In Praise of Thanksgiving

Post (C) Doris McCraw

aka Angela Raines

As holidays go, there are Halloween and the Dia de Muertos. This is followed by Thanksgiving and then Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. As the years have passed, we seem to jump from the end of October holidays to the end of December holidays, with Thanksgiving getting lost in the shuffle of candy and gifts.

It was not always this way. Those who know its history know it dates back to the early days of the Pilgrims' settlement on the eastern seaboard. By 1863, then-President Lincoln made it a national holiday, and in 1941, it was set nationwide as the fourth Thursday of November.

In her 1926 writing "An Outline for the Study of Early Rhode Island," she states: "Thanksgiving, to the New Englander, is a season of home thought, gratitude, and of home-turning, if that be possible. It is the supreme feast of the family, and the home, particularly to those born and bred under New England skies."

Image (C) Doris McCraw

In his 1936 publication, William B. Newell, "Indians at Work," states: "Careful study of the historical background of our present Thanksgiving Day shows that all of the early day Thanksgivings proclaimed since the first one in 1637 have been to thank God for some bloody military victory over the Indians, French, or the English. It was not until the time of Abraham Lincoln that we observed the real Indian Thanksgiving Day. When Lincoln issued his Thanksgiving Day proclamation, it was to thank the Great Spirit for the fruits of the earth. It was the first real Indian Thanksgiving and it had taken the Whites many years to learn what a real Thanksgiving Day should be like."

And finally, from the 1913 publication "The Improvement Era, Vol. 17," an entry by Lee A. Snow has this to say, "Though Thanksgiving ranks with the Fourth of July as an American institution, it touches a deeper chord in our feelings with its early three hundred years of historic associations. It combines the religious, social and festal enjoyments, and it fills a very unique place in our social and national life."

Of all the holidays that come at the end of the year, Thanksgiving has always been my favorite. I've always been so thankful for the blessings in my life, and as I age, it becomes even more evident,

May this look back at some of the early thoughts on Thanksgiving give a historic perspective on this fourth Thursday in November. 

Wishing everyone a day and year full of many things to be thankful for.

Until Next Time,

Doris

Angela Raines - Amazon

Doris A. McCraw - Amazon

Stagecoaches to Yosemite by Zina Abbott

Although rumors of a great valley with steep, granite walls in the Sierra Nevada Mountains existed by the 1840's, Americans of European descent did not enter Yosemite Valley prior to 1851. As word spread of unique and breathtaking beauty, in increasing numbers, adventurers traveled to the region to view and explore. Once the federal government,set apart Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias as the Yosemite Grant and turned administration over to the State of California, interest in the region increased. At first, the only way in and out of either grant land was either on foot or on horseback.  

Rail lines and stagecoach routes connecting to Yosemite as of 1885

The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad coupled with Central Pacific Railroad's decision to build a north-south line from Sacramento south promised easier access to those wishing to visit the Yosemite Grant lands. As more tourists poured into California for the purpose of visiting these two preserves, merchants and businesses from Stockton down to Madera saw the benefit of investing in wagon roads that would encourage visitors to patronize their stores and hotels.  

Since the Yosemite Grant lands were surrounded by the gold mining regions, a multitude of stagecoach companies operated nearby. Before long, the process of obtaining permission to build toll roads that would allow stagecoach travel to and from the Yosemite area began.

The Coulterville Company was formed in 1859. After extending its road to Crane Flat not far from Yosemite, the owner, Dr. John T. McLean, arranged with the Yosemite commissioners in charge of the two grant lands for his company to build a road into Yosemite Valley from the north. He negotiated an agreement that his company would have exclusive rights for stagecoach travel for ten years.

 

Dr. McLean then formed the Coulterville and Yosemite Turnpike Company. As part of this  agreement, the road was projected in 1870 and completed to the Merced River in Yosemite Valley in June of 1874. The Coulterville Road holds the distinction of being the first to make the Yosemite Valley accessible to wheeled vehicles.

The Big Oak Flat Company, which also operated in the foothills near Yosemite, applied to extend their road to Yosemite Valley after the Yosemite Commissioners gave exclusive rights to the Coulterville Road. The commissioners refused to violate their agreement with McLean’s company. Unwilling to accept the refusal, the Big Oak Flat Company went over their heads to the state legislature, which passed an act that allowed them to build their road.

The "Zig-Zag" section of the talus slopes of Big Oak Flat Road

The Big Oak Flat and Yosemite Turnpike Road, which began in Chinese Camp (To read my recent post on Chinese Camp, click HERE), was completed to the floor of Yosemite in July, 1874, one month after the Coulterville Road reached the Valley. Because both sought to attract tourists arriving from the north and west, the operation of the Big Oak Flat Road worked as a detriment to the Coulterville Road.  

