Pumpkin Muffins

This Historic Recipe, Pumpkin Muffins by Betti-Jo App, comes to us from the “Make, Bake and Create” cookbook by Sunny Brooke Women’s Institute.

Robert Lee “Bob” (1918 – 1975) App was the son of George C. App (1894 - 1952) and Josephine (Schneiter) (abt 1894 – 1988) App. Bob’s parents were both born in Kentucky and relocated to Indiana were George worked as a printer. They then moved to Detroit, where Bob was born. Bob had also had one brother, George, that died at just six days old. 

Delphine “Del” (1920 – 1975) King was born in Brooke Twp., Lambton County to parents Harold E. King (1897 – 1972) and Blanche (Lucas) King (1900 – 1980). By 1930 the family had moved to Michigan and, in the 1940’s, Del and her parents worked as florists in Detroit. Her father Harold also worked as printer.

On October 25, 1940 Bob and Del were married in Detroit, Michigan. They moved to Indiana where Bob worked in the printing business but in 1950 the family moved to Petrolia.

Bob and Del had three children, two sons and one daughter, and were blessed with six grandchildren, one being Betti-Jo App.

Tragically on January 16, 1975 Bob and Del died in a motor vehicle accident.

The following is an excerpt from the Advertiser-Topic, Petrolia, Ontario – Wednesday, January 15, 1975 p. 1:

“Mr. and Mrs. App came to Petrolia on March 1, 1950 from Detroit where he had been a printer, and opened a florist shop in the Fletcher store on the South side of Petrolia Street east of Greenfield. From the first it was known as King’s Flowers “Fit for a Queen” after a shop owned by Mrs. App’s father. A few years later it was moved to the present location on the opposite side of the street. The couple and their children lived upstairs. A year ago, they moved to their farm on the 10th line in Brooke.

Bob was an unabashed clown and prankster, but also a dedicated member of the Petrolia volunteer fire department, an enthusiastic fan of minor hockey and a founding member of the unique Petrolia First Aid Corps and a member of Washington Lodge No. 260.

Mrs. App was a member of the Pillar Chapter, O.E.S, Detroit, and of the I.O.D.E. here.

The couple leave a history of kindnesses and community services. Their flowers welcomed nearly every new business to every new business to town.”

Bob and Del’s celebration of life saw eighteen Flower and Pallbearers, which included many friends and local business owners/ professionals. A few notable participants were Robert Cunningham of Spic and Span Dry Cleaners, Charles Fairbank of VanTuyl and Fairbank - Oil Producer, Jerry Brooks of Petrolia Sporting Goods, Ludvic Podolinsky of Podolinsky Equipment Ltd., Dr Frank Riedl - Medical Doctor, and Dr Robert Green - Veterinarian.

They were laid to rest in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Brooke township, Lambton County.

Instructions

In beater bowl beat eggs slightly. Add the sugar, oil and pumpkin and beat thoroughly. Measure into a sifter the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt and sift these dry ingredients over the creamed mixture. Blend until smooth then stir in the raisins.

Fill each greased muffin cup 2/3 full of batter. Bake at 400° for about 15 minutes or until done when tested with a toothpick.