NIAGARA, Wis. — I remember, as I am sure most of you do as well, learning about the first Thanksgiving in grade school. There was little mention of the native peoples who were here long before our ancestors arrived except in very platonic terms. I was curious to see how I would fare in finding information about this holiday through an online search today. What I found at History.com gave a relatively balanced account of the origins of this most popular holiday.

As we were taught in grade school, although in not as much detail, a group of 102 religious separatists left England on a ship named the Mayflower seeking a new home where they could freely practice their faith. The group was also comprised of assorted individuals whose primary purpose of the journey was the promise of prosperity and land ownership in the “New World.” The 66-day journey was treacherous and fraught with great discomfort. The group dropped anchor near the tip of Cape Cod, much farther north of their intended destination which had been the mouth of the Hudson River. One month later, the ship crossed Massachusetts Bay to establish their colony at Plymouth.

As we learned, they were ill prepared for that first winter. Most of the colonists remained on the ship where they suffered from malnutrition, exposure and outbreaks of contagious diseases. Only half of the original passengers survived until spring when those who remained arrived on shore. They were met by a member of the Abenaki tribe who greeted them in English and returned several days later with another Native American named Squanto, a member of the Pawtuxet tribe. Squanto had been kidnapped and sold into slavery by an English sea captain. Thankfully, Squanto had escaped to London where he returned to his homeland on an exploratory expedition. This, of course, was one of many details we did not learn in grade school.

Squanto taught the Pilgrims how to cultivate corn, extract sap from maple trees, catch fish in the rivers and avoid poisonous plants. He also helped broker an alliance with the Wampanoag, a local tribe. This alliance would endure for more than 50 years and remains one of the very few examples of harmony between European colonists and the Native Americans. In November of 1621, after their first successful corn harvest, Governor William Bradford organized a celebratory feast to which he invited a group of Native American allies that included Wampanoag Chief Massasoit.

Much of what we know today about that first celebration came from the chronicles of Edward Winslow whose writings included excerpts detailing the killing of wild fowl — which may or may not have been turkey — and five deer. Historians have also suggested that many of the dishes were likely prepared using traditional Native American spices and cooking methods. By that time, the Pilgrims’ sugar supply had dwindled and they had no oven. Consequently, that first meal did not include pies and cakes so plentiful at contemporary celebrations of this holiday.

Some history scholars dispute that the feast in Plymouth was indeed the first Thanksgiving and cite other examples of similar events that predate the Pilgrim’s festivities. In 1565, the Spanish explorer Pedro Menendez de Avile invited members of the local Timucua tribe to a dinner in St. Augustine, Fla. after his crew’s safe arrival. In December of 1619, 38 British settlers celebrated when they safely reached a site known as Berkeley Hundred on the banks of the James River in Virginia. And many others, scholars and citizens alike, object to the sugar-coated version of the Thanksgiving story as it is taught because it ignores the fact that the relationship between the English colonists and the Native American peoples, who were decidedly here first, was one of conquest and not camaraderie. They may have had an initial friendly encounter, but it was repaid with a tragic history that is seldom taught accurately.

Thanksgiving has ancient origins as well. Its roots can be traced back to England when citizens gave thanks to God in times of plenty. And, as an annual celebration of the harvest and its bounty, Thanksgiving has its roots in Egyptian, Greek and Roman festivals. The ancient Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot is also a precursor of our American holiday. And the Native Americans had a rich tradition of commemorating the fall harvest with feasting and merrymaking long before Europeans set foot on the shores of the “New World.”

This holiday did take root in our American traditions. In 1789, George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation by the government of the United States. In 1817, New York became the first of several states to officially adopt an annual Thanksgiving holiday. In 1827, Sarah Josepha Hale, the noted magazine editor and author of the nursery rhyme, “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” launched a 35-year campaign to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. President Abraham Lincoln finally heeded her request in 1863; his declaration made at the height of the Civil War made Thanksgiving a national holiday on the final Thursday of November. His proclamation entreated all Americans to ask God to “commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife” and to “heal the wounds of the nation.”

