Memories from the Homestead: J.K. Ross shares a special Thanksgiving, November 29, 1906
- John Fullerton
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
Thanksgiving greetings to everyone. The photo I'm sharing today tells quite a story. How an entire community of neighbors came together to celebrate what they were thankful for. This event happened on Thanksgiving Day, November 29, 1906, at the Dewey Grove school. If there was one community happening I could travel back in time to be a part of, this would be the one. If I could step into this photo and interrupt the event, my goal would be to shake hands with everyone down to the youngest of children and get everyone's names! I do recognize several in the photo; also I would invite myself to their dinner and stay for the school program! Just sayin'!
The families that participated in this flag ceremony, dinner and school program on this day represented three close-knit communities—the towns of Garber, Gretna and Notch. By the way, the Dewey Grove school was located north of Dewey Bald, it would be near the northwest property boundary of the present day Treasure Lake Resort, north of Branson's Imax Entertainment Complex.
J.K. Ross, the Garber correspondent for the Taney County Republican newspaper, had this to say on December 3, 1906, regarding the November 29 event. This is just beautiful.
"Let me tell your readers of our Thanksgiving time. I say "time," meaning, not a hot "time," but a good time, and one long to be remembered. Early in the morning wagons began to arrive at the school house, laden with baskets, tubs, buckets and sacks filled with the good things of earth. These were by fair, deft hands prepared in a manner fit to tempt the appetite of the richest monarch in the world. Shortly after 10 o'clock the house was called to order, and with Mrs. George D. Hall seated at the organ, the audience sang "America," and J.K. Ross made a prayer.
This was followed by the presentation of a beautiful silk flag, 6 x 10 feet in size, the gift of Mr. Thomas B. Cannon of Springfield, Ohio. The presentation speech was to have been made by Capt. T.S. Powell, but as he did not arrive in time, the writer set forth the friendship of Mr. Cannon for the district and the children.
Father Isaacs made a speech of acceptance on behalf of the board and the children, referring in a very appreciative manner to the kindness of the donor. After the speeches, a solo, "The Bonny Flag," was fitly rendered by Miss Irene Hall, and a recitation, "Little Flag," was given by Ollie Cumming. Then the audience sang "The Star Spangled Banner," and dinner time was announced. While the repast was being made ready the men and boys raised a 45-foot flag pole, and the children joyfully hoisted the flag to the top and three lusty cheers were given in honor of Mr. Cannon. Thence all entered the house, and for about an hour did all they could to hide everything in sight.
After dinner a song of praise was rendered, followed by a prayer by Father Enos Isaacs. Captain Powell, who arrived in time to do a full justice to the dinner, gave an able address, directed chiefly to the children, "Duty Toward the Flag." Following this was a Thanksgiving address by the writer, a recitation, "Landing of the Pilgrims," by Archie Hall, a song, "Thanksgiving," by the choir, a recitation, "The Pilgrims" by three boys, a recitation, "Getting Ready For Thanksgiving," by Nellie Cox, a recitation, "The First Thanksgiving," by Irene Hall, a recitation, "Thanksgiving Again," by Elsie Cox, a recitation, "Glad To Be A Farmer," by Elbert Cox, "The Little Girl's Thanksgiving," by Helen Cumming, "My Best Friend," by Marion Cox, and "What Boys Are Good For," by Forest Cumming. This last recitation was quite humorous and set everybody to laughing. The program closed with the song, "No Never Alone."
A vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. T.B. Cannon for the elegant flag, and it was ordered that an account of the proceedings be sent to each of the county papers and likewise to Mr. Cannon.
All praise is due to Miss Lizzie Brazeal for her careful training of the children, to Mrs. Hall for her services at the organ and help with the music, and to George D. Hall for the fine flag pole. Never was a day more enjoyably spent. Our women cannot be excelled when it comes to preparing something good to eat, and Dewey Grove school district has something to look back to with thankfulness, pride and pleasure."