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How about a little history with that turkey

By Pamela Powers The Leader-Telegram, Eau Claire, Wis. (MCT) Nov. 26--MENOMONIE -- Thanksgiving didn’t start as a full-blown celebration by the Pilgrims; in fact it wasn’t even recognized as a holiday until 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it a national holiday. That is one of the biggest misconceptions of Thanksgiving Day, according to UW-Stout Chancellor Charles Sorensen.

Sorensen received a baccalaureate degree in history and political science from Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill., and a master’s degree in history from Illinois State University. He holds a doctorate in American history from Michigan State University.

In the early part of the 17th century, when the Pilgrims had difficulties they would follow with days of humiliation and prayer as they reflected on what they had done wrong in God’s eyes.

“Conversely, when they had something to celebrate, they would have a day of thanksgiving,” Sorensen said. “Or if something good happened, they wanted to thank God for the blessings they had.”

The first recorded celebration of Thanksgiving Day was in the late 17th century, about 50 years after the Pilgrims landed.

When the Pilgrims arrived in the New World life was difficult for them. About half died, and a boatload of goods they sent back to England to pay for their trip had been taken by the French, Sorensen said.

When they landed in the New World in December 1620, it was cold and many people probably died from malnutrition and exposure, Sorensen said.

However, the Native Americans they met were friendly, which helped them, Sorensen said. Wild game also was plentiful and would have played a big part in a day-of-thanks feast. Wild turkey, venison and fish would have been on the menu, as would baked squash and pumpkins, Sorensen said.

Another myth about the Pilgrims: They wore only black-and-white and buckled shoes.

“They liked bright colors,” Sorensen said.

And they lived in clapboard houses, not log cabins.

Myths are a way a society passes on its culture and values, Sorensen said, noting it’s OK that the popular vision of Pilgrims and Thanksgiving don’t match the reality of history.

“The core of what we celebrate today happened,” he said. “It’s based in factual information that became much broader.”

Thanksgiving Day is a uniquely American holiday and that’s why it is so much a part of the American heritage, Sorensen said.

“We perceive the Pilgrims as very dour and serious people,” he said. “They were real people. They had children. They celebrated together and had games they played. They were human beings. They did start a tradition. They didn’t plan to start a tradition. They just got together and socialized and were thankful for being blessed.”

Another little-known fact is Plymouth started as a communal experience. That only lasted a year or two, Sorensen said.

“It was a failed experiment,” he said.