Hubbry Logo
search button
Sign in
Dorcas Reilly
Dorcas Reilly
Comunity Hub
MainMain
starTalks
arrow-down
MediaMedia
arrow-down
SavesSaves
arrow-down
ChronicleChronicle
arrow-down
TimelinesTimelines
arrow-down
ArticlesArticles
starMore
arrow-down
Sign in
Sign in

Welcome to the community hub built on top of the Dorcas Reilly Wikipedia article. Here, you can discuss, collect, and organize anything related to Dorcas Reilly.

No posts have been nominated yet. Go to talks and select post to be placed here.
No news about Dorcas Reilly has been added yet.Add news
No featured content has been selected yet.Add featured content
Brief
Known For
Inventing the Green Bean Casserole recipe while working at Campbell Soup Company.
Key Dates and Places
  • Born Date: July 22, 1926.
  • Death Date: October 21, 2018.
  • Death Place: Haddonfield, New Jersey.
Career
  • Past occupations: Chef, Homemaker, Inventor, Campbell Soup Company kitchen supervisor.
  • Previous Place of Work: Campbell Soup Company.
Achievements and Recognition
  • Awards: Green Bean Casserole recipe recognized as a classic American dish.
Main Milestones
Birth in Woodbury, New Jersey
July 22, 1926
Dorcas Lillian Bates was born in Woodbury, New Jersey. Her early life shaped her interest in home economics and cooking, skills that would later lead to her influential contribution to American cuisine.
Graduation from Drexel Institute of Technology
1947
Dorcas graduated from the Drexel Institute of Technology (now Drexel University) with a degree in home economics. This education provided her with a solid foundation in food science and nutrition, which proved invaluable in her future career.
Joined Campbell Soup Company's Home Economics Department
1949
Reilly joined Campbell Soup Company's home economics department. This marked the beginning of her professional culinary journey, where she would collaborate with other food experts to develop recipes using Campbell's products.
Invention of Green Bean Casserole
1955
While working in the Campbell's home economics department, Dorcas Reilly was tasked with creating a simple and appealing recipe using readily available ingredients. The result was the now-iconic Green Bean Casserole, consisting of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and topped with French-fried onions. The recipe was designed to be quick, easy, and affordable, making it an instant hit with home cooks.
Green Bean Casserole Gains Popularity
Late 1950s - Early 1960s
The Green Bean Casserole's popularity exploded during this period. Campbell's heavily promoted the recipe through advertisements and recipe booklets, and it quickly became a Thanksgiving and holiday staple across the United States.
Retired from Campbell Soup Company
1988
After a long and successful career, Dorcas Reilly retired from the Campbell Soup Company. Although retired, her most famous creation continued to thrive, and her influence on American cuisine remained strong.
Original Recipe Card Donated to National Inventors Hall of Fame
2002
The original recipe card for the Green Bean Casserole, handwritten by Dorcas Reilly, was donated to the National Inventors Hall of Fame, solidifying her place as an influential inventor.
Death in New Jersey
October 21, 2018
Dorcas Reilly passed away in New Jersey at the age of 92. Her legacy continues to live on through the enduring popularity of the Green Bean Casserole, a testament to her culinary ingenuity and understanding of the American palate.
Media Collections
1

From Wikipedia

Add media collection
Timelines
6

Main milestones

Birth in Woodbury, New Jersey
July 22, 1926
Dorcas Lillian Bates was born in Woodbury, New Jersey. Her early life shaped her interest in home economics and cooking, skills that would later lead to her influential contribution to American cuisine.
Graduation from Drexel Institute of Technology
1947
Dorcas graduated from the Drexel Institute of Technology (now Drexel University) with a degree in home economics. This education provided her with a solid foundation in food science and nutrition, which proved invaluable in her future career.
Joined Campbell Soup Company's Home Economics Department
1949
Reilly joined Campbell Soup Company's home economics department. This marked the beginning of her professional culinary journey, where she would collaborate with other food experts to develop recipes using Campbell's products.
Invention of Green Bean Casserole
1955
While working in the Campbell's home economics department, Dorcas Reilly was tasked with creating a simple and appealing recipe using readily available ingredients. The result was the now-iconic Green Bean Casserole, consisting of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and topped with French-fried onions. The recipe was designed to be quick, easy, and affordable, making it an instant hit with home cooks.
Green Bean Casserole Gains Popularity
Late 1950s - Early 1960s
The Green Bean Casserole's popularity exploded during this period. Campbell's heavily promoted the recipe through advertisements and recipe booklets, and it quickly became a Thanksgiving and holiday staple across the United States.
Retired from Campbell Soup Company
1988
After a long and successful career, Dorcas Reilly retired from the Campbell Soup Company. Although retired, her most famous creation continued to thrive, and her influence on American cuisine remained strong.
Original Recipe Card Donated to National Inventors Hall of Fame
2002
The original recipe card for the Green Bean Casserole, handwritten by Dorcas Reilly, was donated to the National Inventors Hall of Fame, solidifying her place as an influential inventor.
Death in New Jersey
October 21, 2018
Dorcas Reilly passed away in New Jersey at the age of 92. Her legacy continues to live on through the enduring popularity of the Green Bean Casserole, a testament to her culinary ingenuity and understanding of the American palate.

