According to the General Mills website, Cadwallader C. Washburn founded the Minneapolis Mill Company in 1856, thinking to lease power rights along the Mississippi River to millers. He bought the land owned by a failed Minneapolis mill in 1866, spending $100,000 to construct a new, modern mill on the site. Although people called the mill "Washburn's folly" and believed that no mill so large should have been constructed so far west, Washburn believed that there would be demand for midwestern wheat. By 1874, he had the capital to construct yet another, larger mill -- the Washburn "A" Mill. Following the usual practice of labeling mills according to size, the 1866 mill was relabeled the "B" Mill. In ten years' time, Washburn's flour was winning awards at the Centennial Exposition.

In September, 1877, he partnered with his brother and John Crosby, forming the Washburn-Crosby Company, but tradegy struck almost immediately. An explosion leveled the "A" Mill and five other buildings on May 2, 1878, temporarily crippling production. Bringing in safer new equipment, the mill was rebuilt, including this time the steel rollers that made their mill the world's first automated mill. The "A" Mill reached a capacity of 5,500 barrels of flour per day -- foremost among mills until the advent of Pillsbury's own "A" Mill in 1881.

Two years later (1880), the miller competed in the International Millers' Exposition in Cincinnati, sweeping the competition and prompting Washburn-Crosby to label their flour "best in the world." The company picked up three medals at the expo, with their highest quality Superlative flour coming away with the gold medal. About two months after the victory on June 8th, some sacks of the Washburn-Crosby flour began to go out renamed as Gold Medal Flour in honor of their outstanding achievement. The name took over, and the flour became one of the industry standards.

1880:

Miss Parloa's New Cook Book, 60 pages. Estes and Lauriat, publishers This was an abridged version of the hardback book, Miss Parloa's New Cook Book and Marketing Guide, a 430 page hardback edition, which can be viewed by clicking here. Original copies of the booklet promote "Washburn's Superlative Flour" in the large, circle on the front covers. Later originals have stickers over the "Superlative" ad that say "Ask your grocer for this flour" and have the brand new "Gold Medal" logo. Reprints have only a Gold Medal Flour logo in the circle. The Gold Medal booklet was reprinted several times in the latter 20th Century: in 1974, 1976, and 1980 at least! As for the 1880 hardback edition, it was quickly reprinted in 1883 with an almost identical cover.

Maria Parloa had become an important figure in the sphere of homemaking and cooking. In 1876, she began giving public lectures and offered her first courses in "Domestic Science" at Lasell Seminary. The following year, she lectured in Boston, and the idea occurred to her to start a cooking school. In '78, the Boston Cooking School was created, under the auspices of the Woman's Educational Association. Miss Parloa was one of the two first directors of the school. After the publication of her New Cook Book, her name became a household word among those interested in cookery. Walter Baker & Co., manufacturers of chocolate, also engaged the services of Miss Parloa in contributing recipes to their Choice Recipes pamphlets.

In 1882, the capacity of the Washburn-Crosby mills was 6,000 barrels per day. This was the year that the mill's founder died, after establishing one of the world's great flour-producing companies. Washburn's will left considerable money for charities.

1884:

Miss Parloa's New Cook Book, 240 pages. New printing of the above hardback cookbook

Hydroelectric power began to supply the "A" mill in 1884 and the "B" and "C" mills in '87. John Crosby suddenly died in '87, during a period of some uncertainty, and James S. Bell from Philadelphia moved in to take the company's reins. His advent in September of 1888 brought a name change to "Washburn, Martin, and Company."

1888:

Miss Parloa's New Cook Book, 58 pages. Col. Allen lists a second edition of the 1880 booklet.

1889 was a terrible year for wheat sales, but it brought the restoration of the Washburn-Crosby Co. name to the firm, a name that would remain formally until 1928. Once some matters about the control of the milling operation were settled, the company returned to its focus on milling.

The Washburn-Crosby operation was expanding. From a 10,000 barrel daily capacity in the 1880's, they jumped to a 13,500 barrel capacity by 1895, after some remodeling and the leasing of a new "D" mill made the increase possible. Meanwhile in 1893, Gold Medal Flour continued to win awards, taking the top prize at the Columbian Exposition.