Galen Clark in front of his cabin

Galen Clark, an early resident of the Yosemite area was instrumental in having Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove set aside as preserves. He was one of the original eight Yosemite Commissioners and was appointed as the Yosemite Grant's first guardian, with duties similar to those performed by today's park rangers. His cabin, to which he welcomed visitors, became known as Clark's Station.

Clark also saw the need for a road that would enter from the south and reach Mariposa Grove first. He worked at raising the money by going into debt with family and businesses. To cover payments, he ended up selling half his interest in all his holdings, including his cabin, which became known as Clark and Moore's Station. He and the Moores, his new partners, managed to get a road built to within twelve miles of Mariposa Grove before they ran out of money. They ended up selling everything to partners Washburn (a successful Mariposa merchant), Chapman, and Coffman, who, in the fall of 1874, applied to extend their newly-acquired Mariposa Road to Yosemite Valley. Washburn eventually bought his partners out.

The commissioners granted their request. The road, which connected the Mariposa Grove with Yosemite Valley in July 1875, was operated by the Yosemite Stage and Turnpike Company. It also connected the towns of Mariposa, Madera, and other towns to the south. 

This became important as the Central Pacific Railroad completed track, and tourists were able to travel by rail farther south before needing to catch a stagecoach to Yosemite. 

 

Even after the Yosemite Valley Railroad reached almost to Yosemite Valley, stagecoaches transported arriving train passengers from the railroad's station at El Portal to Yosemite Valley, often in a Stoddard Stage Lines Mahta, which was an eleven-passenger mud wagon built in the neighboring county of Merced, California, by McDonald. That did not change until after 1913, when automobiles were finally allowed within Yosemite National Park.

 

I featured the Yosemite Stage & Turnpike Company in my first book in the National Park Brides series, Anthelia Yosemite Bride. I will be featuring the Big Oak Flat and Turnpike Company stagecoach line in my next National Park Brides, book.

To find the book description and purchase options for Anthelia Yosemite Bride, please CLICK HERE 

 

 

Sources:

Sargent, Shirley. Yosemite's Historic Wawona. Yosemite, California: Flying Spur Press, 1979, 13-16.

Russell, Carl Parcher. One Hundred Years in Yosemite. Yosemite National Park, California: Yosemite Association, 1992, 60-63

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yosemite_Stage_and_Turnpike_Company 

Wikimedia Commons 

https://www.yosemite.ca.us/pioneer-yosemite-history-center/wagons.html

 

 

 

A Joyful Ring

 

There is just something magical about writing a multigenerational series. I love writing about a family and following them through several generations. 

My newest series, Silver Bell Sweethearts, follows the Birke family.

The beginnings of their legacy is humble. They aren't rich, except in character, faith, and love. 

Yet, the create a legacy in the beautiful pieces they make as silversmiths. 

Today, A Joyful Ring, the first book in the series, releases. 

A rugged freighter, a hopeful dreamer, and a Christmas they’ll never forget.

In 1876, Gunder Birke leaves the daily struggle of Pittsburgh behind, determined to build a better life in the rough-and-tumble mining town of Lovely, Oregon. Hired as a freighter to haul dangerous explosives for the local mine, Gunder faces ongoing danger—but nothing as treacherous as the risk to his heart when he meets the beautiful and spirited Risa Hoffman.

After losing her mother and siblings, Risa has spent most of her life on the move with her father, never knowing what it means to have a real home. When she convinces him to settle in Lovely, the remote, uninviting town is far from the idyllic refuge she imagined. Still, Risa pours her hopes into building a future, working at the boardinghouse while dreaming of a finding a husband who can offer stability and comfort.

But when Gunder’s steady kindness and quiet strength awaken feelings she never expected, Risa must choose between the security she’s always longed for and the love that rings true in her heart.

As snow begins to fall across the rugged Oregon landscape, two souls discover that sometimes the most beautiful gifts come wrapped in hope, faith, and the promise of love.

Also, today is my 12th annual Cowboys & Christmas party taking place on Facebook. Come join in a day of fun, games, giveaways and guest authors as we raise funds and awareness for the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund. 

Hope to see you there!

USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield grew up on a farm where her childhood brimmed with sunshine, hay fever, and an ongoing supply of learning experiences.

Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

When this award-winning author isn’t writing or testing out new recipes (she loves to bake!), Shanna hangs out at home in the Pacific Northwest with her beloved husband, better known as Captain Cavedweller.

Connect with her on her website.

When Words Were the Only Gifts They Could Send

 By Kimberly Grist

When Words Were the Only Gifts They Could Send

Each year on Veterans Day, we honor the brave men and women who have served our nation, safeguarding our freedom.. Their courage and sacrifices have shaped our history. In quieter moments, primarily through their heartfelt words, their true humanity shines. 

Long before the invention of telephones, email, texts, and even the telegraph, writing letters was a vital means of staying connected with loved ones during wartime. Sweethearts sent heartfelt messages that showed courage, promised loyalty, and included prayers for each other's safety. These letters were more than just words; they were lifelines full of hope and devotion, providing comfort and connection during uncertain times.

Letters of Love and Longing

This post will focus on the 1860s, during the Civil War, when sweethearts, newlyweds, and families found solace in heartfelt letters that crossed battle lines and bridged months of separation.

https://wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b6/Soldiers-Dream_CI_AmericanCivilWar.jpg/

Facts from the Front: 

Soldiers poured their hearts into letters that captured a profound sense of homesickness, along with moments of humor, friendship, and unwavering faith. These heartfelt messages remind us of the human spirit's resilience. Here are a few cherished excerpts taken from real letters written between 1861 and 1865:

“I cannot tell you how often I think of you… When I close my eyes, I can almost see you by the hearth, your hands folded in prayer for me. If the Lord wills, I will come home to you before another Christmas passes.”

— From a Union soldier to his fiancée, December 1863

One of the most famous letters of love came from Major Sullivan Ballou to his beloved Sarah in 1861:

“If I do not return, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I loved you, nor that when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.”
— Major Sullivan Ballou, Union Army, July 1861

Postage and Delivery: 

Civil War soldiers were prolific letter writers. Some camps sent out hundreds every day!

• Postage cost 3 cents, but “Soldier’s Letters” could be mailed unpaid and stamped “Due 3 Cents” so their families could pay upon receipt.
• Delivery was surprisingly fast—two to four days from Virginia to New York!
• Many soldiers joked that the mail wagon was “as welcome as a barrel of biscuits.”

Letter to Mrs. Nancy McCoy from her son, Private Isaac McCoy of Co. A, 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment, postmarked Feb. 2, 1863. Image courtesy of Library of Congress

Camp Pets and Mascots:

Animals made life in camp brighter. Regiments adopted dogs, cats, raccoons, pigs, and even a bear cub named Old Ephraim. One company’s rooster faithfully crowed at roll call every morning, bringing a touch of home to the front lines.

Examples from history:

• The 8th Wisconsin Regiment—known as “The Eagle Regiment”—kept a famous mascot named Old Abe, a live bald eagle who inspired countless other regimental pets and mascots.
• The 3rd New Hampshire Infantry kept a rooster mascot that crowed at roll call, as mentioned in letters and regimental notes.
• In “The Citizen-Soldier; or, Memoirs of a Volunteer” (John Beatty, 1879), a Union officer humorously described “a rooster that thinks himself in command.”

 Mice were frequent visitors, prompting one soldier to write, “They pay no mind to rank and will eat a general’s crumbs as quick as mine.”

Music, Games, and Pastimes:

When not marching or writing letters, soldiers passed the time with fiddles, harmonicas, and makeshift banjos. Favorite tunes included “Home Sweet Home,” “The Girl I Left Behind Me,” and “Just Before the Battle, Mother.”

https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2013648200/

Music was more than entertainment—it was a lifeline to home. Yet some songs stirred such deep emotion that officers feared they might weaken morale. One such ballad was so mournful and beloved that it was banned in several camps for making men too homesick to fight.

Public Domain image courtesy of Duke University Libraries, Historic American Sheet Music Collection.

Written in 1857 by Rev. Henry D.L. Webster and composer Joseph Philbrick Webster, the song “Lorena” was said to induce such homesickness among soldiers that commanding officers occasionally forbade it from being sung around campfires. Letters and journals from both Union and Confederate soldiers mention the song’s haunting melody and sentimental power.

A Grateful Nation Remembers

The courage shown by our veterans extended beyond the battlefield; it was echoed in every heartfelt letter they wrote, every silent prayer they whispered, and every moment of longing experienced by their families. Freedom was not only carried by the soldiers’ bravery but also sustained by the deep faith and love of those who believed in their safe return.

Thank you to all veterans, past and present. Your bravery keeps us safe, and your sacrifices show us that love and faith are the most significant victories.