During the Federal Era in America, a time
corresponding to the Regency Era in England, the biggest holiday of the year
was Thanksgiving. At that time, more Americans lived on farms than in cities,
and with the grain harvested, the fruit preserved, and the pig butchered, it
was time to join with family and friends to celebrate with prayer, song, and
dancing the gifts of the harvest.
In 1834, the New Hampshire Patriot made note of
the approaching holiday: A moderate rise in the price of molasses and
spices—the increased demand for laces, ribbons, and dancing pumps—the hurrying
of tailors, milliners, and mantua makers—frequent and important consultation of
young gentlemen—whispering, flushed faces, and anxious looks among young
ladies—and lastly, a string of proclamations announcing the 27th of
November as a day of Thanksgiving in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut,
and Vermont.”*
 |
| Preparations for the feast |
In my novel, Darcy on the Hudson,
Fitzwilliam Darcy, Georgiana, and Charles Bingley travel to Tarrytown in the
Hudson River Valley to visit Bingley’s Uncle Richard, who has been living in
America for twenty-five years. In addition to the love story of Darcy and
Elizabeth, the novel mentions the Thanksgiving traditions of the New York/New
England area. Here are three excerpts:
First, advanced preparations for the big day: “While sloops sailed north from the port of New York
carrying Jamaica Rum, French and cider brandy, molasses, loaf and brown sugars,
Hyson-Souchong and Bohea teas, various spices, dried fruits, coffee, and
chocolate, barges filled to overflowing with cages containing live poultry and
suckling pigs were arriving from Upstate New York at Tarrytown Harbor.” 
Second, the preparation for the feast: “In the Bennet kitchen, Mrs. Kraft, Mrs. MacTavish,
and Mrs. Wesley were already busy baking pies with every possible fruit
filling, as well as Marlborough pies, brimming with apple and lemon custard.
The five Bennet daughters, and every female servant at Longbourn, were either
assisting in baking something or at Mrs. Bennet’s beck and call, running back
and forth from the pantry cupboard, spring house, or woodpile bringing needed
ingredients to the bakers or kindling to those tending the fires.”
Finally, the big day arrives: “After Mr. Bennet had finished saying grace and
reading his proclamation, he began to carve the turkey, and everyone waited in
anticipation as the bird was dismembered and the first slices fell onto the
meat platter. Plates were heaped with potatoes, sweet potatoes, plum pudding,
and vegetables, and everyone was encouraged to gorge themselves. The second
course of cheese, squash pies, grapes, jellies, dried fruits, and nuts was
eaten with relish, and everyone admitted that a break was necessary before
enjoying the desserts.”
After the guests found the energy to push their chairs
away from the table, they adjourned to the parlor for games and dancing. It was
an excellent opportunity for young men and women to flirt or to begin a
courtship. With family and friends gathered together on this special day, many
chose that date as their wedding day. What better day could the happy couple
have chosen than a day filled with food, drink, song, dance, and good company!
It wasn’t until the middle of the 19th
century that Christmas would supplant Thanksgiving as the biggest holiday in
America.
*Our
Own Snug Fireside, Images of the New England Home 1760-1860 by Jane C.
Nylander, Yale University Press, p. 264.
Darcy on the Hudson is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
This is such a fun book, especially for those of us who teach American Literature. Picturing our hero on the shores of the Hudson is just delightful!
ReplyDeleteThe opeing scene with Darcy certain only death would allow him relief from his seasickness is priceless!
Well, thank you RS. I appreciate your comment.You made my day!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Glad you are enjoying the posts.
ReplyDelete