University historian, J.S. Collister, found that her research repeatedly turned up recipes, which had been transported over land and sea, by caravan, clipper ship and covered wagon, over thousands of miles and nearly as many years. She discovered that sharing recipes was a long-treasured tradition, enjoyed by many cultures and many generations.

Collister’s interest in the tradition grew, along with her collection of historical recipes. When asked about persimmon recipes by an aunt, who had persimmon trees in her back yard, she saw an opportunity to carry on the tradition of sharing the many recipes she collected over the years. In 1978, Bear Wallow Books started with the publication of Old-Fashioned Persimmon Recipes, and it continues to share old-fashioned recipes with new generations.

The little publishing company was named after a place near the Collister’s rural Indiana home, where past generations had watched bears wallow on hot summer days. The woods, hills and stream still look the same, but the only bears in the vicinity today are the ones in Bear Wallow Books.

Bear Wallow Books are chock full of old-fashioned recipes using most any fruit, vegetable, or staple imaginable from apple to zucchini and lots in between! Some of their recipe books highlight specific cultures such as the Amish, Native American, New England and the South within the American melting pot. You’ll enjoy reading the introductory notes, which touch upon early American history, origins of recipes, and historical persons or traditions associated with the subject at hand.

There’s a Bear Wallow book for every season and most every occasion. Our favorite summer selection is Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Recipes. Expand your horizons and try Grape or Orange Ice Cream, Butter Pecan, Pistachio, or Pineapple. Perhaps you'll just want to stick to old favorites like Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Peach, or Peppermint. Whatever you decide, there are 85 recipes to choose from that include a variety of flavors of churned ice creams, ices and sherbets, parfaits, mousses, toppings, and more.

And if you’re hankering for a double scoop of deliciousness on hot summer day without all of the work, come on down to the Dutch Creek Ice Cream Shop right behind the Mast Store Annex in Valle Crucis. We’re open now through the end of October, from 11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., seven days a week. Relax along the grassy riverbank or rest your legs around one of our picnic tables.

For our other Bear Wallow books (made in the USA - Indiana, in fact!), take a peek HERE.