Distinctly superior compared to many other photographs, the lady in the photograph is elegant and clearly a well-to-do individual. The name inscribed in the album – Hilda Duckitt - Who is she?
In a pre-1910 photographic family album recently acquired by the author, two images were found of Hildagonda (Hilda) Duckitt taken at different stages in her life.
Prior to 1915, names of sitters would have been recorded in less than 10 percent of instances, be that on the actual photograph itself or via an inscription in the photograph album. Where a name has been recorded, it is often worthwhile researching.
Much information is available on the internet about Hilda. The purpose of this article is purely to share the photographic images of her with a brief synopsis of the information already contained on the internet.
She was South Africa’s first celebrity chef!
She is described as the dame of Cape cuisine, celebrated hostess, homely spirit and matriarch of the Duckitt family. She was born at Groote Post (Darling) on 21 February 1839 and baptized during August 1839. It is recorded that she spent more than half her life at this historic farm.
Hilda published two books, namely:
- "Hilda's 'Where Is It?' of Recipes" (published 1891) - Containing, amongst other practical and tried recipes, many old Cape, Indian and Malay dishes and preserves. The same book also includes guidance on how to polish furniture or cleaning silk as well as a collection of home remedies in case of illness.
- "Hilda's...
