The citizen., 1914-11-20


in their Westinghouse, and as the peti
tion from their thankful hearts ascended,
Massasoit explained to his warriors that
the palefaces We're worshipping their
Great Spirit, who would keep and pro-
tect them from danger and their enemies,
and as the music of the. sweet song of
praise that followed the prayer foated
out on the calm morning air. the won
dering Indians stood by awed and mute.
Then came the dinner First of all
there was roast turkey dressed with
beechnuts; venison posties meat stews
with dumplings, oysters, the first ever
tasted by the settlers (these were pro-
vided by the Indians), bowls of clam
chowder, broiled fi>h, roasts of all kinds,
salads, cakes and plum puddings.
1t was time never to be forgotten by
the Pilgrim Fathers. 1t was Indian
summer and the soft, warm, sunshine
spread itself over woodland and meadow
while the rich autumnal tints of the
foliage-gold, crimson and brown--com-
blned to form scenic panorama that
enchanted every beholder. Added to
this the hum of many voices and the
merry peal of laughter as the settlers
with their red guests, partook Of the
bounteous repast set before them, created
a scene that could never be effaced from
their memory.
Thus was celebrated the first Thanks
giving and the first Thanksgiving dinner
of the American colonies
Two years later, in 1923. terrible
drouth prevailed in Plymouth colony.
No rain fell for two months from the
third week in May until the third week
in July. The barley and peas died and
the corn withered under the scorching
rays OF the sun. If the harvests faile
entirely, the settlers would perish either
from starvation Or by an attack of saw
ages. In this extremity, says His
torian Goodrich. "a public fast was OBJ
served, the first voluntary fast ever kept
on these western shores. The morning
of the fast day was cloudless. and the
day intensely hot. But towards even
ing the clouds collected and rain de-
scended in moderate, but refreshing
showers; the languishing crops revived
and a bountlful harvest succeeded. In
token of general gratitude day of pub
lie Thanksgiving was ordered and kept
the second such day that had been OBJ
served in New England.
The third Thanksgiving Day is re-
corded as February %, 1851. 1t was
celebrated upon the occasion of the safe
return of Mr. l'earce who had been
sent to Ireland for provisions for the col
ony.
From this date forward until 1876,
there were about twenty-five different
celebrations relating to political events,
discovery of conspiracies. freedom from
Indian warfare and abundant harvests.
The Dutch governor of New Amster-
dam (now New York next commenced
the observance, and appointed day in
1914, as a day of thanksgiving on ac
count of victory over the Indians; they
also had celebrations in 1915, 1855 and
1656. New York after her exchange
from Dutch to English rule did not come
in line with the others until 1855, with
her first observance. followed by the
second one in 1860.
During the year 1921, Boston suffer
ed from a terrible outbreak of smallpox.
In the midst of their dire distress, caus-
ed by over 1000 deaths, the Indians
were also giving the colony great deal
of trouble. Yet in spite of all this hard
ship, Governor Shute issued a proclama
ton for day of thanksgiving and it was
duly observed. This was the first print
ed proclamation issued in America.
During the War of Independence the
Continental Congress set apart a number
of thanksgiving days for various pur
poses. Some of these were July 20,
1775; May II and December IL, 1916;
April %, 1873; May 6. 1879; April
8, 1880; May 3, 1871 and April 25,
1882.
Congress suggested these days to the
governors of the different States, who
usually issued proclamation setting
forth the special cause for gratitude and
calling upon the people to render thanks
to God. A certain form for thanks
giving proclamation was reported to the
Continental Congress, November |,
1777, by Samuel Adams. of Massachu-
sets Besides these days, General
Washington issued orders TO the Cont
mental Army. directing that December
Is. l777, and May I, 1i7S. be OBJ
served as general thanksgiving days.