Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1913-11-21
III 4wHY9oy HzZpw En77717g EHN> R2lRs II

Gradually, the free air and broadminded-
ness of this cline began to leaven the witch
burning dogmas of the Pilgrims, the fasting Of
the day was tempered by moderate feasting.
People ceased partaking in solemn silence of
meal just about the 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 of the
household today would term "a bigger feed"
1t would not be correct to dine in everyday
clothes when guests were present, so elaborate
costuming into vogue for the occasion.
Many guests came from long distance-maidens
sitting demurely behind riders on horse
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 is a hos
tess. house in the country and a fireplace
For weeks beforehand preparations for the
great day went Especially at place like
Mount Vernon did Thanksgiving almost outweigh
Christmas in culinary mportance-which
1t should be since the host of Mount Vernon
signed the first official proclamation making
Thanksgiving a holiday. And always the turkey
has been its embem-just as the eagle is of
freedom. Like the Indian it is typically Ameri-
OF course with such tempting turkey,
roast pig, home-cured hams and mince and
pumpkin pies-to say nothing of imported plum
Misunderstanding rapidly took the place of absti-
hence. And it is remarkable that amid all the
changes of this vast country during the past
123 years that menu has remained practically
changed Everywhere in America this
Thanksgiving day-save in the homes of the
poor and the MISUNDERSTANDING and cram
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 ultrarich have long since determined that
few thin un-gravied slices of white meat suff
cent tofntroduce amid The various cosmopolitan
dishes of, the meal.
Back in revolutionary days such thought
troubled the mistress of the governors mansion
at Albany the exclusive hostess of Boston or
the chatelaine of Virginia estate There
only one proper place for the huge golden
brown. savory and beautiful turkey-and that
the exact middle of whatever end of the
table designated head" No courses
noyed the guests and irritated eager juveniles.
The dinner services had to be extensive and
complete. Dinner was served at midday and
began with soup, taken from immense
toureen placed before the hostess She laded
1t 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 a thickness meant to en-
dure rtither than charm the eye. Gazing upon
collection of them now at the National Museum
at Washington one marvels what magic OF house
wifery skill ever prevented their breakage.
Where is the bride of yesterday who can point
today to an intact after-dinner coffee set--much
less that sufficient for q dinner party? Yet these
displayed in al the purity OF outline and
quaincaess OF long gene period. bringing very
10 the visitor the era of genuine hospi-
tally.
In those revolutionary Thanksgivings there
time to hastily wash certain dishes and
use them over again. Everything had to be
where It in evidence all the time. And one