Vintage cookie cutters reveal history, holiday traditions at upcoming RCHS programs

The Watkins Farm, located on the campus of the Raymond-Casco Historical Society, houses a vintage cookie cutter collection that has inspired a new holiday history program.

Sue Pride of the Raymond-Casco Historical Society will
present a program exploring the history of cookie cutters
and the centuries-old tradition of gingerbread. Programs
will be offered at the Casco Public Library on Sunday,
Nov. 29 and the Raymond Village Library on Dec. 10.
SUBMITTED PHOTO     

A recently rediscovered collection of vintage cookie cutters at the Watkins Farm Museum has led to the creation of two upcoming holiday programs to be presented by the Raymond-Casco Historical Society. 

What first appeared to be a collection of modern aluminum cutters was later identified through research as a group of tin, flat-backed cookie cutters, many likely dating to the mid-19th century. Their excellent condition and distinctive gray patina concealed a fascinating piece of culinary history.

Among the collection are numerous animal-shaped cutters that have already found new life in Historical Society programs. Several have been used to create Watkins Farm Animal Cookies for museum events, including a fish-shaped cutter that inspired rainbow trout cookies served during the popular “Fishing the Big Sebago” program earlier this year.

This holiday season, Sue Pride of the Raymond-Casco Historical Society will present a program exploring the history of cookie cutters and the centuries-old tradition of gingerbread. The program traces the origins of shaped baking forms and treasured holiday spices from ancient civilizations through Europe and eventually to colonial America, where ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg became seasonal favorites.

These spices with their wonderful scents evoke memories of the Christmas season. Either vintage cookie cutters passed down from generation to generation that are rediscovered each holiday season or more modern ones, these items create memories while making cookies, wrapped as gifts or serving cookies using them with family and friends gathered together in joyous celebrations.

Upcoming programs will be offered by the Raymond-Casco Historical Society at the Casco Public Library, 5 Leach Hill Road in Casco at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29 and at the Raymond Village Library, 3 Meadow Road in Raymond at 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10.

Dig out your collection of cookie cutters and bring them for discussion and identification.

To learn more about the Raymond-Casco Historical Society, visit www.raymondcascohistoricalsociety.org <