The first Thanksgiving was observed on American soil in 1621, "after the harvest was gotten in." It was celebrated by the surviving members of the little Plymouth colony who at that time numbered only 51 and 90 Indians, who were unexpected, but welcome guests. The menu consisted of such things as clams, eels, and mussels from the sea, venison and duck from the surrounding forests, leeks and plums and plenty of corn bread from the ovens of the homemakers. There was no pumpkin pie or mince pie at this time. Not until the year 1636 was there a Thanksgiving Day as we have come to know it now. Church services were then held in the morning. A feast in every home that could afford one, "with the poorer sort being invited of the richer" followed this. As time passed, Thanksgiving, celebrated on the first Thursday in November, became a much more important traditional holiday and annual social event in New England life. Pumpkin pie was the most popular item added to festivities to go along with the wild turkey, venison, fruits and vegetables of the Puritan's first harvest feast. It was later moved to the second Thursday in November in 1705 because of a problem encountered in Colchester, Connecticut. It seems that the town's supply of molasses had not arrived in time for the local homemakers to make their Thanksgiving pumpkin pies. Another new table delicacy was introduced at the Thanksgiving festivities in 1779. The unusual food was celery. A young woman living in Massachusetts in writing a letter about the feast had this to say: " ... there was one (vegetable) which I do not believe you have yet seen. It is called selery and you can eat it without cooking." The popular Thanksgiving tradition quickly spread throughout the colonies. On October 3, 1789, George Washington as President of the new United States, issued a NATIONAL DAY OF THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION making Thanksgiving an official holiday to be held all over the country. It wasn't until January 1, 1795, that President Washington officially issued another NATIONAL THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION. It began thusly: "It is in an especial manner our duty as a people, with devout reverence and affectionate gratitude, to acknowledge our many and great obligations to Almighty God, and to implore Him to continue and confirm the blessings we experienced." He further recommended "all religious societies and denominations, and to all persons whomsoever within the United States, to set apart and observe" this special holiday as "a day of public thanksgiving and prayer." Despite this action by the President, annual Thanksgiving festivities were still observed almost exclusively throughout New England for many years. The tradition gradually spread to the new southern and western states over a period of time. In 1798 and 1799, John Adams was to call for two Thanksgiving observances during his four year term of office as President. Jefferson, Monroe, Jackson, Van Buren, Polk, Pierce and Buchanan - all Presidents who followed - ignored the national significance of Thanksgiving Day. Then came Abraham Lincoln. In 1863, a year when our country was in the throes of a bloody Civil War, this man was to come forth with one of the most famous of all Thanksgiving proclamations. He officially made the standard date to celebrate as the last Thursday in November "as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens ... It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people."

A Unique Collection of Family Recipes and Tidbits of History from Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee and Other Notables Involved in the War of Northern Aggression. Measurements for ingredients used in recipes used in the past would not be recognizable to more modern homemakers. Look at some of those called for in the recipes given above - 1 gill of milk; 1 dessertspoonful meat extract; a tumblerful of water; a dash of ground mace; 1 saltspoonful. What exactly would they mean today? Or for example, when busily scurrying around the kitchen and preparing a meal, who would be able to properly measure ingredients in such things as a wineglassful? Or a pound of milk or water? Then try a dram of liquid? What about a pound of eggs? To sum everything up, each recipe found in this unique cook book was once popular, or at least commonly used during the Civil War period. They were all part of the history of a particular family, or person, who lived and loved and prayed and fought through this tragic time of our great nation. Many were coveted treasures within a family, some famous, some not so famous, and handed down through the years or lost with the passage of time. Each recipe has been meticulously updated. When the recipe is used today, it will turn out exactly as it did for the woman of the house that prepared it for her family so many long years ago. Here they are presented for the first time for today's American families to enjoy and experience the pleasure of preparing, cooking, baking and serving - exactly as it was done in the past. And lastly, to thankfully pass a blessing over before eating - be it for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Cooking & Baking During the Time of the War for American Independence is chock full of delightfully different and delicious cooking ideas favored by many famous, and some forgotten, yet historically important individuals and families of yesteryear. It contains the favorite dishes of numerous well known as well as lesser-known figures from the Revolutionary War period of our glorious history. Included are tasty breads and other baked goods, taste-tempting main dishes, soups and stews and loads of other wonderful recipes. Here you will find the favorites of such historical luminaries as Alexander Hamilton who was born in the West Indies but moved to the Colonies in 1772. He became one of the brightest stars in the fight for independence. One of George Washington's closest friends, this man dearly loved what was called Blood Bread with his dinners. A delightful Walnut Bread Pudding dish was eagerly eaten by General Lafayette in 1824 on his final visit to his beloved America. And those very special Sweet Potato Griddle Cakes were often prepared and served by the family of General Philip Schuyler. Most early American recipes as originally written would be quite difficult, if not impossible, to use today with any degree of ease or accuracy. Such concoctions were most often written as one long and rather complicated, sometimes rambling paragraph. Or they might simply be a long list of ingredients in no particular sequence or order. And many of the ingredients called for would not be recognized by today's readers. One of the most popular cakes, as well as the only cake made without bread dough in the Colonies, was that called The Nun's Cake. The recipe for this special cake was carefully cherished and handed down as a prized heirloom from prior generations. It was no doubt, often handwritten, and bequeathed from mother to daughter. Or, the ingredients may have been memorized, and passed along by word of mouth.

