The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-12-01
CITY CELEBRATES THANKSGIVING DAY All Business and Political
 Affairs Forgotten VERY QUIET HOLIDAY No Noise and Confusion Down Town. Homes Were Places of Turkey
 Dinners and Happy
 Gatherings
VERY QUIET HOLIDAY

For once in it's history the city of Bir- mingham practically ceased all business by noon yesterday in order that it's peo- pie might enjoy the great national holi- day, Thanksgiving Day.
 The haunts and places where business people, politicians and other citizens usually congregate were practically de- serted after the morning hours, and those people who came from other cities with the idea that things would be as usual in this city were sadly mistaken, for, as in other things, the people of Birmingham went the limit In celebrating the day set apart by the nations chief executive for general thankfulness.
 The holiday in Birmingham differed much from any other holiday in the year by the manner in which it was observed. There was little of noise or confusion on the streets, nothing in the way of over exuberance, not the slightest sign of hilarity was discernable. butrthe day was more quietly spent by the people of the Magic City, which more resembled Puritan city than at any other time since 1t has been ranked among the most pre- gressive cities of the United States. Very Quiet
 The quietness of the day was no better exemplifled in any part of the city than it was in the hotel Hobbies. Take that If the Morris hotel as an example, lobby where politicians of the county and state congregate. and where men of af- fairs are almost at all times to be found discussing the events of the day. Yes- terday this lobby was practically deserted save for those who may be classed among the regular travellers and who have to make the best of affairs in any city they may happen to be in on holiday occasion. Few men of public affairs were to be seen, and those little conferences that generally make up part of the average day were conspicuous by their absence The register also showed that the men of state affairs were evidently observing this great home day with their families in their home cities, and for once had forgotten all else save the one day set apart for thanksgiving.
 Similar conditions existed in the other hotels of the city, which were practically deserted.
 Attend Theatres
 The only direct evidence offered that the people thought of aught elsa but their homes on this day was during the theatre hours. Nearly everyone of the theatres were we'll attended at the matinee performances and the same rule prevailed last night. The out pouring of the people from these amuse- ment resorts at the end of the play was the only evidence offered in the downtown portion of the city that Bir- mingham is full of busy people.
 As usual the policemen of the city's force were on duty, but for once their task was an exceedingly light one. A Fourth of July holiday or a Christmas day often keep these guardians of the peace more than usually on the alert, but the Thanksgiving holiday really gave them d breathing spell.
 Order prevailed everywhere, in fact after the business houses had closed their doors for the day Birmingham Sabbath day.
 In the residential districts there was another story to tell. Here, of course. order also prevailed, but the laughter that came floating from suddenly opened doors or the peeps to be gained at happy and contented families sit- ting around the dining table told just why the streets downtown were de- serted, excepting for theatre hours. The people of Birmingham apparently had given up the entire day to home cele- brations where they could best enjoy those things that prosperity had brought to them.