Monterey Public Library - The First Thanksgiving Holiday in California

Greetings!

When did Thanksgiving become a holiday in California?

Note that I'm using the year 1846 as the baseline when the United States first took over occupation of Alta California from Mexico. You may recall that I wrote about this last year and found that the first reported Thanksgiving was organized by the "Sons of New England" at the City Hotel in San Francisco on Thursday November 18th 1847. From Monterey in 1849, Brigadier General Bennett Riley proclaimed that Thursday, November 29th 1849 would be celebrated as Thanksgiving. But when did it officially become a holiday in California?

The first Governor of California Peter Burnett declared the first Thanksgiving holiday as Saturday, November 30th 1850 as he proclaimed from San Jose: "...Governor of the State of California, hereby recommends that Saturday, the thirtieth day of November, 1850, be set apart and observed by the people of California, as a day of solemn thanksgiving to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, for the unnumbered blessings bestowed upon Him upon our young State and people; and especially for our admission into the happy family of States." Business and work was then suspended for Thanksgiving, although word didn't travel very fast across the state at that time. Also, few people were actually from the northern states that brought the tradition across the country.

What was on the menu at the Columbia Hotel for Governor Burnett and the Sons of New England in 1850? (menu below!) It started with mock turtle soup, a variety of meats such as turkey, geese and venison, vegetables, jellies & preserves, and a dessert of raisins, prunes, oranges, walnuts, and almonds. Throughout the state the camps of workers didn't eat nearly this indulgently, and I find the later drawing "Jackrabbit dinner was good enough in 1850" reflective of the disparity between communities, even 175 years ago.

I'm thankful that you indulge me as I love the process of inquiry and finding bits of history that fulfill my curiosity! Happy Thanksgiving to you and all of our community. Your Monterey Public Library appreciates you and wishes you a happy and healthy season.

Warmly,

Brian

MPL's Event Calendar

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

This Thanksgiving, the Monterey Public Library Family is extra thankful

for you — our community of readers and learners who help make

the library a welcoming and accessible space for all.

Reminder

The library will be closed on

Thursday, November 27th and Friday, November 28th

as we cherish our time with our loved

ones and share in the joy of the Thanksgiving holiday.

FROM OUR KITCHEN TO YOURS

Kudos to Andrea Fajardo Osejo, MPL’s Teen Librarian,

for organizing our new family recipe lobby display.

Stop by to check out MPL staff’s diverse foodie picks -

passed down from generation to generation! You'll also find a few local artifacts and antique books on display.

THE ART OF TRAVEL WRITING

Join us for an inspiring conversation with explorer and award-winning author, James Michael Dorsey as he reflects on his experiences as a travel writer and shares stories from his decades-long career researching and documenting remote

tribal cultures in over fifty countries.

The Art of Travel Writing

Monday, December 1st

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

MPL Community Room

HEALING FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The holidays can be especially difficult

when you are grieving the loss and

memories of loved ones.

Join the Monterey Public Library and Hospice Giving Foundation for a reflective program on navigating grief during the holiday season. Participants may also attend a therapeutic music session and a craft activity to guide you in honoring and remembering your loved ones.

Healing for the Holidays

Wednesday, December 3rd

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

MPL Community Room

Please register at hospicegiving.org/workshops/

HOLIDAY USED BOOK CRAWL

Calling all bookworms!

This holiday season all your literary dreams are about to come true!

HOLIDAY USED BOOK CRAWL

Four days...four locations...many books...endless smiles!

Monterey Public Library Friends & Foundation

Thursday, December 4th - 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Friday, December 5th - 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday, December 6th - 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

625 Pacific Street, MPL Community Room

Friends of Harrison Memorial Library

Thursday, December 4th 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Saturday, December 6th 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Sunset Center Book Room

San Carlos & 10th, Carmel-By-The-Sea

Pacific Grove Library Friends & Foundation

Thursday, December 4th - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Friday, December 5th- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Saturday, December 6th 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

St. Mary’s By-The-Sea Episcopal Church

146 12th Street, Pacific Grove

Friends of the Marina Library

Friday, December 5th - 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday, December 6th - 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sunday, December 7th - 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

190 Seaside Circle, Marina

DON’T MISS!

Coupons, gift certificates, and goodies will be distributed

for visiting more than one book sale location.

WHARF WALKS WITH TIM THOMAS

Tim's expansive career spans from a historian and curator, to author and collaborator. He’s partnered with several organizations such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, California State Parks, and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Wharf Walks with Tim Thomas

Saturday, December 6th

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Old Fisherman's Wharf

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Tim Thomas is the author of several books, including The Abalone King

of Monterey: 'Pop' Ernest Doelter and The Japanese on the Monterey Peninsula, and is the co-author of Monterey's Waterfront.