On good advice, recipe for success
When it came to dispensing advice, few compared with “Eppie” and “Popo.”
One might know them better as Ann Landers and Abigail Van Buren (aka Dear Abby). Those were the pen names of newspaper advice columnists — and twin sisters — Esther “Eppie” Lederer and Pauline “Popo” Phillips.
The sisters, born July 4, 1918, launched competing columns in the 1950s. From 1987 to 2002, their syndicated columns were published a few pages apart in the Chicago Tribune.
During the 16 years I’ve written the From the Farm column, I’ve published a few recipes from both twins, with Ann’s meatloaf recipe included in my “More From the Farm” cookbook, with the blessing of Margo, Ann’s daughter.
Margo also was an advice columnist, first as “Ask Prudence” and later as the syndicated “Dear Margo.” In August 2011, Margo shared her mother’s meatloaf recipe in her column, at the request of readers.
In my “Further From the Farm” cookbook, I included Abby’s recipe for her coconut layer cake.
I had the good fortune to cross paths with both Ann and Abby during my career. I’ve also met and interviewed their daughters. Abby’s daughter, Jeanne Phillips, carries on her mother’s legacy in the “Dear Abby” column.
I’ll be talking about the lives and careers of both Ann and Abby when I join Chicago Tribune columnist Rick Kogan on his “After Hours with Rick Kogan” radio show at 9 p.m. Sunday on WGN-AM 720.
Kogan spent five years as Ann Landers’ editor at the Tribune, although he tells me her prose required few changes.
Kogan’s invitation came after he recently made his way to Northwest Indiana to see an exhibit touting journalism, presented by South Shore Arts at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster.
“Making Headlines: From Ann Landers to Walter Winchell” includes rare artifacts on loan from my personal collection, including Landers’ 1961 Royal typewriter and her collection of keys from cities gifted to her from mayors throughout the country, with these pieces all secured from an estate sale auction after her death.
There are more than a 100 items, including signatures, photos and correspondence on display in the exhibit, which continues until Sept. 3.
Also showcased are a pair of autographed Playboy Mansion slippers from Hugh Hefner, gossip col- umnist Hedda Hopper’s silk-flower-topped hat and a chair from Chicago gossip columnist Irv “Kup” Kupcinet.
Philip Potempa has published three cookbooks and is the director of marketing at Theatre at the Center. Mail questions to: From the Farm, P.O. Box 68, San Pierre, IN 46374.