1893:

Washburn, Crosby Co. Flour Mills, 34 pages This booklet was a descriptive handout from the Washburn Crosby exhibit at the Columbian World's Fair. It contains two recipes for baking bread. The back cover has a realistic portrait of a cat. SI = 8

At that same world's fair, a German company had exhibited a new 1200 horsepower engine. Washburn's milling company purchased the engine, installing it in the "A" mill in Summer of 1894.

It was also during this period that the decision was made to phase out the various trade names being used by Washburn-Crosby flour, including "Superlative," "Parisian," "Extra," and "Triple Extra." After the Columbian Expo, at which the "Gold Medal" name was emphasized, the company began eliminating the other names gradually. Although "Superlative" had been the more popular name, by 1894 more than half of the flour produced by Washburn-Crosby went out under the "Gold Medal" name. By 1900, that amount had increased to 70%.

1894:

Washburn-Crosby Co.'s New Cook Book, 72 pages. Has a Chicago Great Western Railway ad on the back cover.

Another mill, christened the "E" mill, was bought in 1896, immediately increasing the operation's capacity by 2000 barrels daily.

1897:

Washburn-Crosby Co.'s New Cook Book, 72 pages. Reissue of the 1894 booklet.

1900:

Gold Medal Flour CB, 72 pages. Col. Allen lists this item, but I can find no reference to it, nor any photo of it. All reprints that I have seen are of the following (1904) edition.

1904:

Gold Medal Flour CB, 72 pages. 8.5" by 11" SI = 5

Christmas Edition, Gold Medal Flour CB, 72 pages This book was reissued in 1970 and again later. The later reissues are very common, but this issue is rare. SI = 8

In 1907, Benjamin S. Bull (working for Washburn-Crosby) introduced the company's first true slogan: "Gold Medal Flour: Eventually -- Why Not Now?" With a tremendous outlay of advertising dollars, the slogan became a well known buzz phrase.

1908:

Gold Medal Flour CB, 74 pages. 8" by 11" SI = 3

1909:

Gold Medal Flour CB, 74 pages. 8" by 11" SI = 3

1910:

Gold Medal Flour CB, 74 pages. 8" by 11" SI = 2 or 3

How About Sweet Potato Pie?, 72 pages.
Listed in Kovel's, 1997 edition.

1911:

'Tis Well to Remember Men Like Bread, 8 pages A recipe for bread, written in poetry and prose.

Early 1910's:

Gold Medal Flour CB, 74 pages. 8.5" by 11" Slightly larger than the previous edition; still dated 1910.

1916:

Gold Medal Flour -- Eventually, Why Not Now?, pages.

A Good Bread Recipe, fold-out Small (4.75" by 6.25") fold-out pamphlet with woman standing. Dated information reads October, 1916. Form 200.

Gold Medal Flour CB, 74 pages. 8.5" by 11" SI = 4

1917:

Gold Medal Flour CB, 74 pages. 8.5" by 11" SI = 3

1921:

Best for Every Purpose, 16 pages Small staple-bound pamphlet with woman serving bread. No date, but mentions that 55 years have passed since 1866. No mention of Betty Crocker.

This year saw the introduction of "Betty Crocker," quite by accident. Washburn-Crosby held a contest, awarding pincushions to those who could assemble a jigsaw puzzle that depicted people carrying sacks of Gold Medal flour. Over 30,000 people reportedly responded, prompting the company to set up a means of responding. Since so many people had questions about recipes, a character was created that would symbolize the company in response to inquiries.

After William G. Crocker, a recent director of Washburn-Crosby, the name "Crocker" was chosen. The affable name of "Betty" was selected to be her first name. Various employees submitted signatures, one of which would represent "Betty Crocker"; the design handed in by Florence Lindeberg was determined to be both legible and distinctive and was chosen to represent the fictional character. The Betty Crocker kitchens were opened, and home economists were hired to test recipes. A cooking legend was born.

Gold Medal Flour CB, 74 pages. 8.5" by 11" Still dated 1917, but includes Betty Crocker.

