Thanksgiving newspaper stories

The genealogy library is getting a new look as members move the DAR and miscellaneous state reference library information into a separate space to better utilize the footprint of our rooms.

Again, we are deeply indebted to McCook National Bank for the area they have allowed us to occupy in the Merit Building. Now our main area will contain only the local and tristate books plus our bank of computers and a conference room while the more "distant" information will be located adjacent to our main room.

Moving all of those books (twelve 8 foot shelves worth) gave me a chance to refresh my memory on what is available such as the Mayflower descendent books, DAR research books, Irish and Scott-Irish immigrant lists plus several state books listings of surnames.

On Saturday, Dec. 3, we will be hosting our annual Christmas Party and open house. Everyone is encouraged to attend and have a chance to meet our members and tour our library.

The following stories were taken from the McCook Tribune of various dates. I love the colloquial language in some of these!

"The only thorn in the average McCook boy's side now is the fear that his mother will fill the Thanksgiving turkey with a health food instead of oysters or some other good old fashioned stuffin!" (November 18, 1904)

"The initial hop of the Fortnightly dancing club was held in the opera house, Wednesday evening, with a good attendance and a delightful time. The club has arranged for a series of dances to cover the winter season, and anticipate much pleasure therefrom. The Pythian orchestra provides the dynamic ecstasy. The next dance will occur on the evening of Thanksgiving." (November 17, 1899)

"The members of various grades sent some books, papers, etc., to the boys in the reform school at Kearney for a Thanksgiving present. A very commendable act, which will likely be greatly appreciated by the boys in that institution, where they are not so well supplied with such luxuries.

The members of the Tenth grade each made a small cash donation to send some candy and nuts to the boys in the reform school at Kearney, Thanksgiving day. No doubt it will be a relief from the regular substantial fare of the institution, as sweet meats are not very generously provided by the state." (November 16, 1897)

"McCook observed Thanksgiving day in quite usual fashion. A few attended the union services in the Baptist church, where Rev. Burt of the Christian church delivered an appropriate and excellent sermon and the Baptist choir provided music of a seasonable and enjoyable sort. Business was suspended for the most part of the day, and dinner parties were in quiet evidence in not a few homes. The hunters were thicker than leaves in Valombrosa, (a Benedictine abbey in Italy that is surrounded by lush towering trees) which interfered with the gratitude of the innocent birds and animals for life and well-being. Charity was dispensed where ever necessary and a number of homes were thus made more comfortable." (November 24, 1905)

Our library remains open to the public each Tuesday and Thursday (with the exception of Thanksgiving Day) from 1:30-4 PM, 110 West C Street, Suite M-3. Please join us for help with your genealogical or historical research.