| (continued
from pg. 4, col. 1) shopping season, Roosevelt
figured an earlier Thanksgiving would give merchants more
time to sell their goods before Christmas. Roosevelt’s
declaration was not mandatory, however, and about half of
the states went along with “Franksgiving.” In
1941, Congress split the difference: it declared Thanksgiving
would fall on the fourth Thursday in November, which isn’t
always the last Thursday of the month.
And what of the
foods we typically eat at this most American of feasts? Turkey,
cranberries, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes are all native to
the Americas, and at least two or three of these foods could
have been consumed at the original Thanksgiving feast in 1621.
Furthermore, cranberries, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes are
all harvested in the fall, so it is sensible that they should
be present at a harvest festival.
 *Hale
is the little-known author of the famous children’s
rhyme Mary Had A Little Lamb.
Sources: Wikipedia,
twoop.com, csmonitor.com,
bestyears.com, oceanspray.com.
LITERARY
GENIUS
This
well known poem about a New England boy's Thanksgiving trip
to his grandfather's house was, like Mary Had
A Little Lamb, written by a now obscure woman
who was well known in her day. Lydia Maria Child was one of
the first American women to earn a living writing. She authored
several popular domestic advice books, including The
American Frugal Housewife and The
Mother's Book. This poem first appeared in Flowers
for Children, volume 2 in 1844.
A BOY'S THANKSGIVING DAY
by Lydia Maria Child |
Over
the river, and through the wood,
to Grandfather's house we go;
the horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
through the white and drifted snow.
Over the river, and through the wood,
to Grandfather's house away!
We would not stop for doll or top,
for 'tis Thanksgiving Day.
Over the river, and through the wood,
oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes and bites the nose,
as over the ground we go.
Over the river, and through the wood,
with a clear blue winter sky,
The dogs do bark and the children hark,
as we go jingling by.
Over the river, and through the wood,
to have a first-rate play.
Hear the bells ring, “Ting a ling ding!”
Hurray for Thanksgiving Day!
Over the river, and through the wood,
no matter for winds that blow;
or if we get the sleigh upset
into a bank of snow. |
Over
the river, and through the wood,
to see little John and Ann;
we will kiss them all, and play snowball
and stay as long as we can.
Over the river, and through the wood,
trot fast my dapple gray!
Spring over the ground like a hunting-hound!
For ‘tis Thanksgiving Day.
Over the river, and through the wood,
and straight through the barnyard gate.
We seem to go extremely slow—
it is so hard to wait!
Over the river, and through the wood,
Old Jowler hears our bells;
he shakes his paw with a loud bow-wow,
and thus the news he tells.
Over the river, and through the wood,
when Grandmother sees us come,
she will say, “O, dear, the children are here,
bring pie for everyone.”
Over the river, and through the wood,
now Grandmother’s cap I spy!
Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done?
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie! |
|
