The advocate., 1897-11-10
THE FIRST THANKSGIVING DINNER.

line 1rSt THANKSGIVING Was dppOlhGOu
by Governor Bradford at Plymouth,
Mass, in 1921, the year following the
landing of the Pilgrims, In order that
the colonists in a more special way could
rejoice together at having all things in
good and plenty, writes Clifford How
ard in the November Ladies Home
Journal In preparation for the feast
"gunners were sent into the woods for
wild turkeys, which abOunded in great
numbers; kitchens were made ready for
preparing the especially the large
one in Dame Brewster's house, which
was under the immediate direction and
charge OF Priscilla MOlines, she who
afterward became the wife of John
Alden-while a messenger was dis
patched to invite Massasoit, the CHIEF
of the friendly tribe, to attend the cell
ebration.
early in the morning Of the ap-
pointed Thursday-about the first OF No
vember-Massasoi and ninety of his
warriors arrived on the outskirts Of the
village, and with wild yells announced
their readiness to enjoy the hospitality
Of their white brethren. The little set
tlement, which now consisted Of seven
dwellings and four public buildings, was
soon astir with men, women and chill
dren, who gave the Indians hearty
welcome as they filed into the large
square in front Of the Governors house
Soon the roll of drum annOunced the
hour of prayer, for no day was begun
without this religious service. Then
followed a holiday Of feasting and rec
v1nt ONIVy dur.
ing that day but during the two succeed
ing days. The usual routine OF duties
was suspended; the children romped
about In merry play; the young men in
dulged in athletic sports and games in
friendly rivalry with the Indians; the
little American army of twenty men,
under the leadership Of Miles Standish,
went through its drill and manual of
arms, to the great delight and aston
ishment of the natives, while the wo-
men busted themselves In the careful
preparation Of the excellent meals, which
were eaten in the open air.
"The state dinner Of the occasion
the real Thanksgiving dinner-took
place on Saturday, the last day OF the
celebration Notwithstanding that the
kitchens In these wilderness homes were
sadly wanting in many Of the most COM
mon essentials Of cookery, there was no
lack Of good things nor Of appetizing
dishes at this great feast. The earth,
the air and the water had yielded OF
their bountiful supplies, and the good
DANES had done honor to their skill and
ingenuity by setting before their hungry
guests and companions repast as
sumptuous and tempting as 1t was va
ried and delightful. Foremost Of all
there was roast turkey dressed with
beechnuts; then came rare venison pas
ties, savory meat stews with dumplings
of barley -four, delicious oysters (the
gift of the Indians, and the first ever
tasted by the white men), great bowls
OF clam chowder with sea biscuit float
ing on the steaming broth, roasts OF
all kinds, broiled fish, salads, cakes and
plum perridge; while the center or each
of the long tables was adorned with q
large basket overfowing with wild
grapes and plums and nuts OF every
variety.
"It was the time of the Indian sum-
mer. The soft, mellow sunlight shone
warmly through the dr0Wsy haze, IL
lumining the somber woodland with 9
rich golden light, while the gentle winds
of the South, laden with the sweet per-
fumes OF the forest, came as a lingering
dream Of summer kO add TO the 5oy and
3