Thanksgiving Foodways
Through the late colonial era in New England and more widely through the 19th century and beyond, Americans came to look forward to the fall Thanksgiving tradition. The evolving holiday continued to include worship, praise and giving thanks, but a big part of the day came to center on gathering family and friends together for a grand meal.
Thanksgiving was a home holiday, and in the days before planes, trains and automobiles, families had to figure out how to get everyone together with only a few weeks’ notice. Those hosting the gathering had to get all of the food and fixings ready, which took considerable preparation. Turkey, chicken pie, roast beef, root vegetables, and lots of baking, breads, pies, cakes and goodies – preparations for the festivities would start weeks ahead.
But for all the work of the holiday the traditional New England Thanksgiving was at heart an occasion to bring people together – kinfolk, friends, and other guests, perhaps some who were less well provided for, to sit down and enjoy a festive dinner.