1853 Advice for Making a Home Happy "In 1853 the 216 page Skillful Housewife's Book by Mrs. L. G. Abell was published. It included many recipes and directed itself to such other topics as household duties, health care, gardening, birds, and education of children." I really couldn't find much information about the author. What I did find is that Mrs. L.G. Abell was thought a very wise, informed, and skillful homemaker. Here is an excerpt from the book in our Almanac: "It is not the imposing majesty of a sumptuous mansion, nor the hollow glare of gaudy furniture, nor the obsequious attention of servants, that make the blessedness of a home. No, it is the steady exercise of those holy charities, that soothes our sorrows, and builds the nest of peace, love, and true enjoyment in our bosoms. It is a mutual respect and attention, a kind consideration of each others feelings, under all circumstances - a sympathy in our cares, a regard to...