It’s been more than 300 years since that first Thanksgiving, when the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Indians sat down together in celebration and, much like the Americans of today, made a solemn vow not to eat more than your standard bull elk.
We know this because of a passage recently discovered in the diary of Pilgrim Edward Winslow, who described the first Thanksgiving like this:
Our harvest be large so that we might rejoice! Our plates and bellies be full to swelling! We have feasted on meats and gathered crops, and pies of sweet fruit!
Aye, I say! I think it be time to vomit!
— Edward Winslow, Dec. 13, 1621
In spite of this kind of irrefutable historic documentation, many myths still exist about one of our most celebrated holidays. For example: Did anyone actually eat the Indian corn, or was it just used as a decoration?
As a special tribute to Thanksgiving, I asked our resident Siuslaw News historian, Mr. Knowitall, to help separate fact from fiction about this important holiday. For the last week, readers were encouraged to send in their own Thanksgiving questions and, as a result, we were inundated with a truckload of mail. That’s right! In fact, there were so many letters that I was forced to utilize a highly complex selection process requiring dozens of volunteers, an empty office, and our wild squirrel, “Skippy.”
Before we get started, for those of you who might not be familiar with Mr. Knowitall, I should explain that, in addition to being our resident historian here at Siuslaw News, he is also our economist, consumer products expert, food critic, movie reviewer, foreign affairs consultant, science correspondent, and vending machine repairman.
Not necessarily in that order.
We chose him because of his vast knowledge on a variety of subjects, and because, conveniently, he happens to be here every Wednesday to re-fill the Cheetos. I know this doesn’t necessarily make him an expert, but he says he is — and, being a professional journalist, I believe him.
That said, let us begin.
Dear Mr. Knowitall: Is it true that the Pilgrims made popcorn on the first Thanksgiving?
Mr. Knowitall: Yes and no. By the end of the celebration, the Wampanoags noticed that no one had eaten any of the Indian corn they brought. When asked about this, each of the 56 Pilgrims said they’d somehow overlooked it. Not wanting to insult their guests, Miles Standish then offered to hand out the corn, but “accidentally” dropped the bushel into a fire pit. The result was the beginning of popcorn and the end of the first Thanksgiving.
Dear Mr. Knowitall: Why is there no traditional Thanksgiving song?
Mr. Knowitall: Because Weird Al Yankovic hasn’t written one yet.
Dear Mr. Knowitall: Why do we celebrate Thanksgiving on a Thursday?
Mr. Knowitall: Historians all agree it was most likely the day Native Americans and Pilgrims would’ve chosen in order to avoid a potential conflict with Black Friday shopping.
Dear Mr. Knowitall: What’s the best way to prepare a turkey?
Mr. Knowitall: That’s a tough question. Everyone has their own preference. Personally, I think it’s best to avoid eye contact. Just call it into the kitchen and don’t let it know what’s coming. The same goes for your guests if you happen to be serving Tofurkey; if you want them to stay, it’s best not to let them know what’s coming.
Unfortunately, that’s all we have time for today. I’d like to thank Mr. Knowitall for sharing his wisdom and helping to clarify some of the history behind Thanksgiving. In addition, I’d also like to tell him I’m sorry…
But we’re out of Cheetos again.
Yes, this is a shameless excerpt from my book, Humor at the Speed of Life, from the section: Inspirational Holiday Columns That Proved Lifethreatening. The book is a collection of my most popular columns over the years (as opposed to the kind I usually write) and is available in hardcopy or eBook at Port Hole Publications, Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. It makes a great holiday gift! (results may vary). Order yours from Port Hole Publications and let them know you’d like a signed copy. It can even be signed by someone else!
Ned's Blog 
You’re like Mr. Science, Ned. But without the scientific knowledge, the white coat 9youyrs usually has the pockets in the back), or the childlike disposition.
Well done, once more.
HahahahahaHEEEEEEEEEhahahahahahahahHEEEEEEEhahhahahahah (Sorry, too crazy sounding?)
Not at all.
(Now, where’s the closest mental health facility in Ned’s region…)
I’ve always felt like I already work at one.
You too?
It must be the company “hug-yourself” jackets we all get.
Happy Thanksgiving Ned!!!
Who knew they had Cheetos back then. Thanks for the informative article!
Happy Thanksgiving to you, too, Susie!
I think it’s ;posssible some of the Cheetos of today are left over from back then. Possibly some Twinkies, too 😉
nice
Y MR NO IT ALL
He says he knows it all, and I believe him. Besides, sometimes he gives me free Cheetos.
Reblogged this on nurahmanafandi.
I thought Cheetos had historical significance. If you look carefully in the photo above you can see the telltale orange markings on the face of the Native American standing on the right. I have explained to my wife for years that Cheetos have always been a part of the original feast. Thanks for verifying the fact.
I’m very glad Mr. Knowitall could help verify your claim, John, which was substantiated by a 300-year-old recipe for “Cheeto-Stuffed Turkey.”
This is very useful information for those of us across the pond for whom Thanksgiving is a great mystery. I will share this with the people of my country, and also with my forefathers.
Great, Vanessa-Jane! If there are any more questions, have your people call my people. But not on Thanksgiving, please 😉
Ok, I’ll get them to leave it till Black Friday to call, I hear that’s a pretty quiet day for you guys.
Haha! That will be perfect. I’ll call you back from under a clothing rack.
Weird Al needs to get on that Thanksgiving song…
I agree! He better hurry, though…
You’re right. He may never have another chance.
I generally detest any holiday that rides on the exploitation of others and the over-consumption of resources, but this was fantastic! Love your humor. Mr. Knowitall sounds pretty important, for the cheetos refilling alone. Let’s raid Tofurkey farms everywhere and stop the madness. Huzzah!
Happy Thanksgiving, Ned. Cheers.
Thanks, Shannon! But I have to admit, I’ll only eat Tofurky if it’s stuffed with Cheetos.
Cheers to you as well 😉
LOL! Thank goodness you have access to the most astute of historians. The popcorn question has long been on my mind. Do you think he knows where the odd socks in the laundry to, too?
Could you ask him?
Yes, we are very fortunate to have Mr. Knowitall as a resource. Mostly for Cheetos. I did ask him about where odd socks go, but he refused to answer. As he walked away, I noticed dhe wasn’t wearing matching socks, though.
And one of them had “Nebraska Corn Huskers” on it…
The fact that the socks said “Nebraska Corn Huskers” says a lot. I don’t think they have matching socks up there in Nebraska–especially when they made the trip over to the Big 10 😉
I’m pretty sure Mr. Knowitall has a few holes in his story. And probably his socks.
I think the best way to bake a turkey is in a garbage can. 🙂
it seems we are connected, ned. i happen to be very close friends with knowitall’s second cousin, wudja believeit, who is nearly as informed as knowitall, and taught me how cranberries magically became a gel that slides out of a can into a maroon tube of delight.
Lol! I heard they were kissing cousins and had a baby named Wudnja Knowit.
Cheetos stuffing…mmmmmmm
I think I’m on to something. Or maybe just on something…
Either way it’s a WIN!
Well my Thanksgiving question is why is Canada’s Thanksgiving in Oct. and the States TG is in Nov. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Ours is over. 😀
Sheesh, you guys always have to be first with everything, don’t you? 😉
And a belated Happy TG to you, too!
Yes we do! Thank you!
Hahaha to not interefere with Black Friday – you’re the best, Ned : )
Awe shucks, Thanks Molly! Have a wonderful holiday! Oh, and dont forget the Indian corn.
Happy holidays to you too!