America Preserved

A spirited look at how funeral homes impacted American consumerism, the built environment, and national identities. Funeral homes—those grand, aging mansions repurposed into spaces for embalming, merchandising, funeral services, and housing for the funeral director and their family—are immediately recognizable features of the American landscape, and yet the history of how these spaces emerged remains largely untold. In Preserved, Dean Lampros uses the history of this uniquely American architectural icon to explore the twentieth century's expanding consumer landscape and reveal how buildings can help construct identities. Across the United States, Lampros traces the funeral industry's early twentieth-century exodus from gloomy downtown undertaking parlors to outmoded Victorian houses in residential districts. As savvy retailers and accidental preservationists, funeral directors refashioned the interiors into sumptuous retail settings that stimulated consumer demand for luxury burial goods. These spaces allowed for more privacy and more parking, and they helped turn Americans away from traditional home funerals toward funeral homes instead. Moreover, by moving into neighborhoods that were once the domain of white elites, African American funeral directors uplifted their industry and altered the landscape of white supremacy. The funeral home has tracked major changes in American culture, including an increased reliance on the automobile and the rise of consumer culture. Preserved offers an in-depth cultural history of a space that is both instantly familiar and largely misunderstood.

"William H. Whyte's curiosity compelled him to question the status quo--whether helping to make Fortune Magazine essential reading for business leaders, warning of "groupthink" in his bestseller The Organization Man, or standing up for Jane Jacobs as she advocated for the vitality of city life and public space. This compelling biography sheds light on Whyte's bold way of thinking, ripe for rediscovery at a time when we are reshaping our communities into places of opportunity and empowerment for all citizens" -- Backcover.

Step into the rich traditions and innovative techniques of home preservation with "The Preserved Pantry," your essential guide to transforming the bounties of your kitchen into treasures of taste and time. Unlock a world of flavor, health benefits, and satisfying self-sufficiency with the turn of every page. Ever wonder how to capture the summer’s zest in a jar to savor during the winter chill? Yearn for that perfect blend of sweet, sour, and crunch in a homemade pickle? Look no further! "The Preserved Pantry" is a treasure trove of preservation wisdom, brimming with mouthwatering recipes and indispensable advice. Embark on a flavorful journey starting with the "Essence of Pickling and Canning," where you'll unearth the secrets behind the age-old practice of food preservation. Explore the "Essential Tools and Ingredients" needed to begin your adventure and master the "Basic Techniques in Pickling" to create tangy delights that will make your taste buds dance. Deepen your skills with "Basic Techniques in Canning," ensuring every jar you seal is packed with peak freshness and safety in mind. Prep your fruits and veggies as you never have before, diving into the "Art of Flavor Balancing" that teaches you to create syrups, brines, and spices that infuse each preserve with complex and unforgettable character. From "Pickle Varieties and Recipes" that will expand your culinary repertoire to the sweet craft of jams and jellies in "Jamming and Jellies Sweet Preserves," your shelves will soon sparkle with colors and flavors for every occasion. Cap off your creations with "Canning Tomatoes Sauces, Salsas, and More," and revel in the robust richness of "Canning Fruit Syrups, Pie Fillings, and Conserves." As you venture into advanced techniques like "Pickling and Canning Vegetables," "Advanced Pickling Techniques," and even "Advanced Canning Techniques" for meats and fish, you'll conquer any kitchen challenge with grace. And when the unexpected arises, the savvy troubleshooting in chapter 14 will save the day. Your hard work deserves to be showcased, and "Labeling and Storing Your Creations" alongside "The Joy of Sharing" will turn your labor into the talk of the town. With "Seasonal Preserving" guidance, special dietary options, global traditions, and tips on growing your own produce, "The Preserved Pantry" is more than a book—it's a doorway to a self-sustaining lifestyle gilded with the pleasures of homemade abundance. "The Preserved Pantry" isn't just a compendium of techniques; it's the beating heart of a home filled with love, sustainability, and jars gleaming with the pride of the craft—a must-have for any modern homesteader, culinary enthusiast, or anyone looking to bring the magic of preservation into their home. Your journey from garden to jar awaits.