More than a century ago, our Concord ancestors would be preparing for a rare feast to celebrate both the end of the harvest and the traditions that were handed down to them from their own forefathers. Our ancestors prepared to celebrate Thanksgiving.
The people of Concord would prepare a roast turkey, a pair of stuffed chickens boiled with cabbage and a piece of lean pork. A chicken pie might be included, as well as potatoes, turnip sauce, squash, onions, gravy, apple or plum puddings with sweets. The Thanksgiving dinner would be followed by mince, pumpkin and apple pies as well as cheese. Hard cider, known as “tipple” in the old days was the most common beverage consumed in Concord during this period, though for special occasions such as Thanksgiving our ancestors might have enjoyed wine, beer and a hard liquor such as rum or brandy.
The people worked very hard during the early years at Concord, labor was a constant companion, so a celebration that allowed for a fine feast, beverages and day away from the farm was certainly embraced by all. The preparation for the Thanksgiving celebration involved days of planning that involved everything from processing harvested fruits and vegetables to hunting in the forest surrounding Concord for that perfect turkey.
The origin of Thanksgiving is steeped in tradition with roots reaching back to the meal the Pilgrims consumed with the Wampanoag Native Americans in the year 1621. Both the poets and artists of the early years have certainly contributed to this very American holiday; Longfellow, as well as Currier and Ives, created much of the romantic tradition that we still hold closely to this very day. With engravings of festive New England and sentimental words of Longfellow and poets the future traditions were solidified in the annual celebrations that we enjoy.
There have been many disagreements over the years regarding the true “First Thanksgiving” celebration. Claims by early explorers and settlers from Virginia to northern Maine stating that their communities hosted the first celebrations with local Native Americans prior to the celebration at Plymouth in 1621. Some of the facts disputed add to the mystery of the holiday, the origins, traditions, meals and ongoing history. Even with debate dating back many years, there is one conclusive agreement by all, Thanksgiving is indeed an American holiday.
It was in the autumn of 1620 that a crowded ship named the Mayflower left Plymouth, England, in route to America. There were 102 passengers on this dangerous voyage across the Atlantic Ocean seeking a new life in the forest of British controlled North America.
The North America region was commonly referred to simply as Virginia during this period and the destination sought was thought to be comfortable. After a 66-day journey across the ocean the Mayflower sighted land on Nov. 9. Their intention was to seek the mouth of the Hudson River but they were unable to do so and remained in New England. Near the current Provincetown Harbor the Mayflower anchored on Nov. 11, 1620. The Pilgrims commenced exploration for a period of one month and encountered Native American inhabitants, vacant dwellings, graves and seed for corn. It was on a stormy eve that the explorers arrived at Plymouth in their small boat and once again anchored for rest on an island. The Pilgrims proceeded to the mainland at Plymouth and set about building shelters for that very difficult first winter. As the cold New England months progressed half of the passengers from the Mayflower died as a result of exposure, disease and starvation. The long-awaited spring arrived and the Pilgrims continued to persevere.
It was on March 16 that a single Native American appeared at Plymouth to greet the colonists. The Pilgrims were quite amazed when this new arrival approached them and spoke, not in his native language, but in English. His name was Samoset and he was a Native Sagamore from Maine where he learned English from early fishermen. Within days Samoset introduced the Pilgrims to another Native American named Squanto who had once lived in the Plymouth area. He also spoke English as the result of being sold into slavery in Spain and escaping to London, having found his way back to New England. Squanto became somewhat of a translator for the newly arrived Pilgrims and coached them on planting corn and surviving in the new land. With both Samoset and Squanto helping the Pilgrims, a great Sagamore named Massasoit arrived shortly with 60 men and was able to communicate with the Pilgrims with the help of Squanto. It was at this time that the Pilgrims entered into a peace agreement with Massasoit that would last for the next 50 years.
The colonists survived with help from the Native Americans and were successful with crops. They were deeply appreciative of the Native Americans friendship and soon decided a day to celebrate was needed. Gov. William Bradford sent men into the forest to hunt game and hosted a dinner with the Native Americans where they celebrated for a period of three days. The Native Americans arrived with additional deer and the Pilgrims continued to enjoy their first harvest feast together.
Until the year 1789 the annual Thanksgiving celebration was commonly celebrated only in the region. George Washington declared the very first nationwide Thanksgiving holiday for the United States at this time, though the 13 original colonies had been celebrating since 1777 since the Continental Congress recognized Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving Celebration was not being observed for a period around 1815 by many people, so another focus was later launched by editor Sarah Josepha Hale. She convinced Abraham Lincoln to declare a traditional November Thanksgiving in 1863.
As you gather this year to celebrate Thanksgiving, remember the men, woman and children from 1621. They celebrated with their new Native American friends in unity for they had survived with the help they were provided. Remember those from Thanksgivings past that are no longer with us. Be thankful for the traditions they started for you and optimistic for the Thanksgivings your descendants will someday celebrate.
Happy Thanksgiving to one and all.