Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1900-12-06
AN OLD TIME FEAST.
THE FIRST THANKSGIVING IN PlYM-
OUTH COLONY.

Nnssasoit and His Braves--VIands
with which They Were ReEaled.
Roast Pig and suceotnsh.
A background of woods, all flushed
with many hues, a canopy of white
drifting sky with here and there a
bright blus 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 a small clearing of
the somber woods two snowy tables
are spread. At the left is 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 the 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,
that 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,
care they yet in sight, my friend"
Almost within speaking distance,
captain" and with this reply John AL
den enters the kitchen.
Good day, John Aldeng~ says a fresh
young voice, and he, looking eagerly in
the direction from which it comes. sees
a dear face all smiling in its happiness.
is 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; welcomed" he said
in hearty, jovial voice and led them
directly to the table.
The men of Plymouth colony had in
yted these guests for a friendly con-
course and combined with this plan the
harvest feast. Delicate appetites were
in those times rather q defect than a
grace, and hospitality consisted in pro-
yiding great quantities and many va
rieties of food. Realizing this fact. the
good women of Plymouth had prepar-
ed accordingly. The harvest had been
abundant, and the result was a gOodly
feast. Plenty of dishes of pewter and
wood lined the table, and 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 colonists,
while the men of his tribe sat, at lit
tile distance, beside the other table.
Il What feast greeted the eyes of the
guests! Chowder and roasted pig in
plenty, succeeded by mighty dish of
succotash, 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
lat 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 coollroom laden with steaming dish
es, the Puritan elders extending hos
piality, the lndi4ns, friends of the
white men and native owners Of the
SOIL enjoying their new surroundings.
All are happy in the pleasure of friend
I ship and rich in this, the first harvest
! Of Plymouth, which God had endowed.
! 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 us in all their simple
grandeur. Notwithstanding the suffer
ings that they experienced the preced-
ing winter, these founders of our ever
growing land chose a day which was
filed with thanksgiving to God for hav-
ing brought them through the shadows
70 this bright harvest day.