In 1939, Franklin D. Roosevelt, in a very unpopular move, attempted to change Thanksgiving to the third Thursday in November. He moved it up one week in an attempt to spur retail sales during the Great Depression. It became known at that time as “Franksgiving.” The opposition was so passionate at the time that FDR reluctantly signed a bill in 1941 making Thanksgiving once again the fourth Thursday in November.

And, the rest as they say, is history. American rituals and traditions continued to grow throughout the years and have now become part of our American culture of celebration. Turkey is served in nearly 90% of homes on this day even though it may not have been the bird available at that first feast. Volunteering to hold food drives and host free community dinners for the less fortunate have become standards in communities across our nation. Parades have become part of the celebration with Macy’s Department Store in New York City hosting the first in 1924. Today, it attracts between two and three million people along its 2.5-mile route. And, last but not least, the President of the United States has pardoned one or two Thanksgiving turkeys each year since the middle of the twentieth century. They are spared the fate of becoming dinner and, instead, are safely sent to a farm for their retirement years.

So, enjoy your family traditions this Thanksgiving holiday. Appreciate our early beginnings and be thankful for how far we have come as a nation.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Freeman’s has resumed small group activities. Visitation is currently being allowed twice weekly with screening and COVID-19 testing required before entering the building. All precautions are still being taken to protect residents. Everyone has adjusted to this new normal; however, they are all looking forward to a great get-together when it is safe to do so.

Sunday: Devotions, 10 a.m.; coloring pumpkins, 10:30 a.m.; church music, 11 a.m.; pumpkin word search, 3 p.m.

Monday: Work out jam, 10 a.m.; devotions, 10:15 a.m.; trivia, 10:30 a.m.; group reminisce, 2:30 p.m.; room reminisce, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Work out jam, 10 a.m.; devotions, 10:15 a.m.; trivia, 10:30 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; room visits, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee chatters, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:30 a.m.; left-center-right game, 1:30 p.m.; bean bag toss, 2 p.m.; room visits, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Family visits, 10 a.m.; search magazines for recipes to make a collage, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee chatters, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; in-room visits, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Coloring fun, 10 a.m.; word search, 2 p.m.; in-room self-activities, 3 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; reminisce, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Book club, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/travel club, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; monthly birthday party with Bob Larson, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Turkey bowling, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Wii fun, 2 p.m.; web browsing, 2:30 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: ICMCF word search/room visits, 9 a.m.; you be the judge, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

ProMedica

(formerly ManorCare)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

The center is open for visitation. Visitors no longer need to call in advance.

Sunday: Donut social, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 1 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; reminisce, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; baking class, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; pokeno, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; manicures, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Thanksgiving social, 2 p.m.

Friday: Chips and chatter, 9 a.m.; what’s news?, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Coffee break, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bean craft, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Visitation is allowed as long as all infection control guidelines are followed, including wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.

Sunday: Book club, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary and communion, 9 a.m.; tic-tac trivia and hot cocoa, 10 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary and communion, 9 a.m.; prayer service, 9:30 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary and communion, 9 a.m.; Scrabble, 10 a.m.; target practice, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Hot cocoa and Uno, 10 a.m.; gobbling jokereno, 2 p.m.

Friday: Thanksgiving maze, 10 a.m.; happy hour with entertainment by Jim D., 2 p.m.

Saturday: Spelling bee, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed seven days a week in designated areas only. Each visit is limited to 30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. All visitors will be subject to health screening before entering the facility. There are no group activities at this time.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time., 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; left-center-right, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Thursday: Happy Thanksgiving.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Bunco 10:30 a.m.; one-to-one visits, 2 p.m.

Monday: Bunco, 10:30 a.m.; crafts, 2 p.m.; karaoke, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Bus ride, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Casino outing, 10:30 a.m.; wine and cheese, 2 p.m.; Sorry, 3:30 p.m.

