"Soak the Gelatin and Scald the Cream": Cookery at the Drexel Institute, 1894-1914

In establishing the Drexel Institute of Art, Science, and Industry in 1891, Anthony J. Drexel’s goal was to provide practical education and vocational training to both men and women. This exhibition offers a view into the experiences of the students and an instructor at the Department of Domestic Economy. This department, later known as the Department of Domestic Science and Arts, offered opportunities for women’s studies in cooking, child care, dressmaking, and the service industry. The cookery program was particularly popular, and offered several classes in general cooking, teacher training, and invalid cookery. Students cooked in practice kitchens located in the Main Building and prepared lunch for the Drexel cafeteria. Student records show that the Department’s graduates went on to work as cooks in hotels and hospitals, and instructors of cooking and home economics. This digital exhibit recreates the "Historical Cooking Exhibition at Hagerty," an exhibition opened at the W.W. Hagerty Library at Drexel on September 26, 2008.