Norwich bulletin., 1912-11-30
NICOLO'S FIRST THANKSGIVING

as they called him, became a favorite with many.
 Meantime spring had advanced into summer, and that in turn was wan ing, and autumn was approaching, and still Nlcolo remained at the farm, al though many of the laborers there de- parted one after another as this crop or that was gathered into storehouse or barn. But to NicoIo 1t was all new, an he liked it all He found the hay season a novelty and a pleasure, and soon learned to swing scythe with the rest of them. He opened his eyes in wonder at the filling of the silo with the tender stalks of corn stored up for the cattle Laying aside provisions for the family use during the months of frost and cold was an unheard of thing for him, but he readily did his share towards it's accomplishment, thereby gaining a lesson in thrift, and when it came to gathering the apples, who so nimble and active as Nicolo!
 News had come to him of his parents who had reached the northwest, and were prospering in a strange land, but one which they felt to be a land of plenty. They wanted all their children, however, and urged Nicolo to come to them, and were trying to save money t, send to Italy for a daughter, whom they had left behind with relatives Here was a chance for Nicolo to help, and from his savings he determined to spare enough to bring his sister to this country, which was filling his heart to the exclusion of Italia beloved Pending the arrival of his sister, he would remain at the farm, and then they would join their parents in the west.
 As autumn advanced he heard much said about Thanksgiving day. and he queried greatly as to what it all meant. He noticed it was looked forward to with great joy by the older people and that they expected all their chill dren to come home from far and near for family reunion. He watched all the preparations outdoors and within with keen interest. How could so much food be needed, he thought, as he look ed at the long lines of pies packed away on the pantry shelves. He waf set to work cracking nuts and popping corn for the little folks who were tC be there For them, too, the cookie pails were filled to the brim, and Grandma hurried about, merry ana happy as a child herself, directing tht labors of those who were assisting hei for the time. The reddest apples were selected and set aside for the occasion and nothing must be overlooked whicl could add to the pleasure of the ex' | pected guests.
 Nicolo was as anxious as any tha | the turkey should be well fattened. H' | was sure there was none in the mar | ket quite it's equal in size and qual | ity. And when the eventful day ar rived none was happier than Nicolo who made himself more helpful thai
 ever in his pleasure over the great fes l tival.
 He had a special cause for thanks | giving himself, for he had receives word from his sister that she would ar rive soon after Thanksgiving, and s
 at Christmas time they would be unit | ed with their parents once more an'
 keep their great feast together.
 Much as they regretted at the farn
 to part with him, they all rejoice
 with Nicolo and sent him off wit
 many good wishes and substantial re
 membranes to grow up with the grea
 west, and to this day the children tai of that lovely Italian boy who was a Grandma's at Thanksgiving.
 l AN IDLER.