Every November, families across America gather to share a meal, give thanks, and celebrate togetherness. While the traditions of Thanksgiving — turkey dinners, parades, and football — are now an inseparable part of our culture, the real story behind the holiday runs much deeper.
At Chuck Anderson Ford, we believe Thanksgiving is more than a day on the calendar. It’s a moment to appreciate community, history, and the values that bring people together — the same values that guide us every day here in Excelsior Springs, Missouri.
1910 W Jesse James Road, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
816-648-6419
www.chuckandersonford.com
Built on Integrity. Backed by Family.
The First Thanksgiving: A Moment of Peace and Partnership
The true story of Thanksgiving begins in 1620, when a group of English settlers — later known as the Pilgrims — crossed the Atlantic aboard the Mayflower and landed in what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts.
The journey was perilous, and the settlers arrived late in the year, unprepared for the harsh New England winter. Nearly half of them did not survive the first few months.
Their survival the following year was due in large part to the Wampanoag people, a Native American tribe led by Chief Massasoit. The Wampanoag taught the Pilgrims how to plant corn, fish local waters, and adapt to the land.
In autumn of 1621, after their first successful harvest, the Pilgrims invited the Wampanoag to join them in a three-day feast — a gesture of gratitude and unity that would later inspire the modern Thanksgiving holiday.
What Was Actually on the Menu
Forget cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie — the first Thanksgiving meal looked very different from what we know today. Historical accounts suggest the feast likely included:
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Wild fowl (such as duck, goose, or turkey)
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Deer brought by the Wampanoag
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Fish and shellfish, including cod, bass, and clams
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Corn, beans, and squash, known as “The Three Sisters”
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Fruits and nuts gathered from the local forests
There were no ovens, pies, or sweet desserts — just a hearty meal shared between two communities, celebrating cooperation and survival.
Gratitude, Resilience, and Understanding
The first Thanksgiving wasn’t just about food — it was about gratitude in hardship. Both the Pilgrims and Wampanoag faced challenges, loss, and uncertainty, yet they came together to celebrate shared success and survival.
However, history reminds us that this peace was fleeting. In the years that followed, relations between colonists and Native Americans became strained and, eventually, tragic. Recognizing the full truth of Thanksgiving means honoring both the hope of that first feast and the complex history that followed.
Today, Thanksgiving continues to represent a chance to pause, reflect, and give thanks — not just for abundance, but for resilience, learning, and the power of community.
How Thanksgiving Became a National Holiday
The idea of a national Thanksgiving celebration didn’t become official until more than two centuries later.
During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln sought to unite a divided nation and, in 1863, proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday, to be celebrated on the final Thursday of November.
Lincoln’s proclamation focused on gratitude, family, and healing — themes that still define the holiday today.
In 1941, Congress and President Franklin D. Roosevelt formally set the date as the fourth Thursday in November, where it remains today.
The Evolution of Thanksgiving Traditions
Over time, Thanksgiving has evolved from a colonial harvest feast into a cherished American tradition.
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Parades and pageantry: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade began in 1924 and became a national favorite.
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Football: The first Thanksgiving football game was played in 1876 — a tradition still going strong.
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Turkey as the centerpiece: While the early feast had various meats, turkey became popular in the 19th century due to its size and availability.
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Giving back: Modern Thanksgiving also emphasizes community service and helping those in need — a reflection of the generosity first shared in 1621.
Thanksgiving in Excelsior Springs: Community and Connection
Here in Excelsior Springs, Thanksgiving is more than a holiday — it’s a reminder of what makes our community special. From family dinners and local food drives to fall events and friendly gatherings, the season brings out the best in people.
At Chuck Anderson Ford, we’re proud to serve a community that values family, hard work, and gratitude — the same values that have defined our dealership for decades.
Whether we’re helping someone find their dream Ford, offering Second-Chance Financing, or providing free pickup and delivery service, our goal is the same: to make life easier and build relationships rooted in trust.
A Thanksgiving Message from Chuck Anderson Ford
As we celebrate this Thanksgiving, we want to extend heartfelt thanks to our customers, employees, and neighbors across Excelsior Springs, Liberty, Kearney, Lawson, and Kansas City, Missouri.
You are the reason we’ve been able to serve this community for generations.
We’re grateful for your loyalty, your trust, and the chance to continue helping you find, service, and enjoy your vehicles year after year.
From our family to yours — Happy Thanksgiving!
Chuck Anderson Ford
1910 W Jesse James Road, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
816-648-6419
www.chuckandersonford.com
Built on Integrity. Backed by Family.