For many of us, special food traditions are the highlight of the holiday season. At this time of year when the days are short and the nights are long, holiday meals shared with friends and family are some of our most cherished memories. In fact, studying foodways is an important way of understanding the past. Our vast archival collection documents culinary traditions in the region and contain historic menus, cookbooks, and even a collection of photographs and papers belonging to classically trained chef George Ferrand, a fixture at the Broadmoor for seventeen years. However, our collection is never truly complete, and we are always interested in learning more.
Recently, we received a very welcome donation of one of Joyce Gilmer’s cookbooks, “A Few of My Favorite Things.” Joyce was first interviewed for our award-winning Voices and Visions oral history project in 1993. Put simply, Gilmer was an extraordinary person who left a legacy of kindness, grace, intelligence, professionalism, and extraordinary hospitality. Thirty years after that first interview, family friend Rochelle Taylor, founding member of Sankofa, and a CSPM exhibit contributor, generously donated Joyce Gilmer’s cookbook to the CSPM and we are delighted to share more of her story, and her recipes with you this holiday season.
Born and raised in Hayti, Missouri, Joyce was the daughter of a carpenter father and former schoolteacher mother. She was a standout student who dreamed of getting a college degree. Unfortunately, her family was unable to afford college tuition for any of their six children. After her high school graduation, Joyce sought work in Chicago before marrying a former schoolmate. Unfortunately, Joyce and her military husband divorced in 1971, shortly after moving to Colorado Springs. Joyce decided to put down roots and raise her three children here. After attending real estate school, she became the first Black female real estate agent in Colorado Springs, opening her own company – Joyce Realty in 1976. Remarkably, as a single working mother, Joyce Gilmer graduated from UCCS with a Business Degree at the age of 47 in 1983. Her gold UCCS graduation gown – specially made for her – is on permanent exhibit in Any Place That is North and West.
"Any North That is North or West"
All the while, Gilmer ensured that her children’s educational goals and extracurricular activities were priorities, stating, “Being a single parent, I was always consciously doing something to make the children feel happy and secure.” Son Keith and daughter Karen went to the Colorado Springs School, and daughter Kim attended the Fountain Valley School —all on academic scholarships. Additionally, all three Gilmer children graduated from college, with son Keith earning a medical degree and practicing as a physician.
The tightknit family enjoyed cooking and enjoying meals together, food always serving as the “glue that holds things together.” The Gilmer home was a well-known “gathering place” for family and friends, including neighbors, scout troops, community leaders, exchange students, and anyone who needed connection, conversation, and a home-cooked meal served with incredible style. Joyce Gilmer’s cookbook, “A Few of My Favorite Things” is dedicated to single parents and their children. During the next two weeks, we are pleased to share several of Joyce’s recipes with you – and wish you many happy, memorable holiday meals with your family and friends.
Featured Photo: A Few of My Favorite Things, cookbook by Joyce Gilmer, Generously donated by Rochelle Taylor, CSPM Collections.