1924:
Wheaties cereal introduced, after a few years of experimenting with flaked wheat cereal.

Wheat and Flour, 20 pages A black and white booklet in large type for children, to introduce them to Gold Medal Flour. This may have been a childrens' version of the book shown below.

Baking Better Bread, 31 pages. 7.75" by 10"

The Story of Wheat from Seed to Flour, 32 pages A fancy oversized softback book telling exactly what its title suggests. Naturally, when flour is the focus, the methods of Washburn-Crosby take prominence. There is an ad in back for the wooden box of recipes; Betty Crocker is listed as the contact person.

Also that year, Washburn-Crosby bought a radio station, which became WCCO (Washburn Crosby Co.) and then KCCO. Almost immediately, the company began offering the "Betty Crocker Cooking School of the Air." The show was so popular that by 1925 it had expanded to 13 local markets, featuring different women as Betty Crocker. In 1927, the program became part of the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), where it was broadcast nationally for the next 24 years -- sometimes reaching over a million listeners.

1925:

The Medal of Gold, 373 pages. by William C. Edgar This year, it was thought to write a history of the Washburn milling operation, from its inception to the present day. That account serves as a source for the information on this web page. Interestingly, since the increase in Betty Crocker's importance had not yet occurred, she is not mentioned in Edgar's book, although the company's changes in 1921 are briefly noted.

By 1925, the capacity of the Washburn-Crosby mills was 70,000 barrels per day.

1926:

What Every Woman Should Know About Baking, 12 pages. Subtitled "The New Meaning of Flour." 6.25" by 5" Features the "Betty Crocker" signature; written "by" Betty Crocker. The front cover appears to be the first attempt at depicting Betty in any cookbooklet. The same portrait had already appeared in advertising. SI = 6

Late 1920's:

Gold Medal Home Service Recipe Box These boxes were very popular and came out in several styles throughout the years: Wooden box; information in gold on front of lid; inside of lid shows several bags of flour and other items labeled "Gold Medal Foods" (c. 1924-28) Wooden box; information in gold on front of lid; inside of lid shows one bag of flour with new slogan: "Kitchen-Tested" (c. 1928) Wooden box; information on sticker on front of box; inside of lid shows woman in the kitchen (1929-early 30's) Metal box; information on sticker on front of box (1930's) The total number of cards is not known to me right now, but the earlier cards have a logo that reads "Eventually... why not now" in the upper left. The metal box was reproduced somewhat recently.

Directions for Making a Standard American Loaf of Bread This larger pamphlet came out at about the same time as the Recipe Boxes were first issued. The Gold Medal logo still features the "Eventually" slogan prominently, and the company is still listed as Washburn-Crosby (rather than General Mills).

1928:
This year, Washburn-Crosby joined several other millers in collecting together to form General Mills.

1929:

How to "Simplify" your Baking, 16 pages The information contained in the booklet (along with recipes) indicates that baking is "simplified" when flour is used that has been tested in kitchens as well as laboratories. "Kitchen-tested" was an expression that would become synonymous with Gold Medal Flour. The last page in the booklet contains the sketch of Betty that was used in the 1926 booklet and has a coupon which would enable someone to obtain a wooden box and recipe cards from General Mills for one dollar. The first page shows the original Betty Crocker signature. SI = 8

1931:
The highly popular "fast cooking" Bisquick was introduced this year. A General Mills executive, Carl Smith, learned from a railroad cook that a biscuit dough could be created which could be stored and made to order quickly. The chemists at General Mills discovered how to turn the cook's idea into a pre-packaged mix, and Bisquick emerged. Bisquick was promoted from the start by various means, including this tin recipe file from 1931. That file was reproduced in 1981 at the 50th anniversary of Bisquick.

