Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1900-11-22

yarhering. 1t occurred from the latter
part of September to the middle of Octo-
Der, lasting eight days at time. 1t was
the feast of rejoicing after the harvest
ing of the crops, when the great work
of the year was done. The same idea
has prevailed in almost all nations.
&Sraeee had it's Elusinian mysteries, last
Ing nine days in September, being held
In honor of Demeter, the goddess of crops
and plenty. The Romans, too, celebrat-
I'D a festival in honor of Ceres, who was
tAe Roman Demeter. This took place
early in October. When the harvests had
been brought in the people of England
gathered to celebrate the Harvest Home,
q festival at which there was much jol-
Bay and rejoicing.
The first Thanksgiving in America was
probably that held by the Pilgrims in the
fan of 1921 when Gov. Bradford sent
party ont to secure game that a feast
naSght be observed The colonists had
seen the first fruits of their sowing, and
although the results were nothing great,
get they were enough to make them
thankful and far better than they might
have been. The hunters went out and
Aaggea great quantities of turkeys and
other game, enough, says one of the col
anists> to last them a week. Massasiot,
ghe had been a good friend to the set
sfeTs, came into the feast with ninety Of
his followers and they were royalty en-
aeEtafaed for three days. Besides the
aeaSting. there were trials of their skill
with the rifle and general jollity. Off
and on the autumn celebrations were held
by the eolonists for many years. 1t did
cot become a regular custom to fix a day
sor Thanksgiving until 1865. when pres
Mential proclama ton was issued calling
apcn the nation to offer up prayers and
thanks Ever since that time, each au-
aurnn has seen the return of the custom
and it has come to be observed through
aut the nation. 1t is day of rejoicing.
ID is -eminently, too. the day when
family ties are strengthened. The family
is the foundation of national greatness.
and consequently the country is far
stronger because of the observance of
This day 1t is day, when, as far, as
possible, care is banished from the mind.
The spirit of humanity is abroad and the
poor and needy are helped to happiness
Ay those who are more fortunately stu
Afed.
In New England the day is associated
with the great old-fashioned house with
klaxing hearths, around which the mem
Aers OF the family gather and listen to
strange and thrilling tales after dinner.
Different congregations meet in their re-
gpeetive churches and offer up praise and
ahanks for the bounties of the year. Con-
aributSons are taken up for the poor.
Talks are given that are calculated TO
inspire the listeners to greater effort in
the future.
No doubt the most wholesome custom
Of Thanksgiving is the gathering of the
members OF family about common
beard and their participation in common
Dleasures. Nothing in the world so grasses
care, so soothes down triiing differences
and petty feelings of resentment than
This sort of reunion. Especially is this
true If there are a number of young peo-
PIE. for then the elders put themselves
aboat TO make the children have a good
Nrae. There are games of blind mans
Auz and hide and seek, and ghosts in
Ne attic that are the source of mingled
wuaaer and fear to young hearts. There
D such romping as the old house has not
known for many day, and its halls re-
seAaad with the shouts and peals Of mer-
~ laughter. Then there is the mighty
efAner without which Thanksgiving is