NIAGARA, Wis. — The story surrounding our American Thanksgiving holiday is based on what has traditionally been considered the first Thanksgiving in 1621, celebrated by the English settlers who arrived on the Mayflower in 1620 and the Indigenous people who helped them learn to survive in their new home. This is the story all of us learned in elementary school, and it is certainly uplifting. We have shared it across generations, and it has become part of the history of our country. But the real story is far more complicated and softens the truth regarding the relationship between the Indigenous peoples and the European colonists.

The familiar Thanksgiving story recounts how the Pilgrims and Native Americans came together in harmony to celebrate a bountiful harvest. Historical documentation from the era is limited, and the precise details of that famous feast in 1621, as well as the relationship between these two groups, remain the subject of debate. Still, the foundational myth of the Pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving continues to be central to the holiday’s narrative, even as historians strive to paint a more accurate portrait. With that in mind, here is what we know about five popular myths around the origin of Thanksgiving.

Myth One: The First Thanksgiving Was in 1621

As the story goes, the Mayflower left Plymouth, England, in September 1620 and arrived near Cape Cod two months later, after which time passengers established a settlement at what is now Plymouth, Mass. Then, in 1621, the settlers celebrated their first successful harvest with a three-day feast that included the participation of many Wampanoag people, marking what we now consider the first Thanksgiving. However, other “days of thanksgiving” were held throughout the American colonies before 1621, such as in Popham Colony, Maine, in 1607, and in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1610, with an emphasis on prayer (compared with the nonreligious celebration of 1621). 

Myth Two: Thanksgiving Has Been an Annual Holiday Ever Since

Very little was written about the 1621 feast in Plymouth, leading historians to believe it was a onetime event with no real lasting importance for the Plymouth Colony settlers. In fact, the first attempt at establishing an annual Thanksgiving observance in the colonies began not in Massachusetts, but in Virginia. In December 1619, a group of English settlers from Bristol, England, arrived at Berkeley Hundred (later known as Berkeley Plantation) near the James River in Virginia.

In accordance with their charter, the settlers were to hold “a day of thanksgiving to Almighty God” each year on the day of their arrival. But in 1622, the Powhatan people attacked the English settlement in resistance to the settlers’ expansion and oppression. The Berkeley Hundred was abandoned, and the history of Virginia’s annual thanksgiving tradition was largely forgotten.

For the next 150 years, Thanksgiving festivals were sporadic and regional. In 1789, President George Washington proclaimed Thursday, Nov. 26, “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer,” but the tradition didn’t stick with subsequent Presidents. In fact, Thomas Jefferson felt it was a conflict of church and state to hold a national day of prayer and thanksgiving. It wasn’t until 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November as a “day of Thanksgiving,” that the tradition became a national holiday held each year.

Myth Three: The First Settlers Were Called Pilgrims

The group of English colonists who settled in Massachusetts have become known as Pilgrims, but they were initially known by various other names. They referred to themselves as “Saints” and were also called “Separatists” because they wanted to break from the Church of England. They were also called “Old Comers” and, later, “Forefathers.” It wasn’t until sometime between 1630 and 1651 that Plymouth Colony Governor William Bradford used the term “pilgrimes” in his history book Of Plymouth Plantation, drawing on an Old Testament reference to their religious devotion.  

It took some time for Bradford’s terminology to gain widespread acceptance, and the term “Pilgrim” wasn’t commonly used to refer to the group until the 19th century. During the bicentennial celebration of the colony’s founding in 1820, politician Daniel Webster called the settlers the “Pilgrim Fathers,” a name that eventually became the enduring label for the group.

Myth Four: The Pilgrims and the Indigenous Peoples Were Friends

While the traditional Thanksgiving story suggests the Pilgrims extended an invitation to the local Native American people to join their feast as a gesture of friendship, there are no historical records to support this claim. It is known that when the Pilgrims arrived at Patuxet — the Indigenous name of the area that became Plymouth Colony — they formed a mutually beneficial alliance with the Wampanoag people. The Wampanoag wanted access to European weapons to defend themselves against their enemies, the Narragansett, and the Pilgrims needed the help of the Native American people to survive the harsh Massachusetts winters.

There is little documentation about the 1621 festival to explain why the Wampanoag people were in attendance. We do know, however, that their chief, Massasoit, was there along with 90 men. Rather than a friendly gathering, the three-day thanksgiving festival in 1621 was likely a way to further support the alliance of the two groups. That alliance, however, deteriorated over time, leading to the First Indian War (also called King Philip’s War) in 1675.

