Imagine using a recipe to learn the social status of a person, the region of the world where they live or originate from, and the approximate year in history that the food reflects. All this historic information and more can be gleaned from a recipe, says Marie Schultz, chairperson of the Genesee Valley Food History Guild.

   Schultz, of Albion, NY and Patricia Meal of Caledonia, are among the founding members of the GVFHG. Both are 19^th century hearth cooks at Genesee County Museum. Along with a few others, the ladies formed the guild two years ago and began meeting in Mead’s kitchen. The mission of the guild is to expand the members’ knowledge of food history.

   "Food is something everyone uses everyday, as far back as the caveman. When you learn about foods, you learn about history," Schultz says.

   In just two years, guild members have explored a variety of food paths through history. The group visited the Broadway Market in Buffalo, a primarily Polish indoor public market that features over 50 vendors in the old world tradition of Eastern European heritage. Even their exploration into the origins of mustard and ketchup uncovered a unique chapter in history, as did their study of foods from the Great Depression era.

   Their monthly meeting topics are varied and may range from creating a 19^th century traditional recipe or, as was done at their last meeting, the members focused on a holiday tradition. Guild member Karen Rapone presented the beauty and art of the hand-decorated panoramic Easter egg. Each member created a unique egg.

   Future meetings are equally as varied. The guild hosted special guest Francois Lachance, manager of Star of the West Milling Company, at their March meeting. Located on Main Street in the Village of Churchville, Star of the West is said to be the oldest operating commercial mill in the Genesee Valley. Other special guests coming this spring include Lynne Belluscio, curator of the LeRoy Historical Society and Director of the Jell-O Museum, who will present a program called, "Eating your Way through the Phelps and Gorham Purchase," referring to the 1788 land purchase by Oliver Phelps and Nathaniel Gorham of six million acres of land in Western New York.

    Schultz says new members are always welcome. The guild meets at the Big Springs Museum in Caledonia. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Genesee Valley Food History Guild, you may contact Pat Mead at 538-4396 or Marie Schultz at 682-4365 for more information. You may also log on to their website at www.geocities.com/denrie13/gvfhg.html