A Bit of Thanksgiving History and Wyoming Turkey Shoots

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and today we will learn a little bit of history about the Thanksgiving Holiday, and some of the ways it was celebrated here in Wyoming, including several turkey shoots around the state.

Wind River Mountaineer Lander, Fremont County, Wyoming November 21, 1913 – Days Of Past Thanksgiving: History Proves that There Always Has Been a Time Set Apart for Festivities. Thanksgiving Is generally believed to have commenced with the advent of the Pilgrim fathers, and therefore a legacy to us from New England. But when the true facts In the case come to light we find that Thanksgiving day was first celebrated by Popham colonists at Monhegan, who joined In “Giving God thanks” for their safe arrival and many blessings in the ritual laid down in the Thanksgiving service of the Church of England prayer book.

It is known with what antipathy the early Puritans regarded any and all of the holy days of the English church, and the celebration of such was sternly forbidden in New England. How many of us know that days for giving thanks were set apart in Europe long before the reformation and were observed by the Church of England many years before the Pilgrims landed? The first Thanksgiving in this country was not set apart as a day of religious observance, but for recreation.

On December 11, 1621, Edward Winslow wrote home to England the following very quaint account of the week’s program: “Our harvest “being gotten In. our governor sent four men out fowling so we might In a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruits of our labors. The four killed so much fowl that with a little help served the company about a week. Among other recreations were exercises with our arms.

Many of the Indians came amongst us and among them their greatest king Masaasoit with some ninety men, whom we for three days feasted and entertained. They went out and killed five deer, which they brought in and bestowed on our governor, upon the captains and others.”

So we get a good idea of the hospitality offered in those days. We learn, too, from Governor Bradford, that wild turkeys were plentiful, so we feel a reasonable assurance that the turkey has a long and ancient lineage and prestige not to be usurped by any other bird on our Thanksgiving day platter. Only fifty-five English speaking people sat down to the first Thanksday feast, but the addition of the Indians made a goodly company for whom the poor, lonely and homesick women prepared the dinner. There were only four of them, with one servant “and a few young maidens.” There is no record to be found of any religious worship during this week of feasting.

In 1628 the second Thanksgiving day was ordered and observed by the Pilgrim fathers. Early Thanksgivings are not always celebrated in November nor upon Thursday, and it was not until 1677 that we find the first printed Thanksgiving proclamation, now owned by the Massachusetts Historical society.

It is interesting to note that since 1862 the president of the United States has set the last Thursday in November to be observed as a day of thanksgiving And harking back to Pilgrim days, what a vast difference. Compare the harvest then and the harvest now. Whether our forefathers were ever actually reduced to the traditional five grains of corn each, is a fact not decided by history, but it is true that they returned thanks for the most meager fare and endured the most grinding hardships without a murmur. Like our forbears we make of the day a great time for feasting and games and not so much of church going. It is a day for family reunions and a day of abundant opportunity tor making a cause of Thanksgiving in the “other fellow’s’’ heart

President Lincoln, after Gettysburg, proclaimed that there be a national Thanksgiving Day, to be celebrated on the final Thursday of November.

The Newcastle Democrat, November 21, 1895 –Thanksgiving Proclamation. In conformity with the proclamation of the president of the United States I, William A. Richards, governor of the state of Wyoming, do hereby appoint and set apart Thursday, the 28^th day of November, A. D. 1895 as a day of Thanksgiving and prayer. The American people have but few holidays, but of the number none is more cherished than Thanksgiving day. Instituted in the United States in 1621 by the Plymouth Pilgrims, in a spirit of gratitude for their first harvest in America, it was an acknowledgment at its birth of man’s dependence, upon his Creator. It was perpetuated in many states by annual festival appointed by the governor, and it came to be regarded as a time particularly appropriate for family reunions.

The national celebration in recognition of the year’s blessings, was first recommended by the proclamation of President Lincoln in 1863. (after the Union victory at Gettysburg) Conceived in the spirit of devoutness nourished at the family altar, accepted and recommended as a day worthy of national recognition by the president whose life and character exemplified all that its observance represents, it commends itself to every loyal citizen.

Upon the day named it is recommended that we meet at our place of worship and render thanks to the giver of all good gifts for His mercy, charity and generosity toward us during the year. Willie the humblest and least successful of our people have much for which to be thankful. let li- remember the poor and those in need, and contribute of our means to their relief in the true spirit of charity. At the city of Cheyenne this 9 day of November, A.D. 1895 WM. Richards Governor.