1932:

15 Ways to a Man's Heart, 24 pages. Hardback Shows two slightly different versions of the "Betty Crocker" signature. The facial portrait that appeared in the 1926 pamphlet is shown here with a signature across it. SI = 8

1933:

Betty Crocker's 101 Delicious Bisquick Creations, 32 pages This first Bisquick cookbook emerged in '33, to be followed by many others. Bisquick was promoted as "Smart, Simple, Sure," and the popularity of the product indicates that most people agreed with that assessment. This booklet was also the first of at least three to feature recipes and testimonials from famous people. Among those represented here are Mary Pickford and Claudette Colbert. SI = 2

Betty Crocker's $25,000 Recipe Set, 60 pages A spiral-bound collection of recipes from famous chefs, kitchen-tested and adapted for American kitchens by the Gold Medal Home Service Department. SI = 4

Also in 1933, Wheaties became known as the "Breakfast of Champions," as the product began to sponsor baseball games. The slogan first appeared on a sign at a ball park, but the association of Wheaties with sports -- and the slogan -- has been part of advertising legend ever since.

1934:

New Party Cakes for all Occasions, 24 pages. Sponsored by Softasilk Includes the "Queen of Hearts" cake, which is pictured on the front cover. Booklet number 765. SI = 6

Vitality Demands Energy, 100 pages. Subtitled "109 Smart New Ways to Serve Bread" As with the Bisquick booklets, this bread book features testimonials from celebrities, including Emily Post. The foreword also displays a drawing of Betty Crocker herself. This is a hardback version of the following paperback. SI = 8

Vitality Demands Energy, 100 pages. Subtitled "109 Smart New Ways to Serve Bread" As with the Bisquick booklets, this bread book features testimonials from celebrities, including Emily Post. The foreword also displays a drawing of Betty Crocker herself. SI = 4

From 1934 until 1942, Bisquick and Wheaties ran an advertising promotion that involved Shirley Temple. Buy the General Mills product, and send in coupons for cobalt blue Shirley Temple tumblers and pitcher. Although not rare, these are collectible in excellent condition.

1935:

Let the Stars Show You How to Take a Trick a Day with Bisquick, 41 pages The "stars" included several of the most famous people of the day, including Clark Gable and of course "Betty Crocker." SI = 3

The 1932 flatware pattern "Friendship," made by Wm. Rogers & Son (Oneida) was also available by this time through Gold Medal Flour, Wheaties, Softasilk, and Bisquick coupons as "Medality." Coupons were available in small recipe pamphlets that retailed for 15c each. These coupons were the precursor to the later Betty Crocker points. These pamphlets included such titles as "Foods Men Rave About" and "Foods Men Hurry Home For" and feature a drawing of Betty Crocker.

1936:

Betty Crocker's 15 Prize Recipes, pages subtitled "Favorites of Each Year -- 1921 to 1936" Celebrating the 15th anniversary of "Betty Crocker." SI = 5

1939:

The Story of Fifty Hymns, 121 pages Black and gold cover. Contains the lyrics and stories behind fifty of the hymns that were sung on the "Hymns of All Churches" radio program, which was sponsored by General Mills since its inception in 1934. The booklet contains one new recipe by Betty Crocker, the favorite cake recipe of the radio program's director, Joe Emerson.

1942:

All Purpose Baking, 100 pages. Gold cover; 25c price. SI = 2

Meal Planning on a Limited Budget, 16 pages. Subtitled "Nutrition for Defense" A black and white booklet with tips on saving food money. Features the (original) Betty Crocker signature on the front cover. Prepared prior to food rationing but issued afterward. Contains a (rubber) stamping indicating new bread standards for the coming year of 1943.

1943:

Your Share, 48 pages. 5.25" by 8" Talks about how to save dairy products, fat, and reduce the consumption of rationed foods. SI = 1

c. 1945:

Betty Crocker "Double-Quick" Method Gold Medal Cakes, 100 pages No date, but is part of the series inaugurated by the "New Method" cakes booklet, above. Contains a color center spread. Mentions what to do in case sugar is in low supply. SI = 5

1946:
Oneida began offering their Queen Bess pattern of flatware in conjunction with General Mills' new promotion, which consisted of including "points" along with Betty Crocker products, which could be redeemed for premiums. The "points" idea became so popular that it is still used today.

