In keeping with this month’s Thanksgiving theme, the StoneGate Apartments Blog has rounded up some stories to listen to and books to read. Though not around at the time of the first Thanksgiving, Williamsville, NY certainly has an interesting history, perhaps a legacy from those hardy Jamestown settlers who brought us turkey and pumpkin pie among other things.
Stories to Listen To
This story touches on the importance of being thankful. The central character, Guy, learns an important lesson about the true meaning of this holiday.
While this story does not capture entirely what happened years ago, it does serve as a good message. We often enjoy a holiday without actually thinking of where the holiday came from or why we celebrate it. This story is a good reminder of that.
Books to Read
1607: A New Look at Jamestown by Karen E. Lange, Ira Block (Photographer)
“1607: A New Look at Jamestown is the last word on America's first colony. With expert appraisal of new archaeological evidence, this National Geographic title stands alone for timely authority and visual appeal.
“Karen Lange's gripping narrative incorporates analysis of the latest discoveries from the Jamestown site. The text has been researched with the help of National Geographic grantee Dr. William Kelso. The pages come alive with Ira Block's stunning photography, detailing newly discovered artifacts, and highlighting authentic Jamestown reenactments. Compelling new theories, a National Geographic period map, and stunning reenactment photography take us back to Jamestown in 1607, where the course of our country's history changed forever.”
Thanksgiving: The True Story by Penny Colman
“Every year on the fourth Thursday of November, Americans celebrate with a Thanksgiving meal. But what is the origin of this tradition? Did it really begin when the Pilgrims and Native Americans got together in 1621 in Plymouth, Massachusetts?
“In her signature narrative nonfiction style, Penny Colman paints a fascinating picture of this cherished American holiday. She examines numerous Thanksgiving claims which were antecedents to the national holiday we celebrate today, raises the turkey question—does everyone eat turkey on Thanksgiving?—and shows Sarah Josepha Hale's instrumental role in establishing the holiday. Get ready to delve into the rich past of Thanksgiving in an enlightening history that uncovers the true story.”
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
“Orphaned Kit Tyler knows, as she gazes for the first time at the cold, bleak shores of Connecticut Colony, that her new home will never be like the shimmering Caribbean island she left behind. In her relatives' stern Puritan community, she feels like a tropical bird that has flown to the wrong part of the world, a bird that is now caged and lonely. The only place where Kit feels completely free is in the meadows, where she enjoys the company of the old Quaker woman known as the Witch of Blackbird Pond, and on occasion, her young sailor friend Nat. But when Kit's friendship with the ‘witch’ is discovered, Kit is faced with suspicion, fear, and anger. She herself is accused of witchcraft!”
We hope Thanksgiving will be a wonderful holiday for everyone here at StoneGate Apartment Homes! Thanks for reading today’s post!