In many Wyoming communities often the Thanksgiving season was kicked off, so to speak, with a turkey shoot. Anyone who was good with a rifle could join in the fun shooting targets, and the winners were awarded a turkey to be cooked for Thanksgiving. In the following two articles, it is interesting to remember that WWI was barely over, so their were a few political comments about the shooters.

This from The Sheridan Post, November 13, 1914 – Life Sized Turk Picture It Has Been Prepared For Big Shoot. Date For Event is One Week From Next Sunday— Many Marksmen. A life-sized picture of a full grown turkey, complete in every detail as regards tall feathers. legs, neck and head, has been manufactured by Lou Booth and other artists for use an a target for the big Thanksgiving turkey shoot to be held on Sunday, November 22.

The picture of the turkey is not very pretty; neither is it very lifelike. But it will answer the purpose very well, and will stand tip to be shot at without a murmur of protest. Even after It has been pierced thru the body several times by high power rifle bullets that would certainly stop a German or an ally, it will still be serviceable and satisfactory.

The game is this: On the morning of Sunday, November 22, a score or two of members of the Sheridan Rifle club, Company H, and other citizens who more or lean pride themselves upon their ability to hit the mark with a rifle, will repair to the National Guard rifle ranee east of Sheridan. With them will repair to the range about a score of turkeys.

The number of prospective marksmen will be determined: that number will be divided into the cost of the turkeys provided. The result will be the size of the “come thru” due from each shooter That sum will be paid promptly, m cash, to the active treasurer and business manager. Those minor details being attended to. the men will proceed to draw lots for shooting position. Then they will take up those positions, stretching in a long line across the practice grounds.

In the meantime — this should have been mentioned before but will do now — in the meantime, the picture of the turkey will have been set up as a target 500 yards from where the men are lined up. Acting in the order of the positions drawn, each man will fire one shot at that pictured turkey. If he hits any part of the bird, body, tall, leg or head, he is entitled to one of the live turkeys from the pen nearby. Shooting will continue until all the turkeys have been won. It may tuke a thousand shots or the first ‘ twenty men up may win the turkeys. It depends upon shooting ability, weather, luck and many other things Anyway, it is going to be a lot of fun.

From The Laramie Republican (Semi-Weekly), December 5, 1917 – Thanksgiving Turkey Shoot Splendid Time at Centennial and Big Dinner and Dance Following the Display of Prowess. Turkey Dinner Served at Mountain View Hotel, Afternoon Witnessing Match Between Lady Shooters, Which Was Fine Fun and Few Finishes, Miss Sundby Winning the Medal – Special to the Laramie Republican. Centennial, Wyo., Dec. 4 — Although the weather was very disagreeable here on Thanksgiving Day, the turkey shoot and dance was a grand success. As early as 10 o’clock automobiles began to arrive from all directions and at 11 o’clock the war commenced, and during the day several fine large turkeys were captured by the best shooters. A match was gotten up for the ladies, to try their skill at shooting, and there was some remarkable shooting done by the fair sex. it would have been unsafe for the kaiser to have been anywhere within a hundred yards of the target during this match. At the end of the shoot the match was a tie between Mrs. Holtum and Miss Margaret Sundby. Miss Sundby winning the tie and capturing the turkey.

Dinner At Noon. At one Mrs. Sundby served a splendid turkey dinner at the Mountain View hotel, and those who were not present at this dinner surely missed a grand treat. In the evening the large dance hall was lit up and dancing commenced at 8:30. A large crowd was in attendance from over the valley and the bad weather failed to keep a few from Laramie from attending. Music was furnished by Harry Metier and R. J. Davies and dancing continued until a late morning hour. Above the expense of the music, the proceeds of the dance were turned over to the Red Cross. The midnight supper was served by Mrs. Sundby at the hotel. A splendid time was spent by all who were m attendance and Otto Sander and Leo chase are to be congratulated for their efforts on this occasion.

Although sometimes, like the story quoted above, the winners had a choice of live turkeys, which then had to be killed, dressed and plucked before they could become the main course on Thanksgiving Day, many times the prize was a frozen or fresh turkey that was all ready for the oven.

School children would hold Thanksgiving programs and make thanksgiving themed art for their parents. So, however you celebrate Thanksgiving, have a happy Thanksgiving Day.