A new portrait of a more mature Betty Crocker was commissioned. The official rendering was painted by Haddom H. Sundblom in oil on canvas. Also that year, a new signature came into use. In the second signature, the shape of the "B" is quite different, with a straight left side. (See the cookbooks below for details).

Betty Crocker "New Method" Gold Medal Cakes, 100 pages. No date, but appears to precede the booklet that follows. Contains recipes that answer requests made of "Betty" during the course of her radio show.

New Betty Crocker Method Recipes, 32 pages. Subtitled "New Magic in Cake Making" Two printings are known. One printing has the subtitle against a red background, and the other (shown) has the subtitle written on a black background.

1947:
The Betty Crocker Guide to Pressure Cooking
This was the "how to" manual that accompanied the General Mills PressureQuick saucepan.

Toast
Subtitled: "the Betty Crocker Way"
This little booklet was the instruction manual that accompanied the General Mills Automatic Toaster.

1948:

Chiffon Cake Recipes, 20 pages. about 5.5" by 9" According to one report, the chiffon cake was a specialty item until Betty Crocker released this cookbook in 1948.

Betty Crocker Picture Cooky Book, 48 pages The portrait of Betty on this cook book may be a modified version of the Sundblom painting. SI = 4

1949:

Cooking for Fifty, 34 pages. Features recipes for large groups: camps; socials; school lunches; etc.

1950:

Betty Crocker's Picture CB, pages. red cover; first printing does not mention printing info Betty Crocker's first comprehensive cookbook was available in both hardback and ring bound editions. The binder format proved to be more popular. Available in at least nine printings from 1950 to 1956.

Betty Crocker's Picture CB, Limited Special Edition, 448 pages. multicolored blue cover; first printing so indicates This is a deluxe format version of the popular Picture CB. Each of these copies was given away and inscribed to someone. The inscription page was signed in pen with a "Betty Crocker" signature.

A Gift You Bake is From the Heart, 8 pages 121 recipes.

1951:

Betty Crocker's Cake Mix Magic, 28 pages Five binder holes 8 recipes and gift-wrapping suggestions.

1952:

So You're Serving a Crowd, 50 pages. A booklet of recipes adapted for larger groups.

1953:
Mirro Aluminum made the Junior Baking Kit, which included the following cookbook:

Betty Crocker's Junior Baking Book, 16 pages 6" by 9" An introduction to baking for children.

Notes from the Betty Crocker Kitchen, 12 pages. No date, but since the transitional signature (straight-sided "B") is found on the cover, the booklet must have been issued between 1946 and 1954.

1954:
In conjunction with the introduction of two Betty Crocker cake mixes, Mirro Aluminum released two cake pans, engraved with slogans introducing the mixes.

A new Betty Crocker signature emerged this year, with a "B" that sported an extension on the left side at the top. Notice that the crossbar of the two "t's" extends over the "y" in "Betty."

Betty Crocker's Good and Easy CB, 256 pages small size, about 6" by 8" Spiral Hardback; white cover with block background. $1.00 original price Issued in at least 8 printings, then reissued in 1962 as the New Boys and Girls CB, with a pentagram trivet and different food on the cover and 196 pages. SI = 1

The spiral hardback series was extremely popular. General Mills (Betty Crocker) released several books in the coming years in the "small" format, then revamped the entire series beginning in 1963 in a newer "large" format. The series continued to add members, finally being encorporated into other series in 1970.

Late 1950's:

My Betty Crocker Notebook, dividers and blank pages Ring binder, about 6" by 8" Intended for use at home, the pages are simply white paper, but the dividers have recipes printed on them.

1955:

Gold Medal Jubilee Select Recipes, 49 pages. About 6" by 10" SI = 3

1956:

Betty Crocker's Picture CB, 472 pages Hardback (less common) or ring bound (more common) A new and revised edition. Issued in at least 4 printings. SI = 3 (hardback) SI = 2 (ring bound)

Betty Crocker's Bisquick CB, 26 pages. About 6" by 8"

1957:

Betty Crocker's CB for Boys and Girls, 191 pages small size, about 6" by 8" Spiral Hardback; white cover with children. $1.00 original price Issued in at least 6 printings, then reissued in 1965 as the New Boys and Girls CB, with a yellow cover and 156 pages. SI = 1

Betty Crocker's Pie Parade, 38 pages. Three binder holes

Softasilk Special Occasion Cakes, 32 pages pink cover

Betty Crocker's Bisquick Party Book, 24 pages. About 6" by 8"

Betty Crocker invites you to enjoy music for Cake 'N Coffee Time
45 RPM record, with picture sleeve and coupon insert
RCA SP-45-29
Back of sleeve features four short recipes.

