In 1976, the second annual Mathews Market Days was held on a plot of land between Moughons, Inc., and Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home, in addition to a small lot across the street next to Westville Baptist Church.

In its first year, Mathews Market Days had proved quite successful in displaying and sharing what Mathews County had to offer in art, craftsmanship, knowledge and a way of life, with many, many talents in abundance.

All planning and execution of Market Days in the early years conducted through the office of Mildred Hudgins, Mathews County Agent for Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (“VPI” back then), with the help of the Bicentennial Committee. At that time the county had seven active Homemaker Extension Clubs. Somehow and somewhere prior to opening day, it was decided to publish a cookbook as a new introduction to the festival.

As one of those present at the time of the book’s organization, Hudgins said she believes that a call went out fo...