Virtually unknown today, the College of Cook Book Knowledge provided a unique education for 50 years (1898-1948).

 Cooking and the study of cook books were elevated to a prominent place within a traditional curriculum of arts and sciences.

 For a short illustrated history, move your mouse cursor over the old glass slide, and watch Elsie light up; then click. Or, click here.

 Esmeralda J. Hincklebottom (pictured), or Elsie, as everyone called her, was dean from 1928 to 1936.

"...Elsie had a very good sense of humor, and yet, she always appeared strict and serious. As a result, her humor sometimes seemed so out of character that one did not always recognize it, or if recognized, it struck one like a secret unveiled, rather than a quip or joke."

(All About Elsie, from Calendar of Memories, 1942)