Betty Crocker's Cooky Carnival, 40 pages Three binder holes multicolored cover; contains recipes from the Picture CB. SI = 3

1958:

Betty Crocker's Dinner for Two CB, 207 pages. About 6" by 8" Spiral Hardback; cover shows blue and white dinnerware and food Issued in at least 4 printings, then reissued in 1964 as the New Dinner for Two CB, with 156 pages and a cover showing candles. SI = 1

How to Have the Most Fun With Cake Mixes, 34 pages 5.5" by 8" 25c cover price Introduces four Betty Crocker frosting mixes. Date is approximate.

Betty Crocker's Frosting Secrets, 24 pages. Subtitled "Fun With Frostings"

Betty Crocker's Holiday Calendar, 8 pages. About 7" by 10", with binder holes Contains several holiday recipes. All pulp paper; no slick cover.

1959:

Betty Crocker's Guide to Easy Entertaining, 176 pages Spiral hardback; about 6" by 8" Cover looks like needlepoint. Known in at least two printings. SI = 2

133 Quicker Ways to Homemade...With Bisquick, 26 pages. SI = 4

Betty Crocker's Frankly Fancy Foods Recipe Book, 28 pages. Five binder holes.

12 Spectacular Television Treats, 6 pages Magazine Insert with two coupons and recipes Contains ads for seven shows sponsored by General Mills.

Late 1950's:

Breads You Bake ... With Yeast, 12 pages Five binder holes. SI = 5

1960:

Betty Crocker's Party Book, pages. About 6" by 8" Spiral Hardback; cover shows a party Known in at least two printings. SI = 2 or 3

All-American Favorite Recipes, 20 pages. Subtitled "with Mazola Corn Oil and Gold Medal Flour Five binder holes.

1961:

Outdoor CB, 176 pages Spiral Hardback; white cover with tree. At least four printings exist. Reissued in 1967 as the New Outdoor CB, with a red cover and 156 pages. A Bantam Books paperback edition of this book and 9 others in the series was published in June, 1976. SI = 2

Betty Crocker's New Picture CB, 455 pages. Ring binder (more common) or hardback (less common) At least three printings exist of each version. SI = 1

Betty Crocker's Bake Up a Story, 20 pages Package insert Includes such unforgettable items as "Magic Carpet Cookies," "Camelot Cookies," "Jack-be-nimble Date Cake," and "Tom Thumb Pizzas." Uses the earlier BC signature, where the crossbar of the t's extends over the "y". That fact, and the number on the back cover dates this pamphlet earlier than 1963, despite some publications stating otherwise. The pamphlet itself is undated.

1962:

Betty Crocker's Cooking Calendar, 176 pages Spiral Hardback; multicolored cover.

1963:

Betty Crocker's Cooky Book, 156 pages Spiral Hardback; red cover. Large size. At least 16 printings exist. The 10th printings (from 1970) on have a different cover than the first nine. SI = 1

The above book features a new Betty Crocker signature which looks very similar to the one above, except that the crossbar for the two T's does not extend over the "y" in "Betty." That new signature appears almost identical to the one currently in use.

Betty Crocker's Merry Makings, 24 pages
Cover has a blue-violet background and multicolored drawing.
Subtitled "Fun Foods for Happy Entertaining"
One source says 10 pages; date is approximate.

1964:

Betty Crocker's Parties for Children, 163 pages. Spiral Hardback; pink cover. Large size. At least two printings exist.

Bisquick CB, 112 pages. Spiral hardback Small size, about 6" by 8". Several printings exist. SI = 2

Festive Fixins With a Foreign Flair, 24 pages. Package insert This was Betty Crocker's holiday insert from 1964, containing Christmas recipes from around the world.

