CLEVELAND, Ohio — Wishing each of you a Happy Thanksgiving! With the fourth Thursday falling later this year, Black Friday is tomorrow and Advent starts this weekend. Sounds like a power-packed holiday.
A look back in time takes us to 1621, when a memorable harvest lasted three days as the Plymouth Pilgrims shared a feast with the Wampanoag Native Americans. Long before the combined efforts, though, Native Americans had been celebrating the fall harvest for centuries.
In 1789, President George Washington declared Nov. 26 as a “Day of Publick Thanksgivin.” This was to honor the Constitution and give thanks to God for peace after the American Revolution.
Communities celebrated going forward, and in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a national federal holiday. We have kept the legacy alive!
In preparation for Christmas, Zoar Village will host its “Holiday Tradition” from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 7 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 8. Tickets are $10 each, with children 12 and younger admitted free.
The Zoar Store, Bakery, Bimeler Museum and Gartenhaus Shop will be open for shopping, with handcrafted treasures and one-of-a-kind finds to make your trip memorable.
Horse-drawn wagon rides will be featured, while the German Belsnickel Santa is an authentic representation. Various vendors and crafters will be on hand, creating an air of nostalgia.
Dear Yenke Peddler,
Our Steiff centerpiece turkey dates to the 1950s and has been on many tables over the years. He has a tag on his chest, labeled “ Tucky,” and also has a button and yellow stock tag under his wing. The wire feet keep him standing upright. Value today?
H.M.
Hello Helen,
Your very fine Steiff “stuffed” turkey is the smaller one — they also made a larger version. They are fairly rare to find today, especially with buttons, chest tags and the stock tags. Both sizes carry a price from $200 and up. They are vintage German treasures!
If you have an item for evaluation, send a clear picture with history to Yenke Peddler, Brenda Yenke, P.O. Box 361633, Strongsville, Ohio, 44136. You may also email photos and information requests for Brenda to evaluate at kenyenke@aol.com.