Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-11-21
THANKSGIVING FUN
A Turkey Race Will Prove
Mirth Provoking.
FOR THEOLD AND YOUNG
STRINGING CRANBERRIES IS AN
OTHER EASY FORM OF FUN.
A Masquerade Party Would End Up
the Day Very
Jolly.
Written for The Evening Star.

Written for The Evening Star.
The first Thanksgiving day was not a par
ticularly jolly affair. The Puritans gave
thanks very solemnly, realizing that it was
only by a special dispensation that they had
anything to give thanks for.
But their descendants and followers have
made the day jolly one. Whats the use
of feeling thankful if you don't show it in
exuberance of spirits?" they ask. AS re-
suit the family comes together at Thanks
giving as much to have gay time as to do
full justice to the turkey and the cranberry
sauce. Amusement is expected along with a
good dinner.
Since three, sometimes four generations
are usually represented at Thanksgiving
reunion. the amusements planned by the
hostess should be adapted to all ages. 1t is
I safe to say. however. that every one. from
the oldest great-grandfather to the young
est fodder, is going to be youthful on that
day, so almost any sport that is jolly Will
suit all the guest.
The turkey race is sure to interest
every one. 1t Is one of the widest games
that ever grandparents entered into side by
side with their own grandchildren. A grand
mother who did it says that she bushes
still, year later to think that she was
guilty of so undigniied a proceeding. But
| there Is always Twinkle IN ner eye WneH
she mentions the event. and those who saw
her racing say that she was the most
charming picture of all the hilarious group
The race was arranged on the plan of the
animal and bird races that have lately re-
lieved the ennui of society. But instead of
racing all sorts of different creatures, from
a peacock to a kitten, the trotters were all
fine vigorous young turkeys, well fed and
fit for the fray
After the Dinner.
After an ample Thanksgiving dinner the
guests were led out to the yard where the
turkeys awaited their drivers. They tossed
their heads proudly as race horses and
showed genuine spirit. They were harnessed
lightly with gaudy red ribbons and when
each guest had the rens in hand the birds
were lined up ready for the signal. Only the
grandmother was present, and she demur-
red. But it was in vain; the youngsters re-
fused to race without her, SO at the signal
off she went with the others.
Down the long lane sped the turkeys, fair
ly dragging their drivers behind them, and
pellmell came the drivers, running as fast
as they could to keep up.
Mines ahead" shouted grandfather, lus-
tily His glasses bobbed off, but still he
| ran on.
You can't beat mel" squealed six-year-
old close behind him.
my turkeys the winner Of the whole
lot" the father remarked calmly, running
easily behind his laggard, at the rear of the
line.
Grandmother said never a word. She had
made up her mind at last to enter the race
and as long as she had, she was going into
it to win. She has never given up the dain-
ty little lace cap that used to be fashion
with old ladies. and the family say it was
charming to see the strings of it fiutter.
Close behind her turkey she ran, making
steady progress and not frightening the
bird with shouts. And the upshot of the
affair was that grandmother reached the
goal ahead Of all the rest.
I'm dreadfully ashamed of myself" she
| safd as she received the prize, beautiful
book of Thanksgiving poems. But as long
as 1 went into the race at all. I'm SO glad
| 1 won."
A Puritan Revival.
A First Thanksgiving is a charming
party. 1t is supposed to be reproduction
of the original celebration which the Puri-
tans INDUCED in, but 1t usually turns out
to be jollier affair than they ever had in
their grim old lives.
Such a party can be made as elaborate
as time and money will permit. The
sential thing is that all the guests come in
Puritan costume. Their varied ages make
the scene a charming one. Bright young
faces are more than ever bewitching in the
frame of a white cap.
Any simple gown of dark color can be
utilized for the costume. Rip off all the
trimming, reduce 1t to the severest skirt
and bodice and 1t will do. although a gown
made for the purpose would be better, as
it could have the full gathered skirt, which
your own gowns probably have not. The
broad white kerchief and hat are the eff
fective points in the makeup. The chill
dren are charming in these. and the grand
mother will be as charming as they.
| The men must be coaxed to wear cos
tunes If the picture is to be perfect. They
probably will rebel.
"Oh, 1 can't bother. You wear the cos
tune. haven't time. Let me go as am"
That is what the father will say when he
is tired and busy.
Its silly. Let the girls dress up
That is what the biggest brother will
say with air of superiority.
| Don't let them have their way. Get the
costumes ready for them, then coax them
not to spoil your party. You know best
how to do that.
Making Costumes.
Rummage among the old clothes for golf
trousers or boys short trousers long
trousers that you can shorten,e The golf
plaids can be dyed at home. Make long
capes like those in the pictures of the PIT
ritans In fact you can't work up any Of
these costumes unless you study the pic
lures carefully. Look in some United States
history for them. Notice the form OF the
mems cloaks. Notice the high-crowned
hats If you ingenious you can rip
the trimming from some old picture hats
of your own and insert high crown, II
necessary.
When the costumes are ready the men
and boys will be only too willing to add
to the fun by playing the, parts of their
several times t-grandfathers
If the family is fond of amateur theat-
r,cals an appropriate performance for
Thanksgiving day is "The Courtship of
Miles Standish." Americans are so wont to
associate the day with New England that
this little picture of the first settlers there
Is timely one 1t be given at any
kind of party; it is especially fitting at a
First Thanksgiving when the audience
as well the actors. in the dress Of
the old days.
| A Quiet Came
A quiet form of fun, and the simplest one
possible, is a cranberry stringing. This is
an excellent way TO pass an afternoon or