America's Holiday -- Part 1

Columnist takes a peak at the some of the interesting, and rather surprising, history behind Thanksgiving.

It originated in 1607 on what was originally the southern shore of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It took 13 more years and near starvation for it to continue. In fact 46 of the 102 pilgrims who made that 1620 voyage did not survive. If not for the kindness and nurturing of the local Native Americans perhaps none would have survived, but they did. To pay homage to their new friends and Almighty God the Plymouth settlers invited some 90 or so local tribesmen to join them in what was a three-day festival of thanks and harvest. And thus was the first Thanksgiving celebration. They feasted on clams, and lobster, and venison, and wild fowl, and fruits, and local vegetables, and nuts. Beans, peas, carrots, onions, plums, grapes that grew wild …

• Photos (1)

Food For Thought

Pumpkins Are Great, Charlie Brown

More than just a Halloween prop, pumpkins are nutritious and rather versatile.

They can weigh a pound or 1810 pounds. They have seams from the stem to the base. They are usually orange or yellow but can be white, red, or grey. Any guesses? They are full of pepitas. Ok, how bout this one, they are most popular at Halloween. Ahha !!! Pumpkins, of course.   This versatile plant is grown on six continents. It originated in North America and fossil seeds have been dated to 7000 B.C. It's vines produce both male and female flowers on the same plant. It is full of vitamins, minerals, and micro-nutrients too plentiful to list. Yet most of us view the pumpkin as a holiday ornament or a contest entry at the state fair. Yes, last year the record was set with an Atlantic Giant at 1810 pounds.   It can be used in breads and cakes…

• Photos (1)