Myth Five: They Feasted on Turkey, Potatoes, and Pie

We don’t have a complete record of the food served at the Pilgrims’ 1621 feast, but we do have some idea of what they may have eaten. We know from historical documents that there was some kind of wild fowl, which might have been wild turkey but was more likely duck, geese, or even swan, along with five deer brought by Wampanoag Chief Massasoit and his men. Due to their proximity to the ocean, historians think that the majority of the meat served at the 1621 feast was probably seafood, including mussels, clams, oysters, and other shellfish, as well as eel, cod, and bass.

With the assistance of the Indigenous people, the Pilgrims had learned to grow local vegetables, such as beans, spinach, carrots, and corn. Once removed from the cob, boiled, and pounded, the corn would have been served as a porridge. Contemporary favorites, such as mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes, hadn’t yet become a part of the Pilgrims’ diet, and while they would have had pumpkins, they lacked the flour and sugar to make a proper pie. (Settlers brought some provisions over from England, but it’s unlikely there was much left at the time.) Likewise, while the Wampanoag may have used cranberries to add tartness to their food, the lack of sugar likely meant no cranberry sauce. In fact, the first recipe for sweetened cranberry sauce didn’t appear in an American cookbook until 1796.

While it is always good to know the “real story” behind our historic traditions, this one should in no way diminish our joy surrounding this holiday. No matter its historic roots, each of us has developed a Thanksgiving tradition that includes elements unique to our own family. So happy turkey day everyone… or ham, or duck, or steak. The most important tradition of all is sharing it with friends and family.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

They welcome anyone who would like to entertain the residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

On the third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. they host a Memory Cafe — a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program is run by donations.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; ice cream, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Small group, 10 a.m.; dice club, 2 p.m.; reminisce, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Nail day, 10 a.m.; pool noodle hockey, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Small group, 10 a.m.; movie in dining room, 10:30 a.m.; crafts,1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Optical illusion fun, 10 a.m.; bunny visits, 11 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Small group, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Word search, 10 a.m.; family time, 2 p.m.; “Weakest Link” on PBS, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; volleyball, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Facility decorating, 9 to 11 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; reminisce and cocoa, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Resident photo day, 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; storytelling, 2 p.m.; holiday movie, 6, p.m.

Wednesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; parachute, 10:45 a.m.; Dan’s songs for seniors, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with Jim, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crafts with Bea, 9:30 a.m.; Activity Council, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; Auxiliary beer and pizza party, 2 p.m.; holiday movie, 9 p.m.

Saturday: Room to room bingo/high rollers, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, noon; social hour 2 p.m.; Grace carolers, 3 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; movie, 1 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; mystery prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Christmas tree decorating, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Christmas cards, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 9 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; mystery prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Resident Council meeting, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; St. Nick’s Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; birthday party, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; arts and crafts, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Coffee and spelling bee, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; movie and popcorn: “The Santa Clause,” 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary and communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; eggnog and Christmas carols, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary and communion service, 9 a.m.; mugs and muffins, 10 a.m.; silly crafters part one — Christmas tree, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; string popcorn and cranberries, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; light tour, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; baking Christmas cookies, 10 a.m.; silly crafters part two — Christmas trees, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.; Packers vs. Lions, 7:15 p.m.

Friday: Uno, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Jim on the piano, 2 p.m.; entertainment by music students, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Scrabble, 10 a.m.; chapel decorating, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; read a book.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities.

Monday: Coffee and cookie social, 10 a.m.; decorating the Christmas tree, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Music and memories, 10 a.m.; manicure, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Chair exercise, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Bible study with Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; bean bag toss, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; movie, 2 p.m.; room visits, 2:15 p.m.

Saturday: Independent activities.

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 and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

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

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

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

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bean bag toss, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; Sunday funday, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages, daily chronicles

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; cranium crunch, 11 a.m.; bowling, 1:45 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room and baking, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour and who-what-where, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; picture this, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; hang man, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 1:45 p.m.; kings ‘n corner, 4 p.m.; Christmas spirit drop off, daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; early bird bingo, 10:30 a.m.; Bunco, 2 p.m.; pondering prompts, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11 a.m.; Christmas Lane in activity room, 1:30 p.m.; table talk, 4:15 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; exercise group, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; activity packets, daily chronicles.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Garlic parmesan fish, mashed potatoes, steamed carrots, biscuit.

Wednesday: Baked pork chops, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots, applesauce.

