Who were Mary Campbell and Tasha Tudor?
The idea for this question came garden-fresh from Erin Moran, who writes a historical and recipe blog specifically from women past called the Soul Spun Kitchen. She contacted the Salisbury Historical Society, and we shared some data. It is included in her research on her wonderful blog. Check it out!
Mrs. Mason Campbell’s Blueberry Topsy Turvy Cake (New England-1970) – Erin E. Moulton
Mary Campbell, a cookbook author, spent her summers in Salisbury with her husband, Doug, from 1947 to 1985, enjoying their home and garden at 70 Franklin Road. In 1985, David and Dora Rapalyea purchased the property; they remain the owners as of 2025.
Tasha Tudor was a well-known and prolific creator and illustrator of over 100 children’s books. Her style can be described as 1830s Americana. She resided in Webster, NH, at the same time.
Mary Mason Campbell and Tasha Tudor no doubt made their acquaintance during the time they both resided in our area and collaborating on a cookbook called the New England Butt’ry Shelf Almanac. The cookbook includes a collection of 200 New England recipes with illustrations from Tasha Tudor and was published in 1969.
Both women had a great love of rural life, simple living, and tradition.
