100 Years Ago: Nov. 24-30

From The Indianapolis News, Thursday, November 29: Thanksgiving Day dawned with gloomy skies and threatening rain-clouds. Commercial life stopped throughout the city, but there was no holiday celebration in homes or churches as the war against Germany brought solemn thought of American sacrifices to be paid of life and service. While the turkey maintained its traditional place atop most Thanksgiving dinner menus, shortages and high prices caused many households to observe America’s great feast day with ducks, geese, and chickens as the main entree. The need for food conservation was not lost on most persons, and the government’s desire to prevent useless waste and overeating was generally observed. Thanksgiving sermons unanimously turned to the subject of the war and the relation between the spirit of the day and the spirit of loyalty and service being asked of American citizens.