Here I am going to share with you my day, 17 November 2019, celebrating Thanksgiving in the 1830s; and, my research into, and adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s “An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving,” which I am convinced was written from her memories while living in Walpole, New Hampshire. If you look back, you know I have visited and written about Old Sturbridge Village (OSV) a number of times since 2017, and have since been an enthusiastic member. Clicking on this link you can read of my other OSV adventures.

I have visited OSV at Halloween, Christmas time, in the dark experiencing an Evening of Illumination. I have even boarded overnight in the village, working and fully costumed. But I did not recall reading before of the Thanksgiving weekends. I had to visit when I read of “A NEW ENGLAND THANKSGIVING” at OSV. As a living history museum, OSV is unique. The Annual Fund letter I received the beginning of this month points out that uniqueness as OSV “doubles down” on the living history dimension of its mission. Quoting the CEO’s letter, “what distinguishes  Old Sturbridge Village from most other museums is just that. It is our commitment to bring early American history to life through interactions with expert costumed historians working in the trades, the crafts, our households and on the farm … of the 1830s.” The appeal letter is to keep staff on-hand during the slower months when visitors do not cover expenses. The talented interpreters must be retained since, from a recent survey, “81% of respondents interacted with a costumed historian during their last visit – 89% said that interacting with real costumed historians – not actors – increases their interest in OSV, and 97% said that doing so ‘made my experience more enjoyable and informative’.” I will make my own appeal for your help, but first my visit, facts to share, and Louisa May Alcott’s tale that you may wish to add to your holiday tradition.

As you enter the village, you first see the “small house.” The interpreter was preparing for the “turkey shoot.” He was going to have to pay a dollar a shot (about a day’s pay) with the hope of winning a prize, or turkey. Remember you can click on my galleries for larger images.

Passing the Friend’s Meetinghouse, you next come to the 1832 Center Meetinghouse at the head of the Town Common. It was an overcast day, in the low 30s.

Congregational services were held Sunday mornings and afternoons. Each a two hour service. At this time in history, Christmas and Easter were rarely celebrated. There was, however, always a special Thanksgiving morning service. The governor would decree the day Thanksgiving would be celebrated. The Meetinghouse would also be used for Town Meetings, Concerts, other public meetings, and Independence Day celebrations.

I then headed down one side of the common to the Fenno and Fitch houses.

The exhibits change in some of the homes, and I found this panel interesting upstairs in the Fenno House (click to enlarge)

Two ladies were busy in the kitchen in the Fitch House, and sharing what they were doing and answering questions. To check the oven temperature, the cook would see how many seconds her arm could stay in the oven. By experience you would get to know what could then be cooked or baked.

On the left end of the work/display table was last evening’s dinner of lamb and boiled vegetables. Overnight they safely could be kept in the attic or cellar – colder than most modern refrigerators. On the right was the morning meal made from mincing and cooking those leftovers.

The interpreter above then explained the preservation of meat. This was usually done once the harvest was done, in November and December, when the animals still had the most fat before loosing it over the winter. Also, farmers would be taxed on the animals they owned at the end of the year – fewer animals, less in taxes paid. Preserved meats were not taxed, and could be stored for a long time in case the next year there was a shortage. Frugal Yankees? Yes, and practical.

Preserving started with six weeks of soaking in brine, followed by six weeks of smoking. The creosote from the smoking sealed the meats. That covering had to be cut off when it was time to use the meat which would be boiled to get the salt out, often with vegetables that draw out the salt, and thus gain flavor.

click to enlarge these images which I have not shared before. There will be a test next time to see what you have learned about toilet paper.

 

 

This “gentleman” is always here protecting his turf with attitude. Or this time, he may be warning his friend below that sitting next to that chopping block next to a kettle for boiling, is not the smartest thing to do for longevity, but begging for trouble.

 

 

It was time for practice for the Turkey Shoot. Donald Sutherland (well sure looks like him) said there was a seedy side to the shoots. Often organized by a tavern owner whose motive was to sell food and drink. The dollar per shot charged also brought in more money than the prizes cost him. Social reformers saw the Turkey Shoots as a waste of time, money and drunken, swearing and gambling affairs. By the end of the 1830s things changed, and exclusive shooting clubs were organized.

 

After lunch in the tavern I walked over to the Bixby’s House and Freeman Farm, passing the mill pond and the Dumerston, Vermont, covered bridge. That is ice on the pond.