It doesn't take a genius to understand the one most important aspect of surviving. It's having access to drinkable water Without water a person can't live more than three days. The second most important thing is food Men have been known to live more than a month without food. But there's absolutely no need for any person to be deprived of something to eat. Nature is and always has been a good and reliable provider. Everyone should know how to properly use her. Learn to live off the land. It really isn't that difficult. ROBERT PELTON'S OFFICIAL EDIBLE PLANT HANDBOOK tells you all you need to know. Tom Dodge of Heartland USA said this: "If Heartland USA had a 'Seal of Approval, ' these books would surely carry one."

The mysteries of hypnotism are presented in this easy-lesson format in an attempt to throw important light upon a subject that has too long been misunderstood and ignored. Hypnotism is no longer one of the curiosities of science. It is a most important addition to the fields of medicine, psychology, religion, counseling, entertainment, etc. It's also of widespread interest throughout the world -- as well it should -- for it is certainly one of the most remarkable phenomena known to man. For untold centuries the knowledge of how to produce hypnotic sleep was a closely guarded secret. Those who understood it were often considered Gods of a sort and thought to possess supernatural powers. Of course, as we know today, hypnotism is a scientific fact. Anyone who desires can easily learn it. You, too, will be able to hypnotize others after you study these simple lessons. You will know the proper methods to use in effecting this strange and wonderful control. Anyone can learn to hypnotize with success, some making more rapid progress than others. It all depends on the amount of time you spend studying the proper methods, and how much you put into practice what you have learned. Hypnotism may be defined as a condition of induced sleep brought about by simple methods, during which the subject is insensible to his surroundings. Yet, the subject is under the "control" of the hypnotist, who may direct much of his thoughts and behavior by command. If these instructions are carefully followed, hypnotism is harmless and will not hurt anyone at any time. The hypnotic state can be produced with relative ease. The student may find it difficult to believe that the methods outlined here are sufficient to bring it about. You must first eliminate this idea from your mind, for success with the hypnotic art hypnotism is just this easy. One of the chief marvels of the hypnotic condition is that such simple means will produce such astounding results. You should understand that what another person does with hypnosis, you can do as well. There is absolutely nothing that anyone has done with this art that you cannot do. You can have just as much control over your subjects as the greatest hypnotist in the world. You can hypnotize just as many at one time -- in fact, you can undertake any feat ever performed by the aid of hypnotism -- and as easily and quickly as any living person. Absolute confidence in yourself is a prerequisite. You must make yourself believe you will succeed. Do not be discouraged if your first attempts fail. Remember, the best of the professionals often have difficulties in hypnotizing a person who has never been under the influence before. Try to start out, if possible, with a person who has been previously hypnotized. These people are usually easier to induce and this success will give you confidence and experience. You will be amazed at the simplicity of it all, and your enthusiasm will know no bounds. Always bear in mind that appearances mean a great deal. Never let anyone know that you are a beginner. After successfully hypnotizing a few people and this fact becomes known, you'll find it much easier to get results. The mental attitude of the subject is important When he believes you can do it, he will be more susceptible. It is far better to begin with a stranger. He will have much more faith in your abilities than will a friend. Your features should be set firm and stern, yet not to the point of intimidation or hostility. Show no nervousness; be quiet in all actions and always speak in a low, yet firm voice. You cannot fail if you follow these simple methods.