1965:

Betty Crocker's Dinner in a Dish CB, 152 pages. Spiral hardback, large size. Also available in hardback. Several printings exist. SI = 2

Holidays on Parade, 24 pages. Package insert This, the holiday insert for 1965, includes for the first time recipes made with Peter Pan peanut butter, which had been introduced by General Mills during the year. Also contains a coupon good for seven cents off of any Peter Pan peanut butter purchase.

1966:

Betty Crocker's Cake and Frosting Mix CB, 144 pages Spiral hardback; large size Cover pictures cakes; one chocolate cake says "Tex" in the icing.

Betty Crocker's Holiday Heritage, 16 pages. This holiday booklet for 1966 features "heritage" sections from the east, midwest, southwest, and south, along with a section of cookies.

Holiday Recipes and Ideas for the 12 Days of Christmas, 16 pages

1967:

Betty Crocker's Hostess CB, 168 pages. Spiral hardback; large size SI = 2

So Quick with New Bisquick, 120 pages Cover pictures waffles and pancakes.

42 Hot Potato Ideas, 16 pages
white and multicolored cover, featuring spoon logo

1968:

Betty Crocker's Pie and Pastry CB, 160 pages. Spiral hardback; large size

TV Cooking Capers, 10 pages.
Orange cover with drawing of a fox. Has earlier signature with crossbars extending over the "y" in "Betty".

Holiday Hostess "Can Do" Recipes, 16 pages

1969:

Betty Crocker's Cookbook, pages Hardback or Ring Binder with red cover or trade paperback with white cover. May be found with or without insert from Sears. At least 22 printings exist.

Betty Crocker's Ways With Hamburger, 28 pages. hardback

Betty Crocker's Ways With Chicken, 24 pages. Light blue cover with drawing of a chicken Printed by Golden Press.

Betty Crocker's Kitchen Gardens, 170 pages Hardback Includes sections on planting and harvesting herbs and vegetables -- and of course their uses in recipes.

Betty Crocker's Cakes Kids Love, 24 pages. Quite a few recipes for cakes in interesting shapes and decorations.

Unknown Time:

Gold Medal Sandwich Book, 36 pages. Dedicated to the Earl of Sandwich About 3" by 5"; contains 100 recipes for sandwiches Published by Washburn-Crosby, so it predates General Mills.

Bibliography

A few words about Scarcity and Condition:

Scarcity

The Scarcity Index (SI) is an attempt to measure how common or how rare items are, relative to one another. A "1" rating indicates a very common item -- several copies of very common items can be found on eBay every week. A book rated "2" is estimated to exist in about half the quantity as a "1" book, and so on. Items rated "5" to "7" are considered "scarce." If you see a copy on eBay, another will likely not appear until a few months have passed. Items rated "8" or "9" are "rare": you may see one or two copies on eBay every year. Items rated "10" are "very rare."

Condition

The condition of a paper item greatly affects its value (and resale prospects). The most common conditions given for paper items are: fine (F or "near mint" NM): very good plus (VG+); very good (VG); very good minus (VG-); good (G); fair (fr); and poor (p).

Use the condition in connection with the Scarcity Index. Items with SI 1-5 are generally not collectible in conditions lower than VG (very good). This does not mean that people will never buy copies, but since the book is relatively common, buyers will want to obtain lower grade copies cheaply (a few bucks). On the Internet, most low grade common books sell for $5 or less. For books of slightly higher interest, VG copies sell for 1/4 to 1/3 of the Fine condition price. VG+ copies sell for 1/2 to 3/4 of the Fine price.

Items with SI 6 or 7 are normally collected in G (good) grade or higher, although some collectors will wait for better copies to surface. Good condition copies will sell (typically) for 1/10 to 1/6 what a Fine copy will bring.

Items that are rare or very rare will sell in almost any grade, although obviously higher grade copies will sell for much more. "Poor" condition normally means "not collectible no matter what," but if the book has some significance historically and is rare, even poor condition copies will sell.

All books from the late 60's on are assumed to be common in higher grades.