The story of the first Thanksgiving, a humble meal of root vegetables, oysters, and venison offered by the Native Americans to the hungry Puritans is amongst the most familiar tales told in America. It has been an indelible part of our country’s heritage, and was even recognized in a proclamation made by George Washington in 1789:
“Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States . . .”
George Washington, 1789
In his first year as President, Washington realized the unifying effect of having a national holiday unique to our fledgling country. But it would take another seventy years before it became official!
Thanksgiving in the early 1800’s was mostly a New England holiday, resembling something very similar to today. The ‘three sisters’ – corn, squash, and beans – were served alongside a typically bounteous harvest meal. This echoed earlier observances of Thanksgiving as a festival celebrating the autumn crop, represented by the cornucopia overflowing with fruits and vegetables.
During the Civil War, a woman named Sarah Josepha Hale wrote continuous letters asking for Thanksgiving’s recognition. Finally, President Lincoln honored her request and our first Thanksgiving Day was celebrated on the final Thursday in November 1863. Incidentally, in the same month he traveled to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to read a short address about the great battle.
“The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies.”
Abraham Lincoln, October 3, 1863
May we all remember and be thankful for what we have. If you’d like to celebrate this wonderful holiday with festive décor, take a look at some of the things offered by Sturbridge Yankee Workshop. Our Cornucopia is bursting with fun colors and harvested grains. The Pilgrim couple is dressed in their 17th-century garb, cheery and fun to set up on your table or mantel. Display our Peacock platter proudly, a bird of plenty for the gathering of friends and family.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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