Few people realize that George Washington (1732 - 1799) was a man who formally attended school only to the elementary level. Yet, he went on to become Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army in 1775, and served in this capacity until 1783. Washington first gained prominence leading troops from Virginia in support of the British Empire during the French and Indian War (1754-1763), a conflict which he inadvertently helped to start. After leading the American victory in the Revolutionary War, he relinquished his military power and returned to civilian life. This act alone brought him much renown. There was initially a question as to how the new leader was to be properly addressed. The Senate proposed that he be called "King" or as "His Highness the President of the United States and Protector of Their Liberties." Washington refused to consider either of these titles. As a result, the Senate and the House of Representatives, after much heated debate, compromised and agreed on the use of the much less pompous "President of the United States." After his second term expired, Washington again retired to civilian life. He thereby established an important precedent of peaceful change of government that was to serve as an example for the United States and for future Republics throughout the world. Because of his central role in the founding of the United States, Washington is often called the "Father of the Country." Scholars rank him among the greatest of United States presidents. A British Leader's Comment Yes, this is the man who was so highly honored by the great British statesman and four times Prime Minister, William Gladstone. Gladstone once proposed the creation of a grouping of pedestals for statues of history's greatest men. The pedestal in the center was noticeably higher that the others. Gladstone was asked to identify the figure to be given the place of honor on the highest pedestal. Without a moment's hesitation, he answered: "George Washington." President of the Constitutional Convention George Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention, during which time the Constitution was approved and adopted at the State house in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. Only he, a moral, honorable and dignified man -- through personal example, committed leadership and force of character -- could hold the strong-willed, opinion-differing men together at the glorious Constitutional Convention. The destiny of a great nation lay upon the shoulders of this heroic leader. Hall of Heroes Inducted by Life Magazine in 1998 into its Hall of Heroes, these words most appropriately written by historian Garry Wills: "Washington is the greatest President, greatest leader, greatest politician. He steered a course through revolution and nation-building with immense tact and wisdom. Nobody else could have done it." Yes, George Washington is an American hero whose eminence is not fully covered by the record of his life. For example, the man was substantially greater than anything he did. He was a military genius, a mastermind. He wrenched freedom, independence and liberty from oppression; He was an outstanding statesman. He helped evolve a secure government from political turmoil; He was a patriot. He refused a crown. Wisdom and understanding, persistence, forbearance, bravery, dedication to the worthy cause animated his every act. Thanklessness, unfairness and disloyalty never disillusioned him, but served to reinforce and make his character stronger. He grew in dignity and in capability to the need of his mounting responsibility and authority. He never became pompous or disdainful. Personal aspirations and selfish opportunity never tempted him from the slender corridor of honor.

How do you rate as a Bible scholar? How well do you know the women portrayed in the scriptures? Here's a golden opportunity to find out Some claim the Bible belittles woman. Does it, really? No The stories of many great women of Biblical times are told in the Bible. Not to mention, women are spoken of frequently throughout the scriptures with tenderness, respect, and admiration Did you know that three women received the greatest honor ever to befall Christendom? They were chosen to be the first to proclaim that Christ is risen Did you know about Lydia, a woman of Philippi? She was the first Christian convert of the western world What do you know of Deborah? Or Tamar? Or Michal? Or Ester? The unique, fun quizzes in this book are devoted exclusively to women in the Bible. Put on your thinking cap and try them all You'll not only have a good time with these quizzes testing your Biblical knowledge, but you'll also learn a lot about the women of the Bible

