Thanksgiving has always been a special time in the Post family, though I don't remember too much about the early years, the 1930's. We always went next door to Grandma and Granddad's where most of the rest of the Post family were also gathered. Whether it was turkey, chicken, goose or duck, I don't really remember but I do know it was all homemade. Pies, rolls, breads, freshly churned butter, maybe even native cranberries from the bogs around Dunken Pond1 up in Paradise2. Whatever it was, it was good, Grandma, both grandmothers for that matter, were excellent cooks.
As we walked across to Grandma's we kids always sang, "Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house we go," even though it was only a couple hundred feet next door.
In later years, Grandma and Granddad stopped having the big celebrations, as they were getting older and it was too much for them. Also, my cousins were older and often had other plans.
Our family almost always had the traditional dinner - usually a goose and sometimes a duck, too. Grandma and Granddad Buchanan would join us and Aunt Maybelle and Uncle Bill Dongon were usually guests for dinner. Some years after the war and before their move to California, Uncle Buck (Mom's brother) and Aunt Vi, would also come for dinner.
For a few years, we alternated with Uncle Ted and Aunt Sug. We would go to Riverdale one year and sometimes they would come up to Newfoundland. We even went to one of Aunt Sug's sister's a few years.
Needless to say, there was always a lot of family around for Thanksgiving dinner. Even today, those family and friends back in Vermont get together, a dozen or more of them, for the traditional holiday meal.
Note: A lot has changed since Dad wrote this back in November of 2001. The limb of our family tree has lost many of its leaves, where others have new growth. I miss the family and friends who are no longer here to celebrate with us. I miss the gathering.
Despite what or who may be missing, I am extremely grateful for two things: the memories of what has been and the memories yet to be made.
However you are spending your Thanksgiving holiday this year, may you be blessed.
~~~
Essay written by Leslie L. Post, edited by Wendy [Post] English
1Dad's handwriting wasn't clear. If you know the correct name of the pond he might have been referencing, please let me know!
2I wasn't able to locate a town called Paradise in NJ, NY, or PA. If anyone knows what town or location Dad might have been referring to, please let me know!
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