They were the first Pilgrims in America (Pilgrim means “someone who travels far for religious or moral reasons”). One half of the Pilgrims(53) survived the first year.
They were helped by a local tribe, the Wampanoags, led by Chief Massasoit. They taught the Pilgrims to grow corn, harvest maple syrup and catch fish. The Wampanoags had traded with English explorers for 100 years. Wampanoag means “People of the First Light.” Their ancestors had lived in New England for at least 10,000 years.
In the fall of 1621, the 53 surviving Pilgrims celebrated their first harvest with a three-day feast. They were joined by Chief Massasoit and 90 men from his Wampanoag tribe. Harvest feasts and giving thanks were already Native American and European traditions.
In the 1800s, this feast was mythologized into “The First Thanksgiving” as Americans sought to create their own traditions and origin story. Occasional “Thanksgivings” were declared as presidential holidays throughout the 1800s. Trying to promote national healing and forgiveness amidst the Civil War, President Lincoln made it a permanent holiday in 1863, to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November. In 1942, Congress changed the permanent date to the fourth Thursday, where it remains today.
Celebrating Thanksgiving meant giving thanks to the Lord and a grand family dinner with relatives. Just like today, dinners featured turkey, green beans, cranberries, potatoes, squash, corn and a pumpkin dessert.
The same traditions were likely brought to Cheboygan in the 1850s, judging by the early founding of area churches. The first Catholic service was celebrated in 1851, followed by the first Methodist service in 1868, Congregational, 1871, Episcopal, 1878, Baptist, 1880, and Lutheran, 1881.
Looking through old copies of the Cheboygan Democrat, I was able to find several mentions of Thanksgiving activities from the late 1880s and early 1900s in the Cheboygan Democrat.
Nov. 1, 1883 edition
“The turkey is warned to roost high. Thanksgiving approaches.”
Nov. 3, 1894
The city band is putting forth its best efforts in perfecting arrangements for their masquerade party on Thanksgiving evening. There will also be a novel street parade in the afternoon which everybody should see. A large variety of costumes will be featured.
Nov. 17, 1894
The City Band has made arrangements for a grand masquerade ball at the opera house Thanksgiving night. Prof. McKie’s orchestra will furnish the music. Tickets are 50 cents. A costumer from Bay City will bring a full line of costumes to rent. At 2 p.m. there will be a burlesque parade.
Dec. 2, 1904
There’s an upcoming Thanksgiving vocal night for students at the Tallman school. Also, Bert Clark and sister spent Thanksgiving in Hebron with relatives and Mrs. Frank Butler of Wolverine visited friends in Gaylord.
Mr. and Mrs. H.B. Jones of Riggsville, and the teacher, Miss Corlette, spent Thanksgiving at Weadock, guests of H.F. Baker and wife, and remained for the big dance in the evening.
Nov. 17, 1921
The Gleaners were hosting a “big dance and supper at the Gleaner Hall Thanksgiving night.
The same night, the American Legion was giving a charity dancing party at the Armory. The article concluded that “the boys will see that there is plenty of good music.” “The boys” were the area veterans of World War 1.
The Women’s Club was planning a Thanksgiving program featuring Mrs. F.B. Aldrich as hostess. In other business, Mrs. W.H Conboy opened the meeting with a beautiful solo. Mrs. Clara Erratt and Mrs. W.E. Chapman were admitted to membership.
Dec. 2, 1926
The dance given by the DeMolay boys Thanksgiving night was attended by about 60 couples and a jolly time was had.
Meanwhile, in Tower, Mr. Merritt and pupils enjoyed a chicken dinner at the church and Miss Brownlee gave the primary school pupils a Thanksgiving party in the school room.
Mr. Ed Buck of Aloha spent Thanksgiving with his son Frank and wife in Mackinaw City. For Thanksgiving dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Olson entertained Mr./Mrs. Charles Amundsen, Mr./Mrs. Morley Thornton, Mrs. E. Thornton, and Mr. Clifton Thornton.
To each and every reader, I wish a fabulous Thanksgiving full of thanks, family, love, community and the Lord. Thank you for your blessings GOD!