This post inspired by Frank at Dutch goes the Photo
The prompt: Cake
“Honey, could you please get me a cake of soap?”
I remember my grandmother asking me that question – under what circumstances I have no idea.
I asked her what she meant…and she explained.
It was the term used back in her day. When soap was made in large blocks. A slice for personal use was called a cake. She preferred Camay. And later on, Ivory.
And…oddly enough…now that I think about it…she was also the grandmother who made all of her grandchildren’s birthday cakes.
Every year. From scratch!
We chose the flavor.
Mine was coconut.
one letter UP ~ diary 2.0 
I forgot about that term. I grew up calling it a cake of soap, but it seems to have slipped from my usage!
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It is a vintage saying 🙂
Thanks!
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I remember people referring to soap as a cake, also. I haven’t heard that for years.
And as for coconut cake…that sounds delicious!
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Thanks! I don’t hear that reference anymore either. And…coconut cake is very, very delicious 🙂
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I love the surprise take on the cake prompt you chose. And that picture…I love the concentration on her face…or was it careful anticipation?! That dress is sweet as well!
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Thank you! Most likely she was trying to carry it to the table with all the candles staying lit. The older we got, the more effort that took 🙂
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You’re welcome. Yes, all those candles could be a fire hazzard ;-)!
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True! (or she’d have to re-light them, much to her dismay LOL)
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It is fascinating how word usage changes . . . how the current cultural/social climate impacts word choice and the inferences associated. I’ve never heard of a soap cake . . . rather cool actually. Loved the bit of history and the personal connection with your grandmother.
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Thank you!
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wonderful post! thanks for teaching us about the term “cake” for soap.
I forgot about camay
and in my mind – older people love “dove” – at least a lot of the elderly folks I know like that Dove.
I used Dr. Bronner’s sopa (mostly the liquid) but love that brand.
and i like the three bars of soap – is the red one dial?
and nice shot of Oma
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Thank you!
Yes, Oma used to remark that the Dove was 99.4% pure. And that impressed her. (I always wondered “pure what?”). The red soap is probably 30 years old – it’s a translucent Avon brand soap that I had never opened, but kept in a bureau drawer for its lovely smell.
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wow – avon = now you are reminding me of an aunt –
🙂
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Avon has been around for a looooong time!
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Sure has and are they still doing a good amount of business ? I wonder
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