Joseph and Lydia (Hicks) Hooper and their children left Parma, NY for Michigan around 1860. Charlie and Matilda stayed in Michigan with their parents and opened a tavern. When the other children were old enough to travel, they returned to Parma and raised their families. These entries of this old cookbook are from their families – still members of our beloved church.

We value our “hand me downs” here at PGUCC – those are the little things that we’ve grown to love and want to see continue. This is what has sustained us all these many years. One of the simplest ways to cross the bounds of time is to share a recipe with the next generation. We feel honored when someone in our family entrusts us with a special recipe, most often written on a faded or stained index card or dog-eared in a broken cookbook. The fragrance of cooking and serving something special brings back memories of Grandma’s kitchen. 

As part of our anniversary celebration, we’re creating a cookbook of favorite recipes that cross generations. We’ll include contributions from folks who are here with us today and those that have gone. We’ll include stories, and memories and anecdotes. Please take advantage of this opportunity to pass on these valuable treasures. They will be loved and kept for years to come.

- Jessie