Sarah Josepha Hale

Thinking about my Thanksgiving Day blog inspired a Google search of Thanksgiving facts. What to write about? Gratitude, Pilgrims, trivia and family stories topped my list. I found my way to the History Channel website where I learned about Sarah Josepha Hale. Educated in the Pilgrim story, I was unaware of her contribution to our modern day Thanksgiving. A visit to http://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving-facts/videos#thanksgiving-becomes-a-holiday will introduce you to Sarah Josepha Hale.

Sarah Josepha Buell was born in 1788. At age, 25, Sarah married David Hale. Her husband passed away in 1822 leaving her to care for their five children. Fortunately Sarah was self-educated through a brotherly connection to Dartmouth.

Needing to provide for her children, Sarah Josepha Hale turned to literature. This author and editor became a champion for the improvement of women’s lives. Sarah Josepha Hale authored many books and poems, but her most recognized poem is “Mary Had A Little Lamb.”

As editor of Godey’s Ladies Book she began a letter writing campaign to President Abraham Lincoln promoting a national day of thanks.  Her efforts resulted in our national holiday known as Thanksgiving. Thank you Sarah Josepha Hale for your persistence belief in a national day of thanksgiving.

Sarah Josepha Hale, “Letter to Abraham Lincoln,” American Treasures of the Library of Congress, (http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/trm125.html : accessed 23 November 2011).

Happy Thanksgiving!

Linda

First Turkeys and Rutabaga

I think every one remembers the first Thanksgiving turkey that they prepared. In my case, I was unaware that turkey giblets were to be found in a small bag located in the turkey’s neck area. Go figure! Isn’t that just where one might look to find a turkey’s heart and liver? Had my mother not clued me in on the location of the giblets, they would have been roasted bag and all! Fortunately for all, she did and my roast turkey was a success.

Today I wished my mother’s cousin, Joyce Tudyman, a Happy Thanksgiving. She will spend the holiday with relatives who are of Italian descent. They will be serving pasta along with their turkey. She mentioned that she was happy to be invited, but will miss the traditional English Thanksgiving dinner complete with rutabaga.

So that is how the rutabaga tradition came to my family! I always had a hunch that this rutabaga tradition hailed from my only English ancestors, John and Emma Dollen. My mother would simply peel and cube the rutabaga and simmer until soft. She would then mash it. I have updated her tried and true recipe by adding some butter, half and half, and a pinch of nutmeg! You either like this root veggie or you don’t!

So, all you Thanksgiving chefs, what was your first turkey experience like? What happened to you? I look forward to hearing your stories!

As We Head Into Thanksgiving Week

This weekend my daughter gave us a scare. She had a medical situation that required emergency surgery. Naturally, my husband and my anxiety levels rose as we wondered and waited to hear the results of her surgery. Fortunately, all went well and she is comfortably resting at our home. I get to spoil her and take care of her for the entire week!

As we approach Thanksgiving, I pause and reflect on the meaning of Thanksgiving. This year I will once again prepare our turkey to the New York Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our home will be scented with aroma of roast turkey.  But most importantly, we will be giving thanks for our daughter’s good health.