Published: November 25, 2009 01:51 pm      

RANDOM THOUGHTS: May Thanksgiving bring good memories

Generations of American children were taught that we had a Thanksgiving Day because the Pilgrims held the first one in this new land. That is true but eons before 1621 ancient people across the world gave thanks to the spirit who caused their crops to grow. Many of those ancients lived in this land, called new by early settlers. It is heartening to know that the earliest humans instinctively felt the need to thank a higher power.

As the population increased and colonies were formed, there were days of thanksgiving but no specific dates. The first time all 13 colonies acted together to give thanks was in 1789. George Washington, our first president, issued a presidential proclamation in honor of the new constitution.

It was not until 1863 that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November should be Thanksgiving Day across the country. By the middle of the 19th century the day was celebrated in different ways. In New York City the day took on the feeling of Halloween as costumed people paraded in the streets and youngsters, also in costume, went door to door begging for hand-outs. In Yankee states fowls were raffled on Thanksgiving Eve and shooting matches were held in the morning.

In 1939 another change came in the date when President FDR proclaimed the third Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day. That lasted until 1941 when Congress, after consulting with the president, set the fourth Thursday as Thanksgiving Day and a national public holiday.

Although the date seems permanent there have been some changes in the way it is celebrated. Many consider it a day of great football and others still place thanksgiving the priority and attend church services. Whichever camp there is one feature of the day that brings agreement. Family reunions and the groaning dinner table filled with favorites.

Turkey once held the honor as the main food for the feast. For many years that bird was a once-in-a-year treat. And then along came frozen food and soon frozen turkey was available anytime of the year. No longer were only whole turkeys available. Now favorite parts of the turkey are sold. Turkey breasts, drumsticks, and even ground turkey are sold all year long.

Those that clung to the memory of turkey once a year had mixed feelings about frozen turkey. That included me and as late as the ‘60s I went to great lengths to find a farmer who still raised turkeys for Thanksgiving so I could put a freshly slaughtered bird in the oven for that special feast.

Because it was a really big bird there was always a wealth of left-overs and it was a challenge to put on a happy face and announce night after night the main dish for dinner was a new recipe using turkey.

My wish for you on this special holiday is that you give thanks, that your favorite team is victorious and that you are surrounded by loved ones as you enjoy the variety of foods that bring back memories. May 2009 add more happy Thanksgiving Day memories.