July 25, 2014 – NC Miscellany

A pickle low party in Pittsboro

Photo by Dorothea Lange. "Sign tacked to pole near the post office. Main street, Pittsboro, North Carolina," Dorothea Lange, 1939 — “Sign tacked to pole near the post office. Main street, Pittsboro, North Carolina,” Dorothea Lange, 1939

Here’s something for you to contemplate over the weekend.

In her trek through North Carolina in 1939, famed documentary photographer Dorothea Lange captured the photo above in Pittsboro. Lange offered no details other than those that appear in the above caption. So it’s hard to know why she decided to turn her camera toward the sign. But I’d hazard a guess that it’s the term pickle low party. Is pickle low merely a misspelling of piccolo? Or does pickle low have something to do with pickles? We’re vexed. And in a quick search around the web, it seems that others who’ve seen this photo are also confused by the term. Can anybody offer some clarification?

Waste not, want not…recipes from the collection.

Larrapin Tongue with Blackberry Sauce from Marion Brown’s southern cook book.

Liver and Bacon Bake from Mountain elegance : a collection of favorite recipes.

Scrapple from Mountain makin’s in the Smokies : a cook book.

Head Cheese from Keepers of the hearth : based on records, ledgers and shared recipes of the families connected with Mill Prong House, Edinborough Road, Hoke County, North Carolina.

Fresh Tongue from Dixie dishes

Calf’s Feet from The young housewife’s counsellor and friend : containing directions in every department of housekeeping; including the duties of wife and mother.

Brains Terrapin from Marion Brown’s southern cook book.

Chitterlings from America cooks : practical recipes from 48 states.