Ida Bailey Allen

Ida Cogswell Bailey Allen (January 30, 1885 – July 16, 1973) was an American chef and author who was once popularly known as "The Nation's Homemaker," writing more than 50 cookbooks. She was described as "The original domestic goddess" by antique cookbook experts Patricia Edwards and Peter Peckham.

Early years Allen was born in 1885 in Danielson, Connecticut.

Career

In 1924 Allen was food editor of the Sunday New York American. By 1928 she was hosting a regular daytime radio show which expanded to two hours the following year. She not only performed on the show, she also produced and sold her own advertising; she was a pioneer in selling spot advertising rather than having a single company sponsor a show. The program ended in 1932, at which time she began a syndicated cooking show on the Columbia Broadcasting System (now known as CBS). She became television's first female food host on Mrs. Allen and the Chef.

She was an editor of Good Housekeeping, writing the "Three Meals a Day" column, as well as Home Economics Editor of Pictorial Review and Woman's World.

Death

Allen died July 16, 1973, in Norwalk, Connecticut.

Published works Mrs. Allen's Cookbook, 1917, one of the many cookbooks authored by Allen This is a partial list of Allen's published works.

For The Bride - Helpful Hints Practical Suggestions and Valuable Records. Reuben Donnelley Corp., Chicago 1922 & 1923. Home Partners, or, Seeing the Family Through, Privately Printed, 1924

Your Foods and You, PF Collier & Son, 1929

Gastronomique: A Cookbook for Gourmets, 1962 Best Loved Recipes of the American People, 1973