The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-22
THANKSGIVING DAY.

To the Editor of the indianapolis JournaI
There comes time in our lives when we nat
urally compare the past with the present, and
look into the future and wonder what changes
given length of time will bring about On the
eve of another Thanksgiving Day, come
stealing over my mental vision memories which
| sometimes cause a smile, but more frequently
sadness. Nearly all are gone who were then liv-
ing and partook in any way with what l am
about to write.
Many years ago. for the first time in Indiana
our Governor issued proclamation for all the
people to return thanks to God for the blessings
of the past year-a year which had been most
bountiful one in this our comparatively
new State. This proclamation was some
thing unusual with us, though from child
hood wo had all known of such a custom being
observed by our forefathers in New England.
We admired the devotion and tnankfuness of
our pilgrim fathers. and thought it no more
than natural, when prosperity followed the re-
verses and hardships attendant upon the early
settlement of their "rock bound coast" that
they should return thanks to the Giver of ali
blessings But so little had we thought of such
proclamation applying to any but the descend
| ants OF IlymOuJn tndb you Will De
| prised when tell you there were many who did
| not know just how to go about celebrating the
| day, and those of us who were SO disposed,
thought we would quietly remember
what the Governor mad requested and
| live on as usual. AS we had never
endured the hardships of our friends of the
Mayflower, such a celebration seemed to our
unframed minds quite superfuous, but not so
with our venerable father, who was most con-
scientious and devout Christian. When the APP
| Cd firp0 hn inf mad +ba ;1x,
without explaining, that he did not wish to eat
| breakfast. The dinner hour arrived, and vet
| my father absented himself from the table In
| the afternoon, New England friend inquired of
| father how he had spent the day, and whether
he had enjoyed his Thanksgiving dinner. The
| old gentleman, with a surprised look, informed
| him that he had made it day of fasting and
prayer. 1t is needless to say how this remark
was received by New Highlander.
By the time another year had rolled around
| our ideas had somewhat advanced A sermon
| was preached By our good minister; then all
| were to 60 home and partake of dinner in which
our national Bird" the turkey, was to figure
| very largely. OF course the accomplishments of
| oysters, Gran berries, mince and pumpkin pies
| were to be served, and all were expected to have
a joyful time. But not being educated up to the
| present mode of entertaining our preachers on
| Thanksgiving day. the thoughtless members of
lecting to invite the minister, who evil
| IDENTIFY expected to sit at the hospitable
board of some of his parishioners. He stood
for a moment at the door of the church, and
then remarked to his wife he supposed they
could 90 home and pray for this forgetfN West
| ern congregation.
And still another year came round.
| A lady said, such mistakes must not happen
again She would make all due preparation,
and the preacher and his family should be enter
tanned at her house; but what was her disap-
pointment, when the time came to find that her
turkey had not arrived. Fortunately, others
were impressed with last years failure, and at
once came to the rescue; and, ever after that
year, all seemed to understand their duty, and
acted accordingly.
You of the present day can scarcely realize the
fact that, to secure fowls for such an occasion,
one must engage them a long time ahead. Now
we have any number at the nearest corner gro
Gerry; and almost every family of even moderate
circumstances has its Thanksgiving dinner; and
many homes are made happier and better be-
| cause of this beautiful custom.
We can only hope that all may find it pleasant
and be thankful that such day was ever SET
apart by our executive officers and that we, as
people, SO generously observe this day that
brings to US so much of JOY and happiness. NJ.