Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1900-11-29
AN OLD TIME FEAST.
THE FIRST THANKSGIVING lN-PLYM-
OUTH COLONY.

Miles Standish and John Alden Greet
Massasoit and His Brnses--Viands
with which They Were Regaled.
Roast Pig and Succotash.
A background of woods, all flushed
with many hues, canopy of white
drifting sky with here and there a
bright blue spot, bring to the mind an
idea Of the Cay and the surroundings
amid which our brave Plymouth sires
founded our day of Thanksgiving.
Before the summer tresses of trees
have fully gone in small clearing of
the somber woods two snowy tables
are spread. At the left is a log house
with one large chimney, from which
issues, into the clear autumn air a
cloud of smoke. The fair faced Puri-
tan women are hurrying in and out,
preparing for Ehe feast. At a little
distance the governor, elder and cap
tain of the colony are eagerly talking
and at short intervals peering into the
surrounding woods in anticipation of
the arrival of Massasoit and his
braves. Here also is John Alden,
chat fair Saxon STRIPPING, who, peer
ing through the shadows of the forest
boughs, sees, at some distance still, a
thin, dark line. which. growing each
moment more certain in outline, tells
of the approach of. the Indian war
riors."
AT this moment Miles Standish calls,
"Are they yet in sight, my friendY
almost within speaking distance,
captain" and with this reply John Al
den enters the kitchen.
Good day, John Alden" says fresh
young voice, and he, looking eagerly in
the direction from which it comes, sees
q dear face all smiling in its happiness.
SIS it not well that we have such a
fair day." Priscilla further asks before
the mantle of shyness has quite left
him. AT this moment the Indians,
headed by Massasoit, entered the clear
ing and were greeted by the governor.
welcome, friends; welcome?' be said
in hearty, joyial voice and led them
directly TO the table.
The men of Plymouth colony had in
yited these guests for a friendly con-
course and combined with this plan the
harvest feast. Delicate appetites were
in those times rather a defect than a
grace, and hospitality consisted in pro-
viding great quantities and many va
rieties of food. Realizing this fact, the
good women of Plymoutnh had prepar-
ed accordingly The harvest had been
abundant, and the result was goodly
feast. Plenty of dishes Of pewter and
wood lined the table, aud by each lay a
napkin and spoon, but neither knives
nor forks, for these were regarded as
curious implements of extreme luxury.
Massasoit sat next to the excellent ell
der at the table with the eoIonists.
while the men of his tribe sat. at a lit
tie distance, beside the other table.
What feast greeted the eyes of the
guests! Chowder and roasted pig in
plenty, succeeded by mighty dish of
suceotash, that compound of dried
beans, hulled corn, sailed beef. pork
and chicken, may be called the charter
dish Of Plymouth; then came wild fowl
dressed in various ways, a great bowl
of salad of Priscilla's composition and
at last various sweet dishes, all deli
ciously prepared and how strangely
new to the Indians!
After Elder Brewster had said a
blessing all began the meal 1t was a
beautiful sight. The bright pure sun
shone on all-the women coming from
the cookroom laden with steaming dish
es, the Puritan elders extending hos
pitality. the Indians, friends Of the
white men and native owners of the
soil, enjoying their new surroundings
All are happy in the pleasure Of friend
ship and rich in this, the first harvest
of Plymouth, which God had endowed
4 In gazing through the mist which en-
yelops the time intervening between
that first Thanksgiving day and this
Thanksgiving day we see again those
brave and loyal hearted men in the
dusk of that primeval forest bidding
good night to their sworn allies, Mas
sasoit and his followers. We follow
them until they pass through the woods
and fade from sight amid the distant
hills.
Again in retrospection the faces OF
those serene and glorious men and wo-
men appear to rs in all their simple
grandeur. Notwithstanding the suffer
ings that they experienced the preeed-
ing winter, these founders of our ever
growing land chose day which was
filed with thanksgiving to God for hav-
ing brought them through the shadows
to this bright harvest day.