11/26/2025
A local Thanksgiving message to the readers of The Manhattan Republic, November 26, 1885
Local Notes
Thanksgiving has long since ceased to be restricted to New England. In every western hamlet and prairies however remote, the day is sacred to the uniting anew of family ties, and who would wish to throw over than grand holiday? What memories, what associations cluster about Thanksgiving Day! The merry times we had, as children, at Grandfather’s come fresh to mind. The morning’s quiet, and the church service, Sunday-like and solemn, served to heighten the pleasures that succeeded.
The savory smell of the kitchen, that greeted our return, was never so delicious! Will the charm ever be gone we wonder! Then the wonderful dinner, the jolly sleigh rides, the Blind Man’s Bluff in the evening, in which all joined, the stories and pop.corn and nuts, the apples and sweet cider! Delightful memories! And the sad memories!
The faces we are wont to associates with the Day disappear one by one – how we miss them! It seemed as if there could never be thanksgiving again but Time, that blessed healer, folds soft wings over the years, and peace comes. We do not forget, oh! No, but we find there is much to rejoice for still. The thanksgivings for us grow less with the years, so let no useless broodings disturb the spirit of thankfulness that the Day calls for.
Transcript above is verbatim from original article.
From all of us at the Riley County Historical Society & Museum, we wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving full of wonderful memories, past and present.
