Norwich bulletin., 1911-05-13

In 1922. after their harvest festi- val, asis the spring drew near, their supplies gave out, and during the summer more people had come from stole and damaged their garden prod- uce to such an extent that in the fall they we're in noacondition for an au- tumnal week or Thanksgiving with sports and feasting. and in 1923 they were still suffering from hunger and through the summer, spelling their crops.
 They began to think God was againbt them. and 90 to humble them selves together before God the govern or appointed day set apart from all other employment but prayer and fasting. They, soon decided that God was as ready to show them mercy as they were to ask for it. for, on the morning of their fast and prayers. the heavens were as clear of clouds as they had been. but before their meet ing was over, the clouds had gathered together on all sides and showers of rain began to fall.
 The Indians wondered that the prayers of the whites were so quickly answered and it greatly added to their respect for the white men.
 few days after this fast day. they had good news from friends whom they supposed were lost. and so, in view of so many favors from God, they appointed another day for thanks giving, in which they returned praise and all glory with thankfulness to God, who had been so good to them.
 First in New England.
 The fast day occurred on the six teenth day of July. 1923, and the thanksgiving on the thirtieth day of July, the same month. This is SUD- posed to be the first thanksgiving day appointed by governor, as civil magistrate, in New England.
 On February P, 1880, this Plymouth colony kept a Thanksgiving day in was the first public thanksgiving held by that colony in Boston, in gratitude for the arrival of. food-bearing ships.
 During the two years of 1884 and 1885, the Plymouth colony observed six lasts. In 1886. a very important year, on account of the revision of the colonial laws, and the establish they observed fast day, November Il, an occasion for asking a blessing up on their consultation about the laws.
 Four days later they met to review their laws, one of which read:
 The Thanksgiving Law.
 That it be in the power of the Gov ernor and Assists to comand solemn daies of humiliacon by fasting. &e., and also for thanksgiving as occasion shall be offered.-Colonial Laws, 1636.
 Rhode Island people did not pay much attention to Thanksgiving, and Connecticut people were not inclined to regularly observe it until 171s, when it was observed in August-in 171s in December-and in 171s, in October.
 Election day was a holiday, and a day of much excitement There was always an election service preached that day. Another holiday was Train as many as six training days in one year, and they would exercise their arms. They were trained on Boston common, and prizes were offered for the best craftsmanship. The Train ing days were later called Muster days
 Preudest Holiday.
 Commencement day was one of their pl audest holidays. AnniN ersary day was especially for ministers. Fore fathers day was the anniversary day of the landing of the Pilgrims.
 In some localities the yearly corn huskings. apple-parings, maple-sugar making, and timber rollinss. were merry gatherings. The sheep shearing
 May day was abolished on account of it's reveling A fast day on Friday was very strictly avoided. as it was the English fast day. and Thursday was chosen. Special fast and holy ori prayer days were also held at sea, on voyages between England and New England These fast and thanksgiv, ing days were of a noble character. and offered a common religious life which brought all the colonists into closer sympathy and friendship with one another.