What should you and your family do if you found yourselves lost in the mountains, woods or desert? What should you and your family do if you were suddenly trapped by a severe earthquake or a blizzard? What should you and your family do if a tornado, hurricane, flood or a political upheaval forced you to flee from your home? What should you do when your clothing gets wet and the temperature is still dropping? What must you do if snow is covering the ground and nothing can be found to make a suitable shelter? Did you know about the ordinary household item that can readily be used to purify water and make it safe for drinking? And food - what can you do when you run out of supplies and face starvation? How To Survive Anywhere provides answers to all of the above questions and many more. Yes, How To Survive Anywhere is without a doubt the finest book of its kind in the world today. No one is properly prepared unless they own a useable survival manual. That is why everyone needs How To Survive Anywhere. Every American should keep one in their home as well as a copy in each of their motor vehicles. Remember - nature always provides the necessities required for survival - shelter, food, water and fuel (wood, etc.). The essential knowledge as well as the equipment needed to survive in any outdoor emergency is easily found in How To Survive Anywhere. Yes, How To Survive Anywhere is designed to help keep you alive when you are confronted with any dire emergency situation.

When the Constitutional Convention assembled in Philadelphia in 1787, William Jackson (1759-1828), applied for the position as its secretary. The friendships he'd made with many of the delegates during the Revolutionary War (especially Alexander Hamilton), helped this gifted writer and orator edge out Benjamin Franklin's grandson for the position. He was thereby able to utilize his considerable organizational talents in the service of the new republic. Jackson was sworn to protect the secrecy of the deliberations. After the final draft of the Constitution was signed, he destroyed all records except for the official journal. Jackson was given orders to do this by the delegates. John Jay showed promise of an extraordinary life at a very young age indeed. John Jay was the second youngest member, at age 28. Samuel Chase was selected in 1774 to represent Maryland at the Continental Congress. In 1796 he was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court of the United States by George Washington Both George Mason and Elbridge Gerry played most influential roles at the Constitutional Convention. Each man's attendance record was nearly perfect. Although Gerry had signed the Declaration of Independence, he, as did Mason, refused to sign the Constitution. Why? Because both objected to the fact that it contained no Bill of Rights. For Mason, the last straw came on September 12, 1787, when his proposal to include a Bill of Rights in the new Constitution was defeated 10 states to none. He offered to rewrite the material. Not even this turned out to be enough to sway the delegates who were impatient who were more interested in finishing the task at hand and then getting back home. Mason adamantly declared that he could not support the final version. A few of Robert Livingston's most often forgotten claims to fame? One is the fact that it was he who administered the Presidential Oath of Office to George Washington. He was also the man who successfully negotiated the Louisiana Purchase from the French. And lastly, he was a sponsor of Robert Fulton, who man who refined the steam engine. President Washington appointed him Secretary of State in 1795, but Henry declined the office. In 1799, President Adams appointed him envoy to France, but failing health required him to decline this office as well. Yes, Patrick Henry Also Declined to Serve Patrick Henry represented Virginia in the First Continental Congress in 1774 where he continued in the role of firebrand. At the outbreak of the Revolution, he returned to his native state and lead militia in defense of Virginia's store of gunpowder. He wasn't a member of the Continental Congress when the Declaration of Independence was voted on and accepted in 1776. Although a man of high reputation as a patriot in the colonies, he hadn't been elected to be a delegate. His personality was decidedly different when compared to the stern honor of Washington, the refined logic of Jefferson, and the well-tempered industry of Franklin. He was a kid that no one thought would amount to anything. He appeared to have little ambition and was a notorious time waster, though everyone knew he was sharp minded. Henry showed no interest in schooling as a youngster and didn't want to farm. Apparently, pressure from his young family (he had married at the age of eighteen) caused him to study for a few weeks and to take the bar exam. He easily passed, and begin to work as a lawyer. Here are a number of important bits of trivia about Patrick Henry: Henry's reputation as a passionate and fiery orator exceeded even that of Samuel Adams. Why Did Washington Not Sign the Declaration? George Washington was not in attendance at the Continental Congress when the Declaration was signed. He was at the time Commander-in Chief of the Continental Army and serving in this capacity.