Some of the most charming memories of our neighborhood come from stories shared by our beloved neighbors. These neighbors have since passed on. This memory is a story told to us “kids” by “uncle” John Hrobar. A lot of immigrants that settled here in Piggsville came from Czechoslovakia. They brought many customs from their homeland.

John told us on St. Nicolas Day, December 6th, someone from the neighborhood would dress up like St. Nick and another as the devil finished with the tail. St. Nick had a sack with candy and fruit. The devil carried a beat up burlap sack and a long stick. No sleigh-rides or reindeer.

The two would walk through the neighborhood going to the homes with children. If you’d been good, you’d get some goodies. If you’d been bad, lookout! You were facing a smack with the stick and a one-way trip to hell in the devil’s burlap sack. But, you recite a poem or sing a song to repent. This act would spare you from spending Christmas in hell. It all depended on the poem or the quality of your singing. St. Nick would give you goodies as well. After hearing this from John, I suggested we try to bring back this custom. John’s reply was, “Only if I can be the devil.”

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Cheers to cake!

Another charming aspect of The Valley is our bakers. We have uncovered two ancestral recipes. They often appeared at the traditional round robin parties our neighbors attended during the holidays.

Chocolate Jimmy Cake

by Rita Michalski

Auntie Rita was the wife of Dick Michalski. Dick was born on N. 42nd Street almost 100 years ago. His father “Happy” Michalski had the grocery store that was at 4001 W. St. Paul Ave. The property is still in the family, owned by Dick and Rita’s son, Micheal.

• 1 cup butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 4 egg yolks, beaten – put egg whites aside
• 1 cup strong coffee
• 1 cup choco jimmies
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup chopped nuts – optional
• Mix together, beat egg whites, fold into batter. Grease and flour bunt pan
• Bake 350 for 1 hour

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Queen Elizabeth Cake

– obtained 1980’s

Mary Hafsoos was an original Valley Girl. She made it to 100 years of age. This was a fancy cake recipe for special occasions. The mystery of it is deciphering what’s written and smeared by an ingredient! 

• Pre-heat oven 350 degrees
• 1.) Pour 1 cup of hot water over 1 cup of dates and 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• Let stand while mixing the following:
• 2.) 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup margarine or butter
• 1 beaten egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• add these ingredients that have been sifted together:
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3.) 1/2 cup chopped nuts added last
• add to dates and pour on greased 9″ by 12″ pan
• Bake at 35 minutes at 350 degrees
• 4.) Icing:
• 5 tablespoons brown sugar
• 5 tablespoons milk
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
• Cook over low heat stirring constantly.
• Cool for three minutes and spread over cooled cake.
• Sprinkle with coconut and chopped nuts.

Enjoy the recipe.

If I am there, serve me first.

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Happy Holidays from all of us here in the Valley Voices Press Room. We wish you well, and remember: Santa’s watching.

Do you have any stories, memories, traditions or recipes you’d like to share with your neighbors? Feel free to write them in the comments below.

Thank you for being wonderful neighbors and friends.