Personal Life and Relationships

Marriage to Thomas Francis Reilly
Unknown
Dorcas Bates married Thomas Francis Reilly. Details about their courtship and wedding date are currently unavailable.
Homemaker
During Her Lifetime
In addition to her career at Campbell's, Dorcas was also a homemaker, applying her culinary skills and home economics knowledge in her own household. She balanced work and family responsibilities, a common experience for women of her generation.
Motherhood
Family Life
Dorcas and Thomas had children. Specific details regarding their children's names, numbers and birthdates are unconfirmed as of this writing. These are all details that would require confirmation by surviving family members.
Death
October 21, 2018
Dorcas Reilly passed away at the age of 92. Information regarding her husband is unconfirmed as of this writing and may need to be looked into.

Campbell Soup Company Career Timeline

Joined Campbell Soup Company Home Economics Department
1949
Dorcas began her career at Campbell Soup Company, working in their Home Economics Department. This department was responsible for developing recipes and promoting Campbell's products to consumers.
Recipe Development and Testing
1950s
Spent time creating and testing numerous recipes using Campbell's soups and other products, contributing to the company's marketing efforts.
Development of Green Bean Casserole
1955
Dorcas Reilly, as part of a team of home economists, created the Green Bean Casserole recipe for an Associated Press feature. It was a quick and easy side dish using canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and French-fried onions.
Green Bean Casserole's Rise to Popularity
Late 1950s Onward
The Green Bean Casserole recipe quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple dish at Thanksgiving and other holiday meals. Campbell's heavily promoted the recipe, further solidifying its place in American cuisine.
Continued Work at Campbell's
Years after 1955
She continued to work at Campbell's, developing and testing other recipes, contributing to cookbooks, and engaging in consumer outreach. While the Green Bean Casserole was her most famous creation, she worked on many other projects.
Retirement from Campbell Soup Company
1988
After a long and successful career, Dorcas Reilly retired from the Campbell Soup Company.

Green Bean Casserole Timeline

Recipe Creation
1955
The Green Bean Casserole was invented in the Campbell Soup Company's Home Economics Department. The original recipe called for canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and French-fried onions.
Rapid Adoption and Popularity
1950s-1960s
The recipe quickly gained popularity, attributed to its simplicity, convenience, and affordability. Campbell's actively promoted the recipe through print and television advertising.
Thanksgiving Staple
Decades After 1955
The Green Bean Casserole became a ubiquitous dish at Thanksgiving gatherings across the United States, solidifying its status as a culinary tradition.
Enduring Legacy and Variations
21st Century
Despite evolving tastes and culinary trends, the Green Bean Casserole remains a popular dish, often with regional and personal variations on the original recipe. Its enduring presence reflects its comfort food appeal and nostalgic value.
Continues to be a Thanksgiving Staple
Present Day
The Green Bean Casserole continues to be a widely made and enjoyed side dish, especially around the Thanksgiving holiday.

Early Life and Education Timeline

Birth
July 22, 1926
Dorcas Lillian Bates was born in Woodbury, New Jersey.
High School Years
1940s
Attended high school, likely developing interests in home economics and cooking which were common electives for young women at the time.
Graduation from Drexel Institute of Technology
1947
Dorcas graduated from Drexel Institute of Technology (now Drexel University) with a degree in Home Economics. This education provided her with a strong foundation in food science, nutrition, and culinary arts.
Early Career Decisions
Post-Graduation
Likely considered various career paths open to home economics graduates, possibly teaching, working in nutrition, or in the food industry.

Recognition and Legacy Timeline

Growing Recognition
Post-Retirement
While she worked anonymously for much of her career, Reilly began to receive more public recognition for her role in creating the Green Bean Casserole later in life.
Media Attention
2000s and 2010s
Reilly was featured in various media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, and television programs, discussing the origin and popularity of her iconic dish.
Death and Continued Legacy
October 21, 2018
Dorcas Reilly passed away at the age of 92. Her legacy as the inventor of the Green Bean Casserole continues to be celebrated, with the dish remaining a beloved part of American culinary culture.
Enduring Impact
Post Mortem
Reilly's influence on American home cooking continues to be felt, with her simple yet impactful recipe inspiring generations of cooks.
Add timeline
Articles
0
Add article
Saves collections
1
Image

Main Sources

Add saves collection
Days in Chronicle
2
21 October, 2018
Dorcas Reilly, the inventor and chef best known for popularizing the green bean casserole, died in Detroit, Michigan, from Alzheimer's disease. This marks the end of her life and career.
22 July, 1926
Dorcas Lillian Bates (later Reilly) was born in Woodbury, New Jersey. This marks the beginning of the life of the chef and inventor known for popularizing the green bean casserole.
Add day
Dorcas Reilly