The front of the Bixby House looking up to the Freeman Farm.

Upon entering, there was Susan who was one of the docents with me when I Boarded with the Bixbys.

She was demonstrating the weaving of straw, bundles which would then be traded at the store for credit, and ultimately be woven into hats. I sat down and we chatted for awhile, and then lots of people came in. She explained to them the house, the Bixbys, what she was doing, and fielded many questions. Her interaction with youngsters was wonderful, and their eyes gleamed and ears opened absorbing every historical word. Who knows what one of the visitors may someday do or become based upon today’s experience. This house is one of the best in the village – remaining always in one family, and only modernized with one light bulb before moving to the village. About as original as you can get.

One visitor had just bought an 18th century home, and was fascinated with the bake oven. Susan explained all about the brick lined ovens. The bricks hold heat, but do not transfer it. Items needing the most heat would be cooked first, and those needing less later on as the bricks cooled.  She further explained that the Bixbys would use about 22 cords of wood a year for cooking six days a week. This was not for heat. Heat would be residual from cooking. There was no intent to warm a home.  I had a great time, but headed up the hill to the Freeman Farm.

The kitchen is in the rear el of the house. This table was in front of the hearth.

and greeting me was Ruth, my other docent from my overnight in the village. She was making “head cheese.” Before you think dairy – NOT. Nothing is wasted on a farm – well, maybe a pig’s squeal, Cheese here is used to describe pressed food – like a pate. Early that morning they started with the boiling of the pig’s head resulting with all the meat and muscle pulling right off. Then she keep chopping and chopping while adding spices, etc. for taste. Something like stuffing sausages with ground up scraps. When the mixture is smooth as possible it will be “pressed.”

Ruth is an amazing young woman, knowledgable in all aspects of village life in the 1830s, and an asset to OSV. I listened to her interact with a number of visitors, and she fielded my questions well. I wondered about the table in front of the hearth, “was that how it was, or for display?” Actually, saying that was a good question never asked, she told me the table would be near a window for light, but placed here for display and to protect visitors from the hearth. Also, all the doors would be closed when the Freeman family lived here. They are all open inside so visitors feel welcome to roam around. Here is a closeup of the table, and you can probably spot the skull contributing the “head cheese.” She even told me what would be done with it next.

I exited out the back, and Ruth said, “open the smoke house, but wait for the smoke to clear.”

besides images looking through windows, you know I like images with texture.

Susan and Ruth are just two of the people that make OSV so special and educational. They love what they are doing, and are dedicated. I probably spent an extra couple hours on this visit sitting and listening to them interact and educate visitors. You never know how what they say or do may impact someone. In fact, there was a mother and her daughter, Miya, who boarded with me with the Bixbys. Both Susan and Ruth told me that 16 year old Miya returned this year for a one week internship.

I encourage you to become a member of Old Sturbridge Village, and if you are looking for a worthwhile donation as the year ends, or at any time, please consider contributing to OSV so these wonderful interpreters can continue, and the village remains for another 75 years.

Please visit the OSV Donation Page on-line. RAY RECOMMENDS IT!

Here is some additional Thanksgiving Day information from OSV’s website announcing the event — Experience the traditions of preparing for an early 19th-century New England Thanksgiving. Learn about 1830s dining etiquette and watch the men of the Village compete in a post-dinner target shoot (date specific). Smell the scents of roasted turkey and pies warming by the fire.

Did you know?

• In early New England, Thanksgiving was the biggest holiday of the year, far surpassing Christmas, which wasn’t celebrated in the tradition of the Puritans who settled the region.
• Turkeys in the early 19th century were much smaller than today’s “butterballs,” and turkey wasn’t always on the Thanksgiving menu, because they were a lot of work to prepare for not much meat.
• In the early 1800s, turkey “drovers” herded and marched turkeys on foot from central and western Massachusetts to the huge Brighton market just outside of Boston, Mass. to sell the birds to wealthy city dwellers.
• Many vegetables weren’t peeled for everyday cooking, but they were for holidays like Thanksgiving to show the elevated status of the day.
• Pies were baked weeks ahead of time and stored in unheated attics and bedrooms where they would freeze and keep for months. Pies not consumed at Thanksgiving would sometimes last until April.
• The cranberry is one of three fruits native to North America, and was used by Native Americans to make pemmican – a survival food made of mashed cranberries mixed with deer meat. They also used cranberries in poultices to draw poison from wounds.

