Hunting, just like his forefathers
The convenience of a fresh turkey - the legs are handy for hauling?
Or did you go out into the woods, brave person?
1912 - almost 300 years after the first Thanksgiving.
Or perhaps you went to the market?
This is 1919 - but it's kinda like today's farmer's market . . .
Then there was your local butcher shop . . .
November 1940: Easier, less time involved, and just around the corner.
But Presidents always get special delivery
The White House, 1921. This was delivery of a turkey for Warren G. Harding.
Boy, that stove brings back memories!
That's a 20 lb turkey in a wood stove. Now aren't you thankful for your modern kitchen?
Family arriving
During WWII, some warriors came home for Thanksgiving. That must have been so special.
1940 - long and skinny bird
No oversized breasts here! Even turkeys today look different.
Almost time to eat!
1942. The carving of the bird - and someone always steals a piece while it's being carved.
Go ahead - dig in!
1942 Pennsylvania - everyone taking some of the delicious food.
Family, food, crowded around the table . . .
That's Thanksgiving whether it's the 1950s or the 21st century.
And don't forget the kid's table!
It always felt good when you graduated to sitting with the adults. Of course, then you couldn't play with the food.
After all that food, your dessert is waiting . . .
Pies, cakes . . . the pounds are adding up.
Okay, this isn't a Pilgrim tradition but . . .
In 1941, stores closed for football games on Thanksgiving. Many don't close at all anymore. But then, we have big tvs for the big game now.
But the cafe didn't close in 1940 Virginia . . .
And you could get the whole dinner for 60 cents - without days of cooking on your part.
The Thanksgiving Maskers
In the early 20th century, children (especially in New York City) would dress up and beg for change on Thanksgiving. With the introduction of the Macy's Day Parade in the '20's, the Masker tradition merged with Halloween - thus the Halloween we know today.
1910 Maskers
Newspapers denounced parents who allowed their children to follow this "hooligan" practice.
Maskers scrambling for pennies
In 1910, a 3/4 ounces candy bar cost 2 cents. Today, the average bar is 1.5 - 1.8 oz and costs north of $1
1902 Thanksgiving Proclamation Act
President Franklin Roosevelt (Teddy was his cousin and Eleanor's uncle) moved Thanksgiving from the last Thursday of November to the fourth Thursday of November in 1939 to give Americans more time to shop for Christmas!
ancientfaces