Dorcas Lillian Bates Reilly (July 22, 1926 – October 15, 2018) was an American chef, homemaker, and inventor. Reilly worked for several years in the Campbell's Test Kitchen creating new recipes. She is best known for inventing the green bean casserole recipe. Reilly was called the "Grandmother of the Green Bean Bake."[1]

Key Information

Biography

[edit]

Reilly was born Dorcas Lillian Bates in Woodbury, New Jersey on July 22, 1926.[2][3] She grew up in Glassboro and later in Camden.[2] Reilly attended Camden High School, along with her future husband, Thomas H. Reilly.[2] Dorcas Reilly went on to attend Drexel University, where she was a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha and earned a degree in home economics in 1947.[4][5][6] She was one of the first members of her family to go to college.[3]

Reilly started working at the Campbell's Test Kitchen in 1949.[4] She was one of the first full time employees in the department.[7] Reilly went on to become the supervisor in the home economics department.[8] She also worked as a recipe developer.[9] During her time at the test kitchen, she created hundreds of different recipes, including Campbell's tomato soup meatloaf, a tuna-noodle casserole, types of porcupine meatballs, and the Sloppy Joe "souperburger."[2][10][7] She is best known for her creation of the green bean casserole.[2]

In 1959, she married Thomas H. Reilly.[2] Dorcas Reilly left the Campbell's Test Kitchen briefly to raise her children in 1961.[3] She returned later to work as the manager of the Test Kitchen.[3] During her time back at Campell's she was cited by the Courier-Post as an expert in "cooking and entertaining."[11] Reilly retired in 1988.[3] In 2002, Reilly and Campbell's donated her recipe for green bean casserole to the National Inventors Hall of Fame.[10]

She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Daughters of the American Revolution.[6]

Reilly died on October 15, 2018, in Camden, New Jersey from Alzheimer's disease.[2][7][12]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Neo-Comfort Food". Clarion-Ledger. November 10, 1996. p. 124. Archived from the original on December 5, 2020. Retrieved November 27, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Zraick, Karen (October 24, 2018). "Dorcas Reilly, Creator of the Classic American Green-Bean Casserole, Dies at 92 (Published 2018)". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on December 5, 2020. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d e Katz, Brigit (October 26, 2018). "The Woman Who Invented the Green Bean Casserole". Smithsonian Magazine. Archived from the original on November 30, 2019. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
  4. ^ a b Bolado, Carolina (June 1, 2005). "Simply Green". The Herald-News. pp. C1. Archived from the original on December 7, 2020. Retrieved November 27, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ "Dorcas Reilly". Drexel Alumni. July 10, 2015. Archived from the original on May 22, 2023. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  6. ^ a b "Obituary information for DORCAS B. REILLY". Archived from the original on June 15, 2024. Retrieved November 29, 2024.
  7. ^ a b c King, Rebecca (October 31, 2018). "Dorcas Reilly Leaves Behind a Great Legacy". The Record. pp. BL1. Retrieved November 27, 2020 – via Newspapers.comj. and "Reilly". The Record. October 31, 2018. pp. BL2. Retrieved November 27, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ Bella, Timothy (October 24, 2018). "Dorcas Reilly, Inventor of the Green Bean Casserole, a Thanksgiving Favorite, Has Died at 92". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on November 27, 2020. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
  9. ^ "Dorcas Reilly and the Original Green Bean Casserole Recipe". National Inventors Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on November 26, 2020. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
  10. ^ a b "Dorcas Reilly, whose test kitchen created green bean casserole, dies at 92; read our 2002 interview". Akron Beacon Journal. November 27, 2002. Archived from the original on November 7, 2023. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  11. ^ "Ask the Experts". Courier-Post. February 22, 1985. p. 49. Archived from the original on December 6, 2020. Retrieved November 27, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ "Dorcas Reilly inventor of green bean casserole dies at 92". WHYY. Retrieved March 4, 2025.
[edit]
Hub tags
#homemaker#inventor#american#person#chef#woman
Talks
Go to talks
#general is a chat channel to discuss anything related to Dorcas Reilly.
Be first to write something in #general.
Inside hub

From Wikipedia

This is a community hub built on top of the Dorcas Reilly Wikipedia article. Here, you can discuss, collect, and organize anything related to Dorcas Reilly. The purpose of the hub is to connect people, foster deeper knowledge, and help improve the root Wikipedia article.
Add your contribution
Add Media Add Media Collection Add Save Add Saves Collection Add Timeline Add Day Description Add Article Add Hub Tags
Inside hub

From Wikipedia

This is a community hub built on top of the Dorcas Reilly Wikipedia article. Here, you can discuss, collect, and organize anything related to Dorcas Reilly. The purpose of the hub is to connect people, foster deeper knowledge, and help improve the root Wikipedia article.
Add your contribution
Add Media Add Media Collection Add Save Add Saves Collection Add Timeline Add Day Description Add Article Add Hub Tags
Talks
Go to talks
#general is a chat channel to discuss anything related to Dorcas Reilly.
Be first to write something in #general.
Inside hub

From Wikipedia