The Library Remembers When ...

From the Ipswich Tribune

November 13, 1930 edition

People Asked to

Observe Thanksgiving

In his annual Thanksgiving day proclamation President Hoover asked the people of the United States to observe Thanksgiving day by extending aid to those who are in need.

His proclamation follows:

“By the president of the United States, a proclamation.

Notwithstanding that our forefathers endured the hardship and privations of a primitive life, surrounded by dangers and solaced only with meager comforts, they nevertheless bequeathed to us a custom of devoting one day of every year to universal thanksgiving to Almighty God for the blessings of life itself and the means to sustain it, for the sanctuary of home and the joys that pervade it, and for the mercies of his protection from accident, sickness or death.

“Our country has many causes for thanksgiving. We have been blest with distinctive evidence of divine favor. As a nation we have suffered far less than other peoples from the present world difficulties. We have been free from civil and industrial discord. The outlook for peace between nations has been strengthened. In a large view we have made progress upon the enduring structure of our institutions. The arts and sciences that enrich our lives and enlarge our control of nature have made notable advances. Education has been further extended. We have made gains in the prevention of disease and in protection of childhood.

“Now, therefore, I Herbert Hoover, president of the United States of America, do hereby designated Thursday November 27, 1930, as a national day of Thanksgiving, and do enjoin the people of the United States so to observe it, calling upon them to remember that many of our people are in need and suffering from causes beyond their control, and suggesting that a proper celebration of the day should include that we make sure that every person in the community, young and old, shall have cause to give thanks for our institutions and for the neighborly sentiments of our people.

“In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the seal of the United States.

“Done at the City of Washington, this sixth day of November, in the year of Our Lord 1930, and of the independence of the United States of America, the 155th.

(Signed)

Herbert Hoover.”