The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1924-11-27

One of the glad nolluayS OF the year,
,sot of Thanksgiving, is with us. 1t
!. essentially harvest Thanksgiving
and its earliest observance can be
raced to the Pilgrim fathers. Dur
inc the Revolution, Thanksgiving Day
vss national institution and during
,be Civil War in 1883 and 1864, Pres
idsnt Lincoln issued proclamations
recommending annual Thanksgiving.
.nce then, yearly proclamation has
Seen issued and much of the tradi-
rons of the earlier days, has clung
~ the observance of the event. But
the methods are. vastly different from
,he time Gov. Bradford, back in early
Says at Plymouth, "sept four men out
nwling." Nevertheless turkeys and
oiber fowls are still the crowning
feature and locally, there has been
,ood demand for turkeys this year.
Iarket men report splendid sales and
mrds are bringing from fifty to sixty
ronts a pound. There are some es-
oscially fine native turkeys this year.
philanthropy has been much in evi-
deuce at this season locally and in
occordance with their usual custom.
ihe people of the Bethany Baptist
church, held open house Monday in
,he chapel and committee of ladies'
composed of Mrs. George Merriam,
Mrs. X. F. Homsted, Mrs. C. A. Bur-
nor Mrs. Fred Nye and Mrs. f. F..
Haines were kept busy receiving dom
atoms to be distributed about the
lawn. The ladies parlor presented
liberal harvest with its variety of
vegetables and fruit, canned goods,
chickens, groceries, etc. Tuesday,
these ladies' were busy sending out
the donations but fortunately there
did not seem to be the demand this
wear as in former years. Thirteen
boxes containing dinners for fifty
one peoule and fourteen baskets of
delicacies were sent to shut-ins The
iay closed with the customary social.
which was attended by about one
hundred and fifty people. The Chris
tan Endeavor Society furnished the
program, with Mrs. c. B. Hight as
chairman. The Bethany Orchestra
played, Rev. George Merriam offered
prayer and other features included
violin music by Gladys Mantor and
Charlotte Catea, " Fecitation by Arth-
ur Mason. piano trio by Iyanella New
ton, Lucille Moore and Helen Hawes,
readings by Mrs. Hight and piano
solo by Lura Loomis. At this point
Of the program, Miss Louise H. Co
burn was called upon for remarks
and these remarks she addressed
chiefly to Pastor Merriam, referring
to his sermon on "Thankfulness" the
Sunday before. Miss Coburn said
| that Bethany was thankful for the
Twenty years of service, which Mr..
Merriam had given them and express
ed the appreciation pf the families of
the congregation. She presented
| him with twenty dollars from the
| people of the parish as a personal
| rift of lfriendllness. Mr.. Mer-
lam responded with much apprecia-
Non and during the course of his re-
marks asked the pasple to sing Amer
+ lea He later recalled the first
thanksgiving social, called attention
| 10 the Presidents Proclamation and
announced the safe arrival of Mr.. and
Mrs. G. r. Fogg In st. Petersburg.
Mrs e. T. Goodrich then presented
Mrs. Merriam with an appreciation
'Of her motherly generous, sweet self
sacrificing ways" This was hand
some bag, while the other gift was a
bouquet of seven chrysanthemums for
her seven absent children. Mrs Mer-
riam with her usual gentleness be-
spoke her appreciation and told of her
attachment for the people of SHOW
began. Incidentally. Mr.. Merriam is
The oldest Baptist clergyman in years
Of service in one church, but not the
Oldest Baptist preacher in the state.
He came here from Freeport where
be was located twelve years and prior
10 that he was ten years in the minis
Try in Kansas, After the program,
social was enjoyed by the young
people
| The Federated Church also took up
The needs of the people and sent gifts
OIL food clothing and money to tho1e
who were known to be in need. The
Centenary M. Il. Church remembered
the needy of their parish by sending
| "Nih HdllhSkiNfue sulHnti ..
Special Thanksgiving dinners were
Inioyed at the local hospitals. At the
City Farm. roast chicken and plum
pudding were featured on the menu
lor the five inmates, now living there.
At the county Jail the following menu
was planned, roast spare rib pork,
onions, squash, potatoes and dough
nuts. There arc about twenty-five
inmates there at the present time.
At the State Reformatory for Wo-
men, there is a cessation, of all labor
and a special dinner of roast pork.
Vegetables, pies, puddings, nuts and
eandy will be enjoyed. The supper
9Oles will also have special dainties.
The special Union Thanksgiving ser
Woes are being held this "wednesday
evening in the Centenary Church,
win the pastors of the three Prot
@tant denominations, delivering short
'adresses on Thankful topics.
IN THE HOMES
h., f,s1 Il