Thanksgiving

From Devotions for Clubs and Life by Oneida Joyce Martin.

Mom brought this to my attention and there were some items I hadn't hgeard of before.

Thanksgiving's beginnings can be traced to 1621 when Gov. William Bradford of the Massachusetts Colony proclaimed a three-day feasting and sporting day to celebrate the survival of the group. A small band of Indians joined them for boiled eels (YUM), venison, wild duck, clams, mussels, cornbread, plums, and SWEET WINE!! I didn't know the Pilgrims drank.

Massachusetts Bay Puritans and the Dutch in New Amsterdam liked the idea and observed it every so often. The Puritans, of course, were against drinking and games.

Historians in the Middle and Southern colonies believe the observation started there, but, usually this is regarded as a New England custom.

OLD GEORGE

George Washington proclaimed a day of thanks for his army in 1782 and each soldier got extra food and TWO NEW SHIRTS. Later, Washington as president proclaimed November 26, 1789, as a day of thanks.

More to Come. --Coot