Molly's Thanksgiving

The article, What Newcomers Know About Thanksgiving, in today's Wall Street Journal reminded me of the book Barbara Cohen wrote years ago. Molly's Pilgrim remains one of the best Thanksgiving books I've read--juvenile or adult. Not saccharin sweet in anyway, it is an unexpected portrayal of gratitude and history. Molly is a Russian immigrant and new girl at school. In order to finish her classroom assignment she readily empathizes with the Pilgrims. Her classmates and readers of the book, are offered a heaping serving of tolerance. Good multi-cultural lesson in history and current events of our American melting pot.

Here is a clip from the educational film made by Phoenix Learning

Traveling to Plimoth Plantation was a highlight of our family vacations. Not only did we visit a beloved babysitter whose hometown was Plymouth, Massachussetts but we also experienced a smidgeon of the hardships and sense of accomplishment the early settlers must have felt. Walking dusty roads, smelling dirty "slops," sweating in the dank summer air, hearing faintly British rounds wafting through the air, and sensing perpetual chores to be done brought to life a different century. From their storehouse of historically accurate souvenirs, I bought the Penny Merriment CD which my kids endure every November and a 3-handled ceramic "loving cup" we pass around for our annual feast.

My kids still talk about the giant slide in the theme pool at the John Carver Inn. And I am a sucker for historical reenactments! Every Friday night in August, an impressively small and sober group of costumed actors process by the Mayflower and up to Burial Hill reminding everyone how imminent death was for the settlers and how present God was in their thoughts.

If you're thinking of going, go! My advice is to stay long enough (4 days) to assimilate and fully benefit from the myriad workshops, lectures and interpretive presentations. Study their website and the schedule of events in advance so you can pace yourself. And pack Molly's Pilgrim in your bag!