Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1900-12-12
Thanksgiving.

1
Thanksgiving day is a day specially
set apart by the President to return
thanks to our Heavenly Father for
the goodness and mercy which He
has bestowed upon us during the
year. We owe this esteemed occa-
sion to our forefathers. When
Thanksgiving was first observed,
different States had different dates
for this grand celebration; whereas
we now have one national holiday
which is observed by all. This day
is legal holiday throughout the
United States and it occurs on the
last Thursday in November.
The practice of observing holi-
day for Thanksgiving and prayer
originated among the New England
colonies and was made national by
our distinguished forefather, George
Washington, on the 18th of October,
1889, and therefore we owe to this
revered hero many thanks for the
occasion.
The first Thanksgiving ever OBJ
served in the United States occurred
the Goth of November, 1889, but no
particular day was set apart until
the last Thursday in November was
appointed by cx-President Abraham
Lincoln, and this date has been OBJ
served by us ever since, and it is
dear to both old and young of New
England as well as to us. 1t is a
day of rest to all and is observed by
us in various ways.
Some people celebrate this holiday
by religious services and others by
giving elegant dinings, reunions of
their friends and many other pleasant
ways. Thanksgiving is often made
an especially delightful occasion for
children and they look forward to
this time with fond anticipation.
They spend this special time with
some dear relative or friend. Their
little hearts throb with JOY as they
are seated in grandpa's carriage be-
hind the lovely dapple grays. They
watch the scenery with incresing in
terest as they swiftly pass it on their
journey to the country. A sweet
smile illumes their countenance as
their thoughts wander to the old
homestead. Itis situated in a lovely
lawn, surrounded by grove of mas
sive oaks, whose leaves are brown
and dead. 1t is strongly impressed
upon their memories as they last saw
it in summer when the flowers
opened in the sunny breeze, the birds
chirped merrily and everything was
dressed in spring attire. The hearts
OF these innocent little ones ill with
JOY as they think of the pleasure
awaiting them and the great prcpara-
ton being made for them. They
can picture through imagination dear
old grandmother, anxiously awaiting
them and to extend them a hearty
welcome. AT last they reach their
destination and bounce quickly from
the carriage and rush into the house
with great rapidity, shouting, laugh
ing and clapping their hands in merry
glee, and after many happy greetings
by grandma, as she lovingly bestows
kiss upon each rosy cheek, they
enter the yard again for along romp
and jolly time. The time is spent
very pleasantly by them, swinging
and playing until dinner is isannounced.
All then enter the dining room
and assemble around the large old
table to partake OF the delicious cat
ables. The joy can be seen in their
childish faces as their plates are Law
ishly helped with turkey, cranberry
sauce, etc. Exclamations of pleasure
and surprise can be heard from one
little one to another. At last the
feast is over and the little ones have
returned to their play. The time
passes very swiftly, and before :hcy
can realize it the sun is setting be-
hind the western horizon, casting a
pink glow on the clouds. Then
there is rush, and the babblc of
merry voices can be heard in the hall
as the children bid grandma farewell,
express their pleasure of their de-
lightful visit and begin their Journey
homcward.
Thus the young often spend their
Thanksgiving day and their hearts
are made to rejoice, but after all they
forget the real spirit which should
inspire them. An object inspires
the President in setting apart one
day in the year for thanks to the
Givcr of all Good for His blessings
and mcrcies. While il is proper for
this day to be one Of joy and happi-
ness, still it should be borne in mind
that ~ 10 a dow 60, ,ot,,,,,:. -