Pilgrim historians left no recorded bill of fare of that first Thanksgiving festival held by the Plymouth colony in 1621, but one viand served, the North American wild turkey (and in later years its domesticated descendant), has become our symbol for Thanksgiving Day. The turkey and pilgrim are the Thanksgiving symbols on this holiday post card sent in 1913 (for a penny postage). Early records tell of a party of four pilgrims going forth to kill fowl for the table to serve the entire company of pilgrims. It was no small company. Chief Massasoit of the Wampanoag Indian tribe and 90 of his braves participated in this first Thanksgiving celebration. They contributed oysters, the best varieties of fish and wild venison, which they knew well how to roast. The Indian guests remained three days and though the event was to thank God for a plentiful harvest, the Pilgrims must surely have added a prayer of gratitude that The Indians were very faithful in their covenant of peace with us, very loving and ready to pleasure us. The wild turkey, once the noblest game bird of America, originally ranged the entire United States but today is found in only about 21 states, Missouri being one of those where the bird is still legally hunted. The basic plumage is black with red-green surface iridescence, copper-colored bronzing on wings and tail, and black and white barred wing feathers. The birds roost in high trees, preferably evergreens. When alarmed they may fly as far as a mile and at speeds estimated to be as high as 55 miles an hour. The males, both wild and domesticated, gobble and strut with tail feathers spread in a huge colorful fan, mostly during the breeding season, to attract the hens. Kansas City Times, November 25, 1971.
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