Connecticut western news., 1871-12-01
THANKSGIVING.


 drcn, como home ;" So says the song. This day of all others, appears from the earliest history of the New England states, to have been set aside as day for the return to the parental heart stone, Of those of the family who have gone forth to battle with the world. This day family circle should be complete so far as it is possible to be, and from all a fervent thanksgiving should ascend to the Creator and Preserver of all, for his manifold and continued blessings, SO generously vouchsafed to unworthy mortals. As nearly as can be ascertained, the l1th of September, 1921, was the first Thanksgiving day on the western continent of America. On that day, the pilgrims at Plymouth in Massachu- setts, having finished their harvest, com menced their season of thanksgiving. ''That they might" says one of their num- Der, ''after special manner, rejoice to- gether, after they had gathered the fruits of their labors."
 The Pilgrims had special reasons for gratitude, that they had been so successful in raising their first crop of Indian corn. This was the beginning of a long and in creasing series of corn harvests, over which many millions have now occasion to re- ioice. Corn seems designed by Providence to hold the first rank among the rich and various productions, by which the teeming population of our land is fed. The first Tho, ,fycrr rSuSpN ctofn September, but there is evidence of it's being kept later in after years, probably in the latter part of October, while the weather was pleasant for outdoor exercises and we are informed by history, that it was not for single day, as with us. but seems to have been kept up for nearly week. The indispensable turkey was not wanting at this first Thanksgiving, as tue ancient historian chronicles the great number of "fowl," which the sharpshooters brought home for this occasion, and afterward speaks of the abundance of wild turkeys about Plymouth, and thus originated the custom of providing a turkey. by all who are disposed to celebrate their Thanksgiv-
 
 dainties furnished on that occasion, of which mention is made were turkeys; veni- son; fresh cod !; lobsters; clans and oYs' ters These with their corn and barley cakes; their "nokake," made from poun- ded parched corn, "sweet, toothsome and hearty" the Pilgrims did not want for good cheer. As to tue presence of the "lndian pompion," as the pumpkin was called by the early settlers, we have no positive cvi- dence, yet it is certain it was very soon introduced, and to the present time is regar- ded more or less throughout Yankee land, as necessary for the feast as the turkey.
 Our annual Thanksgiving is rich in the memories of the past Letsus perpetuate it; let the autumnal Thanksgiving be the feast days of the sons and daughters of the Pilgrims, where'er they roam, where'er they rest" From ocean, to ocean let them hail the coming of this harvest festival with glad and grateful hearts. Let them consecrate the day to friendship, to homejoys, to family reunions, to social "reminiscences, to the memory of sainted ancestry, and to the praise of convenant-keeping God. ''Till the waves in the bay,
 Where the Mayfower lay,
 Shall foam and freeze no more" While this day is observed in the true Puritan spirit in our churches and around our fresides, we shall not offer in vain that most appropriate petition, with which the Fast and Thanksgiving proclamations of the governors of our state always close, God save the Commonwealth of Connec- ticuf !"