Granny moved into a nursing home last fall. Saturday they auctioned all her household things. It gave me quite a jolt to see every Christmas/birthday/Mother's Day/Grandmother's Day present that we'd ever given her spread out on tables in the back yard with strangers looking through them. This was what she'd wanted back when she was in her right mind, though. Easier than trying to split up the sentimental things, she figured. Let the family members just buy what they want. Even though it was painful, there's a certain logic in that, I guess. One of the things I bid on and won was a box with recipes, some handwritten and some in books. A little red book caught my eye - A Modern Kitchen Guide - A complete book of up-to-date recipes and household hints. Published in 1946.

Here are a few of the helpful hints.

Lingerie must be tinted occasionally to preserve its dainty appearance. A faded blue garment will tint a delicate orchid with the aid of pink dye. A pale yellow will shade into a delicate green if dipped in blue dye, and a pink dye will change yellow to a melon or a shell pink.

A little mustard rubbed into the hands after peeling onions, will remove the disagreeable odor.

A pinch of salt added to hot starch will give a high gloss.

The mouthpiece of the telephone should be disinfected at least once a week. Wipe it with a weak solution of carbolic acid. This is a help in preventing the spreading of colds, grippes, and other diseases.

If you keep a nickel's worth of sulfur in the dog's drinking water and leave it there, it helps keep the dog healthy and is especially good for a dog subject to worms.

To remove match scratches on paint, rub with a cut lemon.

A worn whiskbroom makes a fine sink brush if you cut off the worn bristles clear up to the stiff part. Always rinse clean after using.

Other hints include Preserving Linoleum and Brightening Faded House Dresses. No wonder Granny was so smart. This little gem was her ace in the hole. :)

May your Easter be blessed and peaceful.