Long Island Thanksgiving History, Lobster Rolls?

For some reason I have always envisioned pilgrims eating a big turkey meal during that first Thanksgiving, way back in 1621 in Plymouth. But that’s just not the case. In fact the menu sounds more like something many Long Islanders would lay out for a 4th of July buffet. Very true, no turkey, no turkey stuffing — but perhaps plenty of lobster, clams. And yes, they did use cranberries, too.

Reports from way back then, in Edward Winslow’s "Mourt Relation," note that when the thankful settlers and the Wampanoag Indians had their blowout feast of thanks in what was then called Plymouth Colony in 1621, the menu consisted of lobster, clams, ham, venison, water fowl, berries, fruits, pumpkin and squash. Historians debate exactly when the turkey became the official staple of the traditional Thanksgiving meal but the date 1863 when President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday is often used.

The turkey was then nominated to be the main staple because the historians of that time noted in the writings of William Branford dating back to 1621, how the colonist hunted wild turkey in autumn. However, Google research indicates that the turkey had already become the established main course of New England tables by 1857.

I am thinking perhaps because of the prominence of the lobster in 1621, with every plate of turkey these days there should be a symbolic but tasty lobster roll at every setting. Of course vegans and vegetarians are not keen on this suggestion nor would free the lobsters activists agree, but some sort of symbol of lobster should be on every table. Why not mini lobster rolls?

To add a little gravitas to this article I researched the writings of Long Island historian and long time — 1817 to 1911 — East End resident Henry P. Hedges. Hedges was a spokesperson of sorts for all things history on the East end for almost 100 years. In a speech/talk titled “Memories of a Long Life," which he gave at the age of 92 in 1909, Hedges said something I think we all should remember about the history of Thanksgiving on Long Island: “Our puritan fathers observed Thanksgiving as an occasion for worship, family gatherings, feasting and the outgoing of the heart in friendship and affection. That was their great holiday. Slighter notice was taken of New Year’s and Christmas, even in my youth.”

Also Watch: 10 More Things You Didn't Know About Thanksgiving

Patch courtesy photo.