The Cactus Cook Book

The Cactus and Succulent Society of America (CSSA) was founded in 1929 in Pasadena, California and at one time grew to over 80 affiliated clubs worldwide. 

 

The founding members of the Los Angeles Chapter consisted of Don and Murray Skinner, Joe Grijalva and Hubert Monmonier.  Meetings were originally held every Tuesday at the Manchester Park Recreation Center in South LA. 

 

The Club often met over pot luck meals, perhaps inspiring the Cactus Cook Book which is dedicated to members Ted Taylor and Don Skinner (one of the Club’s founders).  Southern California members Betty Gay and Virginia Martin were Co-Chairpersons in charge of the Cactus Cook Book and solicited recipes from affiliated societies around the world. Recipes include founding member Murray Skinner's cactus jam and cactus syrup poured over ice cream.