hug for us this Mother’s Day! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”  Proverbs  31:28 NIV

Mrs. Bakersfield Chocolate Cake by Maddie Turner (1956)

2 c sifted cake flour, 1 2/3 c sugar, 4 t baking powder, 1 t salt, 5 Tbsp cocoa, 2/3 c soft shortening, 1 1/3 c milk 1/13 t vanilla, 1 t red food coloring, 3 eggs.

Sift dry ingredients into large mixing bowl; add shortening. Combine milk, vanilla, red food coloring and add a little over half to the dry mixture. Beat combined mixture for 2 min at med. speed, scraping bowl frequently or beat by hand 300 vigorous strokes. Add remaining liquid and eggs and beat 2 min longer. (Batter may appear curdled, but don’t worry). Pour batter into 2 wax paper-lined round 9x1 ½” cake pans or a greased 9x13 loaf pan. Bake at 350 deg for 30 min. Cool in pans 5 min. Remove.

Milk Chocolate Icing: Melt together 5 T shortening, ½ c cocoa. Stir in 2 2/3 c sifted confectioners’ sugar (or more) 7 T hot scalded milk, 1 1/3 t vanilla, ½ t red food coloring. Beat until thick enough to spread. Chopped almonds (about ½ cup) may be added or

sprinkled on top.