Thursday: Thanksgiving trivia, 10 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.; mind joggers, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Ladder ball, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

The center is open four days a week — serving soup and sandwich meal from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays; fish fries from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays; pizzas from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday; and dinner from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Anyone wishing to place an order can contact the center.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

The center remains open. They recently welcomed a new cook who prepares meals on site.

Tuesday: Hamburgers and cheesy vegetable soup.

Wednesday: Turkey dinner.

Thursday: Closed – Happy Thanksgiving.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Open for dine-in eating Monday through Thursday — serving at noon. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Barbecue chicken, baked potatoes and chef choice vegetable.

Tuesday: Open-face chicken sandwich, mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans.

Wednesday: Liver or hamburger, potatoes and carrots.

Thursday: Closed — Happy Thanksgiving.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant Cook: Bitsy Peryam

906-875-6709

The center is open and is serving meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place your order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea, or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. — call ahead and leave a message with your phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Cheeseburgers, oven-browned potatoes and baked beans.

Tuesday: Chili, steamed rice and cornbread.

Wednesday: Baked ham and sweet potato stuffing.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235.

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, dinner roll and butter and broccoli.

Tuesday: Chicken Caesar salad, applesauce and dinner roll.

Wednesday: Pancakes, sausage, hashbrowns and fruit.

Thursday: Chicken, stuffing, gravy and green beans — delivered on Nov. 23.

Friday: Farmer’s omelet, seasoned potatoes and apple sauce — delivered on Nov. 22.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week is:

Monday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Les Artistes’ art club, noon to 4 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., cards cost 25 cents, with 10 games played; Happy Quilters, 1 to 3 p.m.

Thursday: No activities at this time.

Friday: Cards — Smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and cauliflower.

Tuesday: Italian pork bake, breadstick and carrots.

Wednesday: Chicken stuffing wrap, salad and chips.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Hunter’s chili, cornbread, cucumber salad and fruit.

Tuesday: French toast sticks, breakfast sausage, hashbrowns, warm fruit compote and orange juice.

Wednesday: Cheese burger, baked beans, sweet potato fries, fruit and cookies.

Thursday: All centers closed – Happy Thanksgiving.

Friday: All centers closed.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on Wednesday only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu. Open Monday through Thursday serving at 11:30 a.m.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu. Now open, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals-On-Wheels program for those who are homebound is available.

Monday: Monterey chicken breast, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn and fresh fruit.

Tuesday: Beef and barley soup, meat sandwich, three bean salad and fruit cocktail.

Wednesday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, green beans, California blend vegetables and fresh fruit.

Thursday: Closed – Happy Thanksgiving.

Friday: Closed.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11 a.m., salad bar available. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Omelet, hashbrown casserole, apple sauce, fruit and milk.

Tuesday: Porketta, stuffing, gravy, cranberries, fruit and milk.

Wednesday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, fruit and milk.

Thursday: Closed — Happy Thanksgiving.

Friday: Ham cheese sandwich, broccoli salad, pumpkin pie (home delivered meals only — delivered on Wednesday, Nov. 23).

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

The center is open, and dinner is served at noon on Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $4.50 for those older than 60 and $7 for those 60 or younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Swiss steak, roasted potatoes, corn and fruit fluff.

Tuesday: Cheesy broccoli soup, hot ham and cheese sandwich, sliced peaches and Jell-O.

Wednesday: Chicken Alfredo over fettuccine noodles, garlic breadstick, spinach salad and brownie.

Thursday: Closed – Happy Thanksgiving.

Join us for bingo on Wednesday this week.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head cook: Brian Gutkowski 

906-563-8716

Now open for dine-in eating served restaurant style beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals will remain available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if planning to dine in or pick up.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Pulled pork, potato wedges and creamed corn.

Tuesday: Ravioli, breadstick and winter blend vegetables.

Wednesday: Thanksgiving meal – turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy and green bean casserole.

Thursday: Closed — Happy Thanksgiving.

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — Birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Hot beef sandwiches, mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables.

Wednesday: Turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, dinner roll and cranberries.

Thursday: Closed – Happy Thanksgiving.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.