From the November 24, 1939 edition of the Vineyard Gazette: “This year, as citizens of the great Western Republic, we have especial reason for thankfulness, that peace abounds within our borders and that record harvests have been garnered throughout the land.”

So said the Gazette twenty-five years ago, at the Thanksgiving season of the year. The war was then in progress which was to become the first World War, devastating in its blight upon the peoples of the earth. Especial reason for thankfulness! Indeed this nation did have that, and has again this year, with war once more let loose in Europe and Asia.

Twenty-five years ago there was war. Seventy-five years ago there was the Civil War in our own country. We are accustomed to looking back in terms of quarter centuries, and the reader who follows the weekly retrospects of twenty-five, fifty and seventy-five years ago on the Vineyard will notice that only at the second interval was there peace. We think of the world as having been pretty well civilized during the past century or so, and it is painful to reflect upon how much war there has been, and how little opportunity peace has had for fruitfulness.

This year we have more reason than ever before for thankfulness, and may the spirit of Thanksgiving imply not only our realization and appreciation of the blessings we now possess, but a determination to seek them in the months and years ahead.

Because President Roosevelt saw fit to change the date of Thanksgiving Day, and because Governor Saltonstall in his proclamation adhered to the original date, Massachusetts postal clerks are generally rejoicing in additional time off in which to eat turkey. The postoffice, being a federal institution, cannot well disregard instructions from Washington. But it is explained that a general understanding exists to the effect that postmasters are expected to use reason in the interpretation of regulations and to adjust their office schedules so far as is possible, with a view to the business demands of their localities.

This, in Vineyard Haven and Oak Bluffs, the post offices were closed yesterday forenoon. But they opened at noon, before the first mainland mail arrived, and remained open until 6:30, the regular closing time. In Edgartown the postoffice remained open in the morning and reopened in late afternoon. On Thursday next, the Massachusetts date for Thanksgiving, these offices will be closed all day.

The actual inconvenience to the Vineyard through the closing of postoffices yesterday amounted to virtually nothing, due to the time of year and the existing mail schedules, and the postal employees enjoyed a half holiday which was not begrudged them. Therefore, it may be taken for granted that everyone is satisfied, except perhaps, Mr. Roosevelt, who probably doesn’t care much about it either.

Who remembers the “1st Ancient and Honorable Artillery of Tisbury”?

Answering the question, only the elders of the community could hope to go back that far, for the Gazette which records their activities is the issue of Nov. 18, 1864. The ancients and honorables participated in the “immense procession” in honor of the election of Lincoln and Johnson as president and vice president. They met at their armory on Summer Hill and “brought forth to the light of day a splendid piece of brass artillery, to which was attached a span of beautiful horses, decorated with tiny American flags. Upon the common was borne a magnificent white silken banner, adorned with golden stars and shining trimmings, and bearing the word, ‘Tisbury. Freedom Forever. Lincoln and Johnson.”

At 3 o’clock at a given signal from the Armory the bells “of the numerous churches and public buildings of the city sounded forth their merry peals, and at the same moment the procession took its line of march from the armory down Summer street in the following oder: The advance, marshal and leader, Samuel Andrews Esq., accompanied by Tobey and Lambert as aides, followed by the band of the 1st Artillery, playing Hail Columbia, led by Mr. Thomas S. Chadwick. Next came the 1st Ancient and Honorable Artillery under command of Capt. James L. Luce, with the following named veterans selected from the company gunners: Edward L. Harding, William R. Peakes, J. A. Branscomb, V. Clifford (formerly of the celebrated Clifford Guards) and W. A. P. Totten, a gentleman known as having performed service in connection with the Army of the Potomac.”

Then came a company of the “Tisbury Invincible Sharpshooters” under command of Lieutenant Smith, “the rear being brought up by an immense number of highly esteemed citizens.” The procession “with colors flying, drums beating, and amid the ringing of bells and the sweet strains of martial music floating in rich melody in the silent air” marched through various streets and ultimately to the wharf.

Compiled by Hilary Wallcox

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