One hundred and twenty years ago, in 1904, Elisha W. Keyes—the son of Captain Joseph Keyes, the "Founding Father" of Lake Mills—shared his memories of his first Thanksgiving celebration in the Wisconsin Territory in 1838. He celebrated with his family: Father Joseph, Mother Olive, and older brother Abel "Abe," sister Kate, and younger brother Oliver.
Thanksgiving is a time-honored tradition in the United States, a day filled with feasting, family, and gratitude. But how has this celebration transformed over the years? Elisha W. Keyes, a resident of Wisconsin, provides a vivid account of this evolution from his first Thanksgiving in 1838 to his 76th in 1904. His reflections offer a window into the remarkable changes that have shaped this beloved holiday.
Childhood Memories in the Wisconsin Frontier
In 1837, the Keyes family settled in Lake Mills, Wisconsin. Their first year was marked by the hardships of pioneer life. Living in a shanty without a proper floor or roof, other than prairie hay, the idea of a traditional Thanksgiving was out of reach. By 1838, they aspired to mark the occasion despite scarce resources.
Keyes recalls how his mother inventoried their meager supplies: no butter, a bit of flour, some cornmeal, and a small rib of pork floating in brine. Wild turkeys were elusive, and domesticated ones were nonexistent in the territory. Determined to make the best of it, his mother stated, “We will go ahead, we will have a Thanksgiving dinner, the best we can get”. She sent his older brother Abe to hunt for game, hoping to secure something special for their Thanksgiving meal.
Despite unfavorable weather, Abe returned near nine o’clock in the evening with three prairie chickens. The family's joy was immeasurable. They shared a simple meal of stewed prairie chickens, bread, and a pie, made from a few dried apples that his mother had been saving—no vegetables or other embellishments. Yet, they were profoundly thankful for their health, their progress in settling the new land, and the prospects they envisioned for the future.
The Contrast of 1904 Celebrations
Fast forward to 1904, and the landscape of Thanksgiving had dramatically changed—not just for the Keyes family but for the entire community of Madison, where they now resided. Elisha W. Keyes notes that in this year, "probably not a home of the number which now makes up the enterprising city of Madison, will be without a Thanksgiving dinner, filling out all the requirements of the time-honored custom."
The simplicity of his first Thanksgiving stood in stark contrast to the abundance now common in 1904 households. Tables were "loaded down" with various dishes, and the holiday had become synonymous with feasting and plenty. The hardships of frontier life had given way to the comforts of established communities, where even the "humblest" families could enjoy a bountiful meal.
Reflecting on Remarkable Differences
Keyes' reflections highlight several remarkable differences between the Thanksgivings of his youth and those of his later years:
Scarcity vs. Abundance: The limited resources of the early settlers made every morsel precious. By 1904, food scarcity was less of a concern, and lavish meals had become the norm.
Isolation vs. Community: In 1838, neighbors were few and far between. The Keyes family celebrated mostly in isolation. Decades later, Thanksgiving had become a communal event, with neighbors and extended families sharing in the festivities.
Simplicity vs. Tradition: The early Thanksgiving was a modest affair, focused on gratitude for basic necessities. Over time, traditions evolved to include specific dishes, decorations, and rituals that were widely adopted.
Hardship vs. Comfort: The physical challenges of pioneer life underscored their gratitude for survival and progress. By 1904, technological advancements and societal growth had alleviated many of these hardships, shifting the focus of gratitude.
The Enduring Spirit of Thankfulness
Despite the differences, one constant remained: the spirit of thankfulness. Whether over a simple meal in a log cabin or a lavish feast in a city home, the essence of Thanksgiving endured. Keyes emphasizes that even with the simplest of meals, his family felt no cause for complaint. Their hearts were filled with gratitude for the blessings they had.
Elisha W. Keyes' journey from a humble frontier boy to a resident of a thriving city encapsulates the transformation of Thanksgiving in America. His memories serve as a poignant reminder of the holiday's roots in gratitude and the ways in which our celebrations evolve over time. As we gather around our own tables, may we reflect on the past and appreciate the progress that shapes our present-day traditions.
Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving, we are grateful for each of you.
With Thanksgiving approaching, we are grateful for the rich local history that has shaped our community. For 83 years, the Lake Mills Aztalan Historical Society has shared stories of the past, unique artifacts, and our historical buildings at the Museum Site. We appreciate the continued support of patrons, fellow historians, history lovers, and our community partners over the years.
The Lake Mills Aztalan Historical Society, Board of Directors
Robin Untz, President and Museum Site Curator
Warren Krueger, Secretary
Cheryl Johnson, Treasurer
Jeremy Stewart, Officer
John Tyler, Officer
Sue Trumpf, Officer
Mark Pickhard, Officer
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Note: This blog post is based on Elisha W. Keyes' reflections from November 1904. To read his reflections in his own words and in its entirety, contact us.
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