The Elbert County tribune., 1913-11-21

Gradually. the free air and broadmnded-
ness of this cline began to leaven the witch
burning dogmas of the Pilgrims, the fasting OF
the day was tempered by moderate feastng.
People ceased partaking In solemn silence OF
meal just about the same that served on Sun
day-on which day of the week all early Thanks
giving used to be observed-and had few
friends or relations In to help give proper thanks.
This necessltated elaborate preparations
and what the college-bred young of the
household today would term "a bigger feed
1t would not be correct to dine in everyday
clothes when guests present, elaborate
costuming came into vogue for the occasion.
Many guests came from long distance-maidens
sitting demurely behind men riders on horse
back, or else in clumsy old road-coaches. 1t
not hospitable to suggest that these return the
same day. So started the country house party
which still fourishes wherever there is hos
tess, house in the country and fireplace
For weeks beforehand preparations for the
great day went on. Especially at place like
Mount Vernon did Thanksgiving almost outweigh
Christmas in CULINARY importance-which was
1t should be since the host of Mount Vernon
signed the first official proclamation making
Thanksgiving holiday. And always the turkey
has been its emblem--just as the eagle is of
freedom Like the Indian 1t is typically Ameri-
or course with such tempting menus as turkey.
roast pig home-cured hams and mince and
pumpkin pies--to say nothing of imported plum
pudding -feastng rapidly took the place of absti.
nence. And it is remarkable that amid all the
1913 years that menu has remained practically un-
changed Everywhere in America this
Thanksgiving day-save in the homes of the
poor and the ti-millionaire-turkey and cram
berry sauce will have places of Importance and
be served from the table The high cost of lv
ing debars the city poor from much turkey and
the uitra-rich have long since determined that a
few thin un-graved slices Jf white meat suff-
cient to Introduce amid the various cosmopolitan
dishes of the meal.
Back In revolutionary days no such thought
troubled the mistress of the governors mansion
at Albany, the exclusive hostess of Boston, or
the chatelaine of Virginia estate. There was
only one proper place for the huge golden
brown, savory and beautiful turkey-and that
was the exact middle of whatever end of the
table designated head" No courses an.
noyed the guests and irritated eager Juveniles
The dinner services had to be extensive and
complete. Dinner served at midday and
began with soup, taken from an immense
toureen placed before the hostess She 'adled
It out into soup plates. whose depth would
astound fastidious diner of today. All over the
broad expanse of white cloth various dishes
and plates and cruets and receptacles for needed
seasonings.
Nor these of thickness meant to en-.
dure rather than charm the eye. Gazing upon a
collection of them now at the National Museum
at Washington marvels what magic of house
wifery skill ever prevented their breakage
Where Is the bride of yesterday who can point
today to an intact afterdinner coffee set-much
less that sufficient for dinner party? Yet these
are displayed In all the purity OF outline and
quantness Of long gone period. bringing very
near to the visitor the of genuine hospi-
tality.
In those revolutionary Thanksgivings there
time to hastily wash certain dishes and
them again. Everything had to be
whore 1t was In evidence all the time. And one