**THANKSGIVING (in the “old days”) at the Themer household (the years we did not go to the “extended Schroeder or Themer Family” gettogethers in Oklahoma) meant Wednesday night “Service of Thanksgiving” at Hope Lutheran Church in Dallas and then waking up on Thursday to the wafting aromas of all Mom’s cooking that had already begun at least the day before. I most remember the turkey, ham, giblet gravy, creamy white potatoes, sweet potato casserole with marshmallows on top, two types of cranberry sauce/fresh salad, whole seasoned green beans, congealed orange salad, brown-and-serve rolls and Mom’s home-made bread (often with cinnamon rolled into it or wholegrain), iced tea, and of course, corn-bread dressing with very little or no sage! I remember eating until I just had to lie upon the floor to get ready for the pumpkin and pecan pies, and sometimes apple and cherry to boot! And, we did not eat until everyone was gathered around the table so that we could say our common table prayers and then have Dad’s “prepared” prayer that fit what was going on in the world at that time. And, if there were people at our Church who also were not “going home for Thanksgiving” that year, Mom and Dad invited them to be a “part of our Family.”**
The following descriptions are a “through the years” remembrance of the “Special Day.”
2014—Radio City Rockettes perform during Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
1983—Mary Gross and Jim Belushi act in a Thanksgiving Day skit on Saturday Night Live.
1960—Woman takes a turkey out of a “wall oven” around 1960, while her family watches.
1945—Family enjoys Thanksgiving dinner around 1945.
1929—Thanksgiving Day parade that brought Santa Claus into New York City around the late 1920s. Fish and Tiger balloons were about 35 and 60 feet long.
1918—Men in the “Service” get free Thanksgiving meals and seem to really enjoy the treats!
1910—Group of children take part in Thanksgiving Day Pageant around 1910.
1621—Painting depicts settlers and “Indians” sharing a harvest feast around 1621, a meal that was a precursor to our modern-day Thanksgiving feasts.
Any time—Lady demonstrates proper way to finish off a turkey leg (drumstick).
Then and Now—Man demonstrates standard “man’s job” helping with the meal!
Late 1940s and Traditional—Presidents usually “pardon the turkey.”
1952—Traditional parade in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, featuring 40 large balloons.
1953—Three-year-old girl gets ready for her 1st Thanksgiving turkey as the family gets ready to enjoy more prosperous times.
Traditional—Thanksgiving meals are usually a multi-generational gathering.
1955—Prayers are usually a part of Thanksgiving gatherings. These girls just cannot wait for the “oldsters.”
Who knows when?—Baby will probably not remember this Thanksgiving, but his parents will.
1958—Autumns in Michigan can already be cold, even on Thanksgiving.
Old days and now—Probably a Grandma was indulging this child’s quest to help “cook” and was also keeping close watch!
1969—California is often warm enough for “hot pants”—even at Thanksgiving!
1979--A little humor (in Pennsylvania) is always nice and helps us to be Thankful!
Not today!—How many people still get and stay dressed up for Thanksgiving meals?
I hope the photos brought back memories! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
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