Thursday: French bread pizza, Italian blend vegetables, fruit crumble.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating Monday through Thursday — salad bar at 11:30 a.m., meal at noon. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Baked fish, California blend vegetables, roasted potatoes, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, candied carrots, garlic cheese biscuit.

Wednesday: Beef stroganoff, mixed vegetables, whole wheat dinner roll.

Thursday: French bread pizza, Italian blend vegetables, fruit crumble.

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

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Elizabeth Peryam

Assistant Cooks: Debbie Bigalke and Shannon Stapleton

906-875-6709

The center is serving meals for dine-in or takeout – call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or place an order. All food 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 a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken pot pie, biscuit topping.

Tuesday: French toast bake, Meyer’s sausage, American fries.

Wednesday: Beef chop suey over white rice, chow mein noodles.

Home delivered meals (prepared by DICSA — independent from above menu) —

Monday: Chili with beans, side salad, cornbread.

Tuesday: Chicken teriyaki bowl, peaches, biscuit.

Wednesday: Oven fried fish and chips, tartar sauce, steamed green beans.

Thursday: Biscuits and gravy, sausage patty, hashbrowns, applesauce.

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: Chili with beans, side salad, cornbread.

Tuesday: Chicken teriyaki bowl, peaches, biscuit.

Wednesday: Oven fried fish and chips, tartar sauce, steamed green beans.

Thursday: Biscuits and gravy, sausage patty, hashbrowns, applesauce.

Friday: Ravioli with marinara sauce, corn, breadstick.

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:

Monday: 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.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

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

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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: Oven fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, baked beans, chewy granola bar.

Tuesday: Taco salad, fiesta corn, tortilla chips, salsa/sour cream, fruited Jell-O.

Wednesday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes with gravy, steamed green beans, yogurt cup.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home delivered meals —

Monday: Chili with beans, side salad, cornbread .

Tuesday: Chicken teriyaki bowl, peaches, biscuit.

Wednesday: Oven fried fish and chips, tartar sauce, steamed green beans.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken noodle casserole, dark green salad, fruit.

Tuesday: Barbecue chicken, baked potato, squash, fruit.

Wednesday: Smoked sausage, parslied potatoes, steamed cabbage, fruit, gingerbread bars.

Thursday: Loaded baked potato soup, dark green salad, bread sticks, fruit.

Friday: Cheese burger with lettuce and tomato, baked beans, potato salad, fruit.

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

Open Wednesday and Thursday serving at 11:30 a.m.

Reservations for a meal onsite need to be made 48 hours in advance by calling the above number.

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, 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 is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Hobo dinner, mixed vegetables, whole wheat bread, warm fruit crisp.

Tuesday: Chicken penne casserole, Monte Carlo vegetables, corn, whole wheat bread, peaches.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, capri vegetable blend, whole wheat bread, tropical fruit.

Thursday: Swiss steak over rice, green beans, far east vegetable blend, fruit cup.

Friday: Cream of potato soup, tuna salad sandwich over lettuce, bread, three bean salad, fruit cocktail.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar begins at 11 a.m.; meal is served at 11:30 a.m. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken Florentine bake, buttered pasta, carrots, garlic breadstick.

Tuesday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes with gravy, peas, whole wheat dinner roll.

Wednesday: Pasty, corn, chunky applesauce.

Thursday: Chicken and spaghetti, green beans, breadstick.

All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Tuesday: Tuna noodle casserole with peas and carrots, three bean salad, peaches.

Wednesday: Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, wheat bread, cherry dump cake.

Thursday: Hamburger on a bun, German potato salad, carrots, apple crisp.

The center will have bingo on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar is available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals are 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: Swedish meatballs with gravy, buttered noodles, green beans, seasonal fruit.

Tuesday: Chicken patty on a bun, oven baked tater tots, green peas, side salad, seasonal fruit, pudding cup.

Wednesday: Wet burrito, salsa, sour cream, fiesta corn salad, Spanish rice, side salad, seasonal fruit.

Thursday: Pizza burger on a bun, potato wedges, side salad, seasonal fruit.

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

Birthdays and bingo on second Thursday.

Board meeting on Thursday

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

Dine-in meals served, salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available.

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Cheeseburger, baked fries, baked beans.

Wednesday: Hearty beef stew, pickled beets, whole wheat dinner roll, berry and granola yogurt.

Thursday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes, peas, dessert.

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

Home delivered meals –

Monday: Chili with beans, side salad, cornbread.

Tuesday: Chicken teriyaki bowl, peaches, biscuit.

Wednesday: Oven fried fish and chips, tartar sauce, steamed green beans.