This woman is inspired to write in the middle of the night,
in the shadow of Rudyard Kipling.

Louise Andrews Kent passed away on this day in 1969, but most knew her by her cookbook series name, Mrs. Appleyard. Kent was an avid writer, publishing more than 24 books. She wrote books for children and adults, and some of her most popular books were cookbooks.

The first story Kent ever got published has an interesting genesis. She wrote the ten-page piece in the middle of the night while visiting a friend who's father had just purchased Rudyard Kipling's house in Brattleboro. Kent wrote it sitting at Kipling's desk, using his pencil.

She married Ira Rich Kent, eventually moving to the family homestead at Kent's Corner in Calais.

Photo courtesy the Vermont Historical Society.

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