The Lehi banner. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1891-1917, 1897-12-07

One by one the departed loved ones
were laid to rest meath the snow on a
barren bluff nea, the waters edge.
In the spring OF 1871, after they had
rallied from their struggle with death
they began to build houses and cult
vate the soil.
Calmly they watched the departure
of their little vessel, the "May flower
the last and only bond between them
md the old world--as it sailed slowly
nut of the harbor in the bright sunshine
II morning In April. while the
fragrance of the early flowers, and the
ongs OF merry birds awoke in their
hearts the dreams and visions of far
away home across the sea. The captain
of the vessel had offered them free
passage to England. but they refused,
not one even considered the offer of the
captain 20 return. Their duty to God
and to those who lay buried OH the
brow Of the hill clearly demanded that
they should remain and fulfill the task
that Providence had designed for them.
In the fall, after the harvest had been
gathered in and their hou ses had been
prepared for winter, the Governor issued
a proclamation appointing Feast Of
Thanksgiving, that they might rejoice
together. Hunters were sent inlo the
woods for wild turkeys which were
found there in great numbers. A mes
senger was sent to invite Massasoit, the
chief oil the friendly tribe OF Indians, 10
attend the celebration.
Early on the morning OF the appointed
Thursday, about the first of November,
Massasoit and ninety of his warriors
arrived on the outskirts OF the village
and with wild ytlls announced their
readiness to enjoy the hospitality Of
their white brethren They received
hearty welcome as they entered the
large square in front of the Governors
house
The hour of prayer was soon an
nounced, then followed holiday Of
fsasting and reci cation, VIII CT continued
for three days
The real Thanksgiving dinner took
place on Saturday, the last day of the
ceIebra lion. 1t was held in the forest.
A few of the danties partaken of at this
dinner were as follows. Roast turkey
dressed with chestnuts, then came rare
pastries, sayory, meat stews
with dumplings OF barley -four, delicious
oysters (the gift Of the Indians. and the
irst ever tasted by the white menJ,
great bowls of clam chowder with sea
biscuit floating on the steaming broth,
'oasts OF all kinds, broiled fish, salads,
,akes and plum pudding, while the
enter OF each'of the long tables was
adorned with large basket overlooking
With wild grapes and plums and nuts of
every variety.
There in an unknown world, in home
whose short history was one OF tribula-
ion and sacrifice, and whose future
eemed but gloom and darkness, the
irst Thanksgiving was celebrated. And
low as we celebrate each Thanksgiving
n its turn we behold its glorious fulfill
nent of that wonderful prophecy uttered
by Elder Brewster, when calling upon
MS companions to remain steadfast in
heir hope and courage blessed will
t be for US, blessed for the land. for
his vast continent! Nay, iron.
generation TO generation will the
blessing descend. Generations to come
hall look back to this hour and these
Genes OF agonizng trial, this day OF
mall things and say: Here was our
beginning as a people. These were OR
ithers. Through their trials we inherit
'ur blessings. Their faith is our faish
heir hope our hope; their God our
iod.'"
ALIcg ROBERTS.