When we celebrate Thanksgiving this month, it will be a far cry from the holiday's early origins.
Uninclined toward Catholic holidays, 16th-century Protestants instead celebrated Days of Fasting and Thanksgiving. English settlers brought that tradition to New England, and as early as 1621 in Plymouth, MA, they celebrated what became known as the colonies' "First Thanksgiving."
Fast forward to the California Gold Rush, and San Francisco's influx of Yankee prospectors brought Thanksgiving along with them to the west coast. In this delightful article from 1896, the San Francisco Call recounts Thanksgiving in 1850 San Francisco:
Governor George Burnett had declared November 30th a statewide holiday, so "business was suspended and the day was observed by all men from New England and many others who did not object to a good time."
Thanksgiving was unknown to those who hailed from the southern and middle states or Europe. But when they learned that the "celebration meant considerable eating and drinking, they inclined to the belief that it was not such a bad thing after all, and concluded to take part in it."
'Twas not a modern feast, by any means. Turkey was sparse, as were deer, beef, pork and mutton. Most of the men were content with jackrabbit, as "in those days the boys didn't look down on the gray jumpers." Yum.
Eastward in Sacramento, an elaborate event was held, with 40 dishes prepared including classic fixin's like turkey and pumpkin pie. Aside from football and a nap on the couch, it seems tradition has not much changed since then.
As we look ahead to Thanksgiving this year, we want to share our thanks with you, our readers, clients, and dear friends. We hope your holiday season gets off to a wonderful start!
Continue below for a link to our latest blog, plus a Washington Post article featuring yours truly discussing IPO-funded buyers and an "only in SF" offer, and articles on ways to live more sustainably and a guide to some of San Francisco's most unique structures.
As always, don't hesitate to reach out with any real estate questions. Talk soon,
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