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Hopefully you got this far. You may enjoy reading, and sharing outloud, this Thanksgiving story by Louisa May Alcott. I adapted it to read before a holiday dinner at the Town Hall. Presentation time is about 15 minutes.

If instead you would like to read the below on a separate PDF (or download it), simply CLICK ON THIS LINK.

AN OLD-FASHIONED THANKSGIVING
Louisa May Alcott – 1882

Louisa May Alcott lived with her family in Walpole, NH, from 1855 to 1857. In WALPOLE’S LOUISA MAY ALCOTT, a booklet I published in 2016, I documented their time in Walpole. Many of the stories in Alcott’s LITTLE WOMEN, published in 1869, are based upon her family’s experiences while living in Walpole. The publication of LITTLE WOMEN propelled Alcott’s writing career. From 1872 to 1882, Alcott wrote six volumes of AUNT JO’S SCRAP BAG, with a number of stories in each. The last volume began with “An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving.” Harking back “sixty years ago” places the story in 1822. Based on several references in the beginning of this story, the setting is most likely a farm in Walpole, New Hampshire’s hills. Thus, here is Thanksgiving, in Walpole, now almost two hundred years ago.

There are two stories within the story. I have deleted those in my reading adaptation of this holiday tale of thanksgiving — Ray Boas, Walpole, NH, November, 2019.

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SIXTY years ago, up among the New Hampshire hills, lived Farmer Bassett, with a house full of sturdy sons and daughters growing up about him. They were poor in money, but rich in land and love, for the wide acres of wood, corn, and pasture land fed, warmed, and clothed the flock, while mutual patience, affection, and courage made the old farm-house a very happy home.

November had come; the crops were in, and barn, buttery, and bin were overflowing with the harvest that rewarded the summer’s hard work. The big kitchen was a jolly place just now, for in the great fire-place roared a cheerful fire; on the walls hung garlands of dried apples, onions, and corn; up aloft from the beams shone crook-necked squashes, juicy hams, and dried venison–for in those days deer still haunted the deep forests, and hunters flourished. Savory smells were in the air; on the crane hung steaming kettles, and down among the red embers copper sauce-pans simmered, all suggestive of some approaching feast. For Thanksgiving was at hand, and all must be in order for that time-honored day.

To and fro, from table to hearth, bustled buxom Mrs. Bassett, flushed and floury, but busy and blithe as the queen bee of this busy little hive should be.

“Only one more day and then it will be the time to eat,” she exclaimed.

Tilly, the oldest girl, a red-cheeked, black-eyed lass of fourteen, was grinding briskly at the mortar, for spices were costly, and not a grain must be wasted. Prue kept time with the chopper, and the twins sliced away at the apples till their little arms ached, for all knew how to work, and did so now with a will.

“I think it’s real fun to have Thanksgiving at home. I’m sorry Gran’ma is sick, so we can’t go there as usual, but I like to mess ’round here, don’t you, girls?” asked Tilly, pausing to take a sniff at the spicy pestle.

“It will be kind of lonesome with only our own folks. I like to see all the cousins and aunts, and have games, and sing,” cried the twins.

“Come, girls, fly ’round and get your chores done so we can clear away for dinner jest as soon as I clap my bread into the oven,” called Mrs. Bassett presently.

“Here’s a man comin’ up the hill lively!” Shouted Sol and Seth.

It was a stranger, who threw himself off his horse and hurried up to Mr. Bassett in the yard, with some brief message that made the farmer drop his ax and look so sober that his wife guessed at once some bad news had come.

The man said old Mr. Chadwick, down to Keene, stopped him as he passed, and told him to tell Mrs. Bassett her mother was failin’ fast, and she’d better come to-day. He knew no more, and having delivered his errand he rode away.

“We must go right off. Hitch up, and I’ll be ready in less’n no time,” said Mrs. Bassett to her husband.

A few words told the story, and the children left their work to help her get ready, mingling their grief for “Gran’ma” with regrets for the lost dinner.

“I’m dreadful sorry, dears, but it can’t be helped. I couldn’t cook nor eat no way now, and if that blessed woman gets better sudden, as she has before, we’ll have cause for thanksgivin’, and I’ll give you a dinner you won’t forget in a hurry,”

Mrs. Bassett readied for a long drive, because Gran’ma lived twenty miles away, and there were no railroads in those parts to whisk people to and fro like magic. By the time the old yellow sleigh was at the door the old mare shook her bells as if she preferred a trip to Keene to hauling wood all day.

