Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1913-11-26

Gradually as the free air and broadminded-
ness Of this cline, began to leaven the witch
burning dogmas OF the Pilgrims, the tasting OF
the day was tempered by moderate feastin9.
People ceased partaking in solemn silence OF .
meal Just about the same as 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 necessitated more elaborate preparations
and what the college-bred young man OF the
household today would term "a bigger feed.
It would not be correct to dine in everyday
clothes when guests were present, so elaborate
costuming' came into vogue for the occasion
Many guests came from a long distance-ma1dens
sitting demurey behind men riders on horse
Il back or else In clumsy old road-coaches 1t was
not hospitable to suggest that these return the
same day. So started the country house party
which still fourishes wherever there 10 a nos
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
6 Christmas in culinary importance-which was as
it should be since the host Of Mount Vernon
signed the first official proclamation making
Thanksgiving a holiday. And always the turkey
has been it's embem-Just as the eagle Is OF
freedom i Like the Indian It Is typically Ameri
can. fsE,
OF course with such tempting menus as turkey,
roast pig horne-cured hams and mince and
pumpkin pies-to say nothing of imported plum
MISUNDERSTANDING
& hence. And 1t Is remarkable that amid all the
changes OF this vast country during the past
f23 years that menu has remained practically I'M
changed. Everywhere in America on this
Thanksgiving day--save In the homes OF the
4 poor and the multi. millionare-turkey and cram
q berry sauce will have places Of importance and
be served from the table. The high cost OF liv-
ing debars the city poor from much turkey and
the ultra-rich have long since determined that
few thin un.gravied slices OF white meat are suft
Client to introduce amid the various Cosmopolitan
dishes of the meal
Back in revolutionary days no such thought
( troubled the mistress OF tho 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, saTory and beautiful turkey-and that
was the exact middle Of whatever end Of che
table was designated head. - No courses an
noyed the guests and irritated eager Juveniles
4 The dinner services had to- be extensive and
complete. Dinner was served at midday and
!. began with soup, taken from an immense
toureen placed before the hostess She ladled
lit out into soup plates, whose depth would
astound fastidious diner of today. All over the
broad expanse OF white cloth were various dishes
and plates and cruets and receptacles for needed
! seasonings
Nor were these OF thickness meant to en-.
5dure rather than charm the eye Gazing upon
collection Of them now e. the National Museum
at Washington marvels what magic OF house
wifery skill ever prevented their breaknge
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
quaintness Of a long gone period, bringing very
near to the visitor the era Of genuine hospi-
, talfy.
In those revolutionary Thanksgivings there
was no time to hastily wash certain dishes and
use them over again. Everything had to be
where it was in evidence all thu time. And one