Orange and Date Muffins

This Historic Recipe, Orange and Date Muffins by Queenie McBean, comes to us from “Lambton County Cook Book 1849 – 1999 – 150th."

Queenie Grace Close was born on June 15, 1912, in Saskatchewan to William John and Mary Grace (Neilson) Close. She was the fourth child born in the Close family

Her parents had three children before Queenie was born; Sadie Madeline Close (1909 – 1910) and twin boys Watson Robert Close and Neilson John Close (1910 – 1911). After Queenie's birth, they had a daughter Olive Irene (Close) Sitter (1913 – 2010).

Queenie was two years old when her father passed away on February 5, 1914, in Saskatchewan. His remains were transported by train back to Thedford to be buried in Pinehill Cemetery. After her father’s death they moved in with her mother’s father.

Her mother remarried on August 29, 1929 to Thomas Henry Piggott, the son of Henry and Mary (Close) Piggott. Thomas was also a widower and this was his third marriage. He had five children from his previous relationships. Thomas was a resident of Moore Twp. and so this is where they lived.

Queenie met John Franklin "Frank" McBean and they wed on November 4, 1944. Together they had two chosen children; a daughter who is still living and a son named Douglas Franklin McBean. Sadly Douglas was killed in a car accident on November 18, 1972. At the time of his death, he was married to a woman named Laura Watson and they had two children together.

In addition to Douglas and Laura's children, Frank and Queenie two granddaughters.

Frank and Queenie raised their children and farmed in the Brigden area and were very community minded. Queenie was involved with the Brigden Fair Board, Moore Agricultural society “Ladies Division” as well as the Women’s Institute. In her downtime, Queenie also enjoyed playing the card game Bridge.

After leaving the Brigden area, she moved to Sarnia and then to Lion’s Head in the Bruce Peninsula.

She passed away on December 14, 2016, in her 105th year at the Golden Dawn Seniors Residence in Wiarton. Queenie and her husband Frank – who predeceased her in 1988 are laid to rest at Bear Creek Cemetery, Brigden.

Instructions

Cut orange and remove seeds. Place in blender with juice, oil, dates and egg. Chop to cut up orange, but do not puree. Sift dry ingredients. Pour orange mixture over dry ingredients and stir to moisten. Spoon into greased muffin tins. Bake at 400 F for 20 – 25 minutes. Makes 1 doz. Muffins. Enjoy.