Thanksgiving Fun Facts

Here are some Thanksgiving tidbits you and your family can enjoy with your holiday feast.

The first Thanksgiving occurred during the fall of 1621 in Plymouth Massachusetts.  European settlers gathered with Wampanoag Indians to thank God for the blessings of their harvest.

Historians think lobster, rabbit, chicken, fish, and dried fruits were included on the first Thanksgiving menu.

The pilgrims didn't use forks.  They used spoons, knives, and their fingers.  They did not use hand sanitizers after the meal.

George Washington issued the first national Thanksgiving Day in 1789.

Abraham Lincoln issued a Thanksgiving proclamation in 1863 that officially set the holiday for the last Thursday in November.

Thanksgiving became a legal holiday in 1941.

Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird of the U.S.  Eating "eagle" on Thanksgiving would not be a good thing.

During Thanksgiving Americans gobble up about 46 million turkeys.  You think turkeys would take the word "gobble" out of their vocabulary.

Since 1947 U.S. Presidents "pardon" a live turkey so it may live out the rest of it's days in a turkey retirement home.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a tradition since the 1920's.

And, do you know?  Turkeys have poor night vision.  That's why it's rare you will see a turkey driving after sunset.

All kidding aside.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  I hope you enjoy it with the ones you love.