125 Years Ago- A Thanksgiving Weekend Blizzard

125 years ago snowflakes began to fall in the Northeast on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  It was November 26, 1898.  Residents were still thinking about the Thanksgiving Day holiday that they and their friends and families had just celebrated.  The holiday was on Thursday, November 24th and some people had traveled to their destinations to be with family members/ friends.  On November 26, 1898 it was reported in the Springfield Daily Republican that Springfield, MA resident Clarence A. R. Euson had recently moved into his newly built house on Main Street (Longmeadow Street)/ South Park Terrace in Longmeadow, MA.    

Residents on the east coast were to experience a nor'easter that weekend.  It was the "first storm of the winter" and also it was a blizzard.  Now, this storm is known as "The Portland Gale" and it affected Southern New England.  The large snow drifts, cold wind and cold temperatures made everything challenging.  It was more severe than the Blizzard of 1888 that many residents in the Longmeadow/ Springfield area remembered.

Springfield Daily Republican
Nov. 28, 1898
(click to enlarge)

Milk could not be delivered into Springfield from the surrounding communities.  The morning newspapers were not delivered, either.  Travel to any point in Springfield became difficult.  Some trollys were able to return to the trolly barn and other trollys stalled on their routes.  The hotels in Springfield did a brisk business with guests who were in town for the holiday or for the theatre.  

Sixteen inches of snow had fallen in 24 hours.  After the snow stopped falling the clean up began. On November 28th it was easier to walk on streets that had been plowed.  The trollys ran again to many areas of Springfield.  Little by little everyday life resumed. 

Springfield Daily Republican
Nov. 28, 1898

The weekend after Thanksgiving in 1898 was one for residents of Southern New England to remember!  

Written by Judy Moran          

Thanksgiving Day 100 Years Ago

One hundred years ago our Thanksgiving holiday was celebrated on Thursday, November 29, 1923!  That Thursday was the last Thursday in November.  At that time period the holiday was celebrated on the last Thursday of the month of November.  

The formula for the holiday celebration was changed on December 26, 1941 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the resolution to have our national holiday of Thanksgiving celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November- as we know it today.  It had been passed by Congress.   

Residents of Longmeadow celebrated Thanksgiving much as we do today.  Some families enjoyed the holiday in their homes and invited relatives to join them.  Other families traveled to other locations near and far.  Some visited relatives and other town residents attended college football games.  One hundred years ago Longmeadow residents Mr. and Mrs. Edward H. Broadwell and Mr. and Mrs. Donald Munroe entertained guests in their home. 

Springfield Republican
Nov. 25, 1923

By reading the news of Longmeadow, MA in our local Springfield, MA newspaper we can learn more about the families that lived in town 100 years ago.

Springfield Republican
Nov. 25, 1923
(Click image to enlarge.)

 

For those families who chose to dine at home, there was good news about the price of turkeys that year!  This news was on the front page of the Springfield Republican in Springfield, MA!

Springfield Republican
 Nov. 18, 1923

A recipe (years ago it was called a receipt) for Pumpkin Pie was published for cooks/ bakers who did not already have a great tasting pie recipe or for those cooks/ bakers who wanted to try a new one. 

Springfield Republican
Nov. 27, 1923

Longmeadow residents who were roasting a turkey at home could purchase the ingredients locally- at stores in town.  According to the 1923 Longmeadow Directory residents did not need to travel far.

Perhaps the local Breeder Longmeadow Farm Co on Meadow Road sold turkeys to residents to enjoy on this national holiday.

1923 Longmeadow Directory

 

 

In 1923 there were local grocery stores in town.  Many choices of where to shop for ingredients were a short distance from home.

1923 Longmeadow Directory

 
There were also local Meat Markets.

1923 Longmeadow Directory

Newspaper ads were published that contained ingredients for the holiday dinner along with the prices of the ingredients.  It gives us an idea of the cost of the items.  Stores may not have charged exactly the same price.  The Springfield Public Market was located at 373- 375 Main Street in Springfield, MA.

Springfield Republican
Nov. 27, 1923
(click to enlarge)

It was also possible to dine out at restaurants on this national holiday.  In Springfield, MA there were restaurants advertising their special Thanksgiving dinners and also the price of the dinner.  At The Highland Hotel there were two seatings 12:30 to 3:30 and also 6 to 9.
 

Springfield Republican
Nov. 28, 1923

The Canton Restaurant on Worthington Street was another option.  

Springfield Republican
Nov. 28, 1923

Thanksgiving Day was celebrated by the residents of Longmeadow, MA much as we celebrate this national holiday today.  Some people cooked at home for their family/ friends, other people visited families/ friends in their homes and others dined out at restaurants.  It was a day when everyone stopped their daily activities and were thankful for what they had or would have in the future.

Additional Source: National Archives

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Written by Judy Moran