You probably know that Thanksgiving is celebrated this year on November 28th….

US Congress Proclaims that Thursday, December 9, 1779 to be a” Day of public and solemn Thanksgiving”. Part of LLMC’s Government collection – and free to NYLI members

But did you know that until the Presidency of Abraham Lincoln, the month and day of Thanksgiving varied from year to year (and from state to state)….

In the midst of the Civil War, Lincoln asks the Nation to observe Thanksgiving.... And , did you know that, under the influence of Lady Godey magazine editor Sarah J. Hale, Lincoln set Thanksgiving observation to be the last Thursday of November?

. Presidential documents, Legislative History and Congressional Research Report all available on PQ Congressional (& included with NYLI membership)

You probably know that we haven’t had a November 30th Thanksgiving (or at least since the early 1930s!)

FDR issues Proclamation 2373 (10.31.1939) – moving Thanksgiving from the 4th week (November 30th) to the third week…

But did you know about the “Franksgiving” controversy?

Motivated by helping retailers get an extra week of holiday shopping, FDR’s move of Thanksgiving was far from popular. The short notice change upended traditional college football games and travel plans. Many Americans felt that the country was moving the holiday from its spiritual roots of gratitude toward one of crass commercialism. The changed date began to me be mocked as “Franksgiving” and many New England states kept to the November 30th celebration.

By 1941, Congress stepped in to the “Franksgiving” controversy with a joint resolution that fixed the Holiday as the fourth Thursday in November.

And now that the date is settled…. let’s talk Turkey…

While you probably know that Turkey, sweet potatoes & cranberry sauce are now part of the traditional Thanksgiving meal….

“Nutshells” may be lying around your home after the holiday meal…lol… but NYLI’s got all Nutshells in eBook & print for members year round…

But did you know that while historians agree that Turkey, nuts & corn were at the original meal…. venison also definitely part of the original Wampanoag Pilgrim sit down….

Ultimate Guide to New York History @ NYLI… sorry NY’ers… your parade is not the oldest!!

And while you probably know about the NYC Macy’s Day Parade celebration…..

Did you know that Philadelphia’ Thanksgiving Day Parade is recognized as the oldest, started in 1920 by the Gimbel’s Department store. … This year’s is sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts… click here for the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Parade Guide..

And now… while you may know that The New York Law Institute provides eBooks, print materials , & research assistance to its members…

We certainly hope you know how grateful we are to all our members…

And that we wish all readers a very Happy Thanksgiving!!