Dorothy Dean

Homemaker extraordinaire Dorothy Dean was never one to rest on her laurels. The women who worked for the Dorothy Dean homemakers service not only published the leaflets that many still use, they also maintained a hotline for homemakers who needed help with recipes or other kitchen problems. The women in the department also produced a long-lived “Ask Dorothy Dean” column in the newspaper, hosted demonstrations, tested and updated recipes and held an annual recipe contest.

Here’s what some longtime fans have to say: ‘My cookbook is well worn with multiple spills and dog-eared pages – evidence of many years of use and good eating.” – Charlene Janson, Spokane

Many of the people who called, wrote or e-mailed about Dorothy Dean said she seemed like a trusted friend, mother or grandmother. The recipe leaflets and phone line gave them a much-needed connection for confidence in the kitchen. We also heard from the children of some of the real women who served as the head of the Dorothy Dean department. Here’s what they said: