Now that Halloween is over and Thanksgiving is on the way, I thought I would share some Thanksgiving truth. Here is part one of the story.

Thanksgiving is celebrated throughout America on the fourth Thursday of every November. Families gather around a table lined with a spread containing turkey, stuffing, cranberry, corn, beans, bread and Pumpkin pie. We celebrate the day when the Pilgrims sat with the Indians at a peaceful feast. Unfortunately, most people are not aware of what actually occurred leading up to and on that historical day. I will explain the events leading up to, surrounding and during the first Thanksgiving feast, and to show how present day Thanksgiving is celebrated with markings of old traits.

In 1620, 44 Separatist Puritans, later known as pilgrims, and 66 non-Separatist passengers, known as strangers, set sail across the Atlantic to begin a new life in the New World. With Capitan Christopher Jones at the wheel, they made their voyage upon the 12 year old, 180-ton English vessel, the Mayflower. The voyage was chartered by the leader of a Separatist congregation in Holland; John Carver.

The passengers were anything but comfortable during this grueling trip. They suffered through the bitter, damp environment while having to eat all of their meals cold. This was due to the threat of fire on the wooden ship. These obstacles allowed for sickness among the passengers. During the 65 day voyage, the Mayflower was the site of the joy of the birth of two children, Oceanus Hopkins and Peregrine White. In turn, it was also the site of dismay when two passengers fell to their death.

According to the London Company, the crew was allowed land in Virginia; however, it seemed as if the Capitan had another place in mind. They sailed south of Cape Cod toward the Hudson River, but for an unknown reason, decided to turn back. The Mayflower arrived at Provincetown on November 21, 1620. The Mayflower Compact was signed that day by 41 of the passengers, all men, because of a rising concern that the “strangers” would defy the Pilgrims if they were to land in a place other than what was allowed by the London Company. This contract would put in place a temporary government, guaranteeing equality between both groups. John Carver was quickly elected and became their first governor.

After a few weeks of searching the coast for the best location, the Mayflower finally landed on the rocky shores of Plymouth, named by Capitan John Smith in 1614. They arrived at Plymouth on December 26, 1620. The harbor appeared to be excellent and safe and there was a stream that would be a good resource for fish. The only threat they were concerned about was that of the Indians. They did not know what was in store for them when the Native Americans discovered they were settling there. The first winter would turn out to be a killer. The brutal season, filled with heavy snow and freezing temperatures, wiped out over half of the colonists. The Mayflower remained at Plymouth during the winter months and returned to England, leaving on April 15, 1621 and arriving on May 16th.