LA SALLE - Long before Martha Stewart, there was Betty Crocker. Take a look back at the impact of the Betty Crocker Cookbook when the LaSalle Public Library virtually hosts historian Leslie Goddard with her presentation, “Betty Crocker and Her Cookbook That Changed How America Cooks.” The program will take place on Saturday, Dec. 19 beginning at 2 p.m.

In 1950, Betty Crocker’s Picture Cook Book hit shelves with sales that rivaled that of another book, the Bible. To date, the classic cookbook has sold more than 75 million copies. Created in 1921, by a flour company, Betty Crocker became the most famous and the most trusted advisor to American cooks. In this fun, illustrated lecture, Goddard looks at how Betty Crocker was invented, why her cookbook has endured, and what makes her so iconic. 

Goddard is a scholar and an award-winning actress who has been presenting history programs for more than 10 years. She holds a Ph.D. from Northwestern University specializing in American studies and U.S. history and also has a Master’s degree in theater. A former museum director, she is the author of two books on history and currently works full-time as an author and public speaker. Her programs have been presented for hundreds of museums, libraries, senior centers, clubs, and other organizations around the country.

This program is free and open to the public. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link.  Register by going to https://bit.ly/37cvZ8J. If you prefer to connect to the program using an iPad or smartphone rather than a computer, need more information or have questions, please contact Rachael Blomquist, Digital Content Librarian, at rblomquist@lasalle.lib.il.us or call the library at (815) 223-2341.