“Tilly, put extry comfortables on the beds to-night, the wind is so searchin’ up chamber. Have the baked beans and Injun-puddin’ for dinner, and whatever you do, don’t let the boys get at the mince-pies, or you’ll have them down sick. I shall come back the minute I can leave Mother. Pa will come to-morrer, anyway, so keep snug and be good. I depend on you, my darter; use your jedgment, and don’t let nothin’ happen while Mother’s away.”

“Yes’m, yes’m–good-bye, good-bye!” called the children, as Mrs. Bassett was packed into the sleigh and driven away, leaving a stream of directions behind her.

They soon forgot poor Granny, and found it great fun to keep house all alone, for Mother seldom left home.

At sunset the boys went out to feed the cattle, bring in heaps of wood, and lock up for the night, as the lonely farm-house seldom had visitors after dark. The girls got the simple supper of brown bread and milk, baked apples, and a doughnut all ’round as a treat. Then they sat before the fire, the sisters knitting, the brothers with books or games.

When the moon-faced clock behind the door struck nine, Tilly tucked up the children under the “extry comfortables,” and having kissed them all around, as Mother did, crept into her own nest, never minding the little drifts of snow that sifted in upon her coverlet between the shingles of the roof.

When they woke it still snowed, but up the little Bassetts jumped, broke the ice in their pitchers, and went down with cheeks glowing like winter apples. Eph was off to the barn, and Tilly soon had a great kettle of mush ready, which with milk warm from the cows, made a wholesome breakfast for the seven hearty children.

“Now about dinner,” said the young housekeeper, as the pewter spoons stopped clattering, and the earthen bowls stood empty.

“Ma said, have what we liked, but she didn’t expect us to have a real Thanksgiving dinner, because she wont be here to cook it, and we don’t know how,” began Prue, doubtfully.

“I can roast a turkey and make a pudding as well as anybody, I guess. The pies are all ready, and if we can’t boil vegetables and so on, we don’t deserve any dinner,” cried Tilly, burning to distinguish herself, and bound to enjoy to the utmost her brief authority.

“Did you ever roast a turkey?” asked Roxy, with an air of deep interest.

“Should you dare to try?” said Rhody, in an awe-stricken tone.

“You will see what I can do. Ma said I was to use my jedgment about things, and I’m going to. All you children have got to do is to keep out of the way, and let Prue and me work.”

Both rolled up their sleeves, put on their largest aprons, and got out all the spoons, dishes, pots, and pans they could find, “so as to have everything handy,” as Prue said.

“Now, sister, we’ll have dinner at five; Pa will be here by that time if he is coming to-night, and be so surprised to find us all ready, for he wont have had any very nice victuals if Gran’ma is so sick,” said Tilly, importantly.

“It’s all ready but the stuffing, and roasting is as easy as can be. I can baste first rate, answered Prue.

“I know, but it’s the stuffin’ that troubles me,” said Tilly, rubbing her round elbows as she eyed the immense fowl laid out on a platter before her. “I don’t know how much I want, nor what sort of herbs to put in, and he’s so awful big, I’m kind of afraid of him.”

“I aint! I fed him all summer, and he never gobbled at me. I feel real mean to be thinking of gobbling him, poor old chap,” laughed Prue, patting her departed pet with an air of mingled affection and appetite.

“I can’t remember what flavorin’ Ma puts in,” Tilly said, when she had got her bread well soaked for the stuffing. “Sage and onions and apple-sauce go with goose, but I can’t feel sure of anything but pepper and salt for a turkey.”

“Ma puts in some kind of mint, I know, but I forget whether it is spearmint, peppermint, or pennyroyal,” answered Prue, in a tone of doubt, but trying to show her knowledge of herbs, or, at least of their names.

“Seems to me it’s sweet majoram or summer savory. I guess we’ll put both in, and then we are sure to be right. The best is up in the garret; you run and get some, while I mash the bread,” commanded Tilly, diving into the mess.

Away trotted Prue, but in her haste she got catnip and wormwood, for the garret was darkish, and Prue’s little nose was so full of the smell of the onions she had been peeling, that everything smelt of them. Eager to be of use, she pounded up the herbs and scattered the mixture with a liberal hand into the bowl.

