The age-herald., 1901-11-28
thanksgiving to Almighty God for the fruits of the earth"

thanksgiving to Almighty God for the fruits of the earth
 In short the custom has gradually spread from bleak, wave-washed Ply mouth Rock to other communities, colo nies and States until 1t is now universal in this country as legal holiday, and is second only to Christmas in the esti- nation of the people. Its rather obser- vance over all the country dates since the Civil War although in the North ern States a day of thanksgiving, praise and prayer was held on August G. 1863, in commemoration of the Union victory at Gettysburg which was regarded as the turning point in the war.
 POOR TO SPEND
 ONE HAPPY DAY.
 The headquarters of the United Chari- ties Association was open all day yester- day for the purpose of receiving contri- buttons, and many liberal persons took advantage of the opportunity and gave money. clothes, food and fuel to be dis tributed among the poor people of the city.
 Mrs. Torrey, president of the society, said last night she expected a large num- Der of contributions today. and she thought the poor people of Birmingham would spend a happy Thanksgiving Day. The headquarters in the Thompson Hotel building, at Third avenue and Twenty second street will be open all day. and any persons needing food, fuel or cloth ing can call there and receive assistance. "On Thanksgiving Day" explained Mrs. Torrey, i've ask no questions, and everybody is served alike As long as we have anything to give it will be given freely.
 Mrs. Torrey explained that in the ordi- nary charity work a committee investi- gated the condition of the poor and care was exercised to give assistance only where 1t was needed and where the un- fortunate person or persons were worthy On Thanksgiving Day all of this detail is dispensed with. and a helping hand is ex- tended to all alike. ts
 Mrs. Torrey will be assisted in her work today by Mrs H. M. Johnson. Mrs s. B. saures, Mrs. Doane, Mrs Hender- son and Mrs. T., M. Davidson.
 TURKEY FOR
 FIFTY CHILDREN.
 At the Mercy Homo fifty happy chill dren went to bed last night eager for the coming of day. Dreams of turkey, cranberry sauce. fruit, candy and nuts fitted through their minds for Mrs. Ramsey had told them real Thanks giving dinner would be served at the home today
 A number of turkeys. a lot of general groceries, some clothing and substan- tial supply of coal arrived at the home yesterday and preparations for today's feast began in the afternoon. Many more contributions are expected this morning and Mrs. Ramsey who has charge of the little tots says she would disposed to be charitable would send some blankets. ftt
 The Mercy Home is at the corner of Twenty-second street and Eleventh ave- nue, North. and the doors will be open all day. Mrs. Ramsey will be assist ed in preparing and serving the dinner by Mrs. W. H. Jeffries. Mrs. c. B. Spen- cer, Mrs. Ballard and several others
 At the Boys Industrial Home near East Lake forty-five youngsters are get ting ready for glorious feast of tur- key and cranberry cause today. Contri- buttons for the little fellows were receiv- ed yesterday at the Southern Bell Tele- phone Exchange and at the home. The good people of Birmingham sent them everything that could be used in prepar- ing Thanksgiving dinner beside con siderable amount of clothing. MT. Grif- lContinued .ou Page, seven.)