New Jersey - 1836 Thanksgiving Day Celebration at The Historic Village at Allaire

1836 Thanksgiving Day Celebration

"Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week. At which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, Many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest King Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the plantation and bestowed on our governor, and upon the captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty." These words describing the first Thanksgiving, penned over 380 years ago, are attributed Edward Winslow, a leader of the Plimouth Colony.

Since that time family and friends have gathered to give thanks for bountiful harvest, the company of each other, and all the things that help to enrich our lives. We invite you then, to come and celebrate A 19th Century Thanksgiving with our family at The Historic Village at Allaire. [ more information ]