“It doesn’t smell just right, but I suppose it will when it is cooked,” said Tilly, as she filled the empty stomach, that seemed aching for food, and sewed it up with the blue yarn, which happened to be handy. She forgot to tie down his legs and wings, but she set him by till his hour came, well satisfied with her work.

“Shall we roast the little pig, too? I think he’d look nice with a necklace of sausages, as Ma fixed one last Christmas,” asked Prue, elated with their success.

“I couldn’t do it. I loved that little pig, and cried when he was killed. I should feel as if I was roasting the baby,” answered Tilly, glancing toward the buttery where piggy hung, looking so pink and pretty it certainly did seem cruel to eat him.

It took a long time to get all the vegetables ready. But by noon all was ready for cooking, and the cranberry-sauce, a good deal scorched, was cooking in the lean-to.

The girls, after a short rest, set the table and made all ready to dish up the dinner when that exciting moment came.

“My sakes alive–the turkey is burnt one side, and the kettles have boiled over so the pies I put to warm are all ashes!” exclaimed Tilly.

They were just struggling to get the pudding out of the cloth when Roxy called out: “Here’s Pa!”

“There’s folks with him,” added Rhody.

“Lots of ’em! I see two big sleighs chock full,” shouted Seth

“It looks like a semintary. Guess Gramma’s dead and come up to be buried here,” said Sol in a solemn tone.

“If that is a funeral, the mourners are uncommon jolly,” said Eph.

“I see Aunt Cinthy, and Cousin Hetty–and there’s Mose and Amos. I do declare, Pa’s bringin’ ’em all home to have some fun here,” cried Prue, as she recognized one familiar face after another.

Aint I glad I got dinner, and don’t I hope it will turn out good!” exclaimed Tilly.

“Hooray for Pa! Hooray for Thanksgivin’!”

In came Father, Mother, Baby, aunts, and cousins, all in great spirits; and all much surprised to find such a festive welcome awaiting them.

“Aint Gran’ma dead at all?” asked Sol.

“Bless your heart, no! It was all a mistake of old Mr. Chadwick’s. He’s as deaf as an adder, and when Mrs. Brooks told him Mother was mendin’ fast, and she wanted me to come down to-day, certain sure, he got the message all wrong.

“So, to keep the house quiet for her, and give you a taste of the fun, your Pa fetched us all up to spend the evenin’, and we are goin’ to have a jolly time to judge by the looks of things,” said Aunt Cinthy.

“What in the world put it into your head we was comin’, and set you to gettin’ up such a supper?” asked Mr. Bassett.

Tilly modestly began to tell, but the others broke in and sang her praises in a sort of chorus. Great satisfaction was expressed by all, and Tilly and Prue were so elated by the commendation of Ma and the aunts, that they set forth their dinner, sure everything was perfect.

But when the eating began their pride got a fall; for the first person who tasted the stuffing nearly choked over the bitter morsel.

“Tilly Bassett, whatever made you put wormwood and catnip in your stuffin’?” demanded Ma, trying not to be severe, for all the rest were laughing, and Tilly looked ready to cry.

“I did it,” said Prue, nobly taking all the blame, which caused Pa to kiss her on the spot, and declare that it didn’t do a mite of harm, for the turkey was all right.

“I never see onions cooked better. All the vegetables is well done, and the dinner a credit to you, my dears,” declared Aunt Cinthy.

The pudding was an utter failure in spite of the blazing brandy in which it lay. It was speedily whisked out of sight, and all fell upon the pies, which were perfect. But Tilly and Prue were much depressed, and didn’t recover their spirits till the dinner was over and the evening fun well under way.

“Blind-man’s bluff,” “Hunt the slipper,” “Come, Philander,” and other lively games soon set every one bubbling over with jollity.

Apples and cider, chat and singing, finished the evening, and after a grand kissing all round, the guests drove away in the clear moonlight which came out just in time to cheer their long drive.

When the jingle of the last bell had died away, Mr. Bassett said soberly, as they stood together on the hearth: “Children, we have special cause to be thankful that the sorrow we expected was changed into joy.”

Then Tilly set out the light-stand with the big Bible on it, and a candle on each side, and all sat quietly in the fire-light, smiling as they listened with happy hearts to the sweet old words that fit all times and seasons so beautifully.

Full text – https://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/alcott/thanksgiving/thanksgiving.html

AND, FINALLY — do let me know if you got this far — here is some Thanksgiving history I published this month including the background on the Alcott story. You can click on the link to open the two page PDF.

DYKT – TDAY HISTORY and LMA