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November 26, 1981 -Turkey: An American TraditionSECOND SECTION Turkey: An American Tradition Turkey for Thanksgiving is truly an American tradition because the bird itself is unique to North America. Our founding fathers found it all along the eastern seaboard wherever the hardwood forests grew. It ranked so high in the esteem of many that Benjamin Franklin campaign- ed for it to become a symbol of this great country instead of the eagle. Many years ago I saw my first wild turkey on mystical Gardiners Island. Since then I've seen them many times. Often when we go over to do an osprey count or our Christmas bird count we see these large birds scurrying ahead of us through the underbrush. Like pheasant, they'd rather run than fly, but when necessary they fly very well on broad short wings. On Shelter Island I've seen them at Mashomack. Once when Mike Laspia was taking us around in a jeep we came across a big Tom in the roadway strutting his "stuff" in front of some coy females off to the side. When we appeared, he immed- iately challenged us with outfluffed feath- ers and huge fanned tail. It was a typical gobbler picture which, of course, I never got. Another place you can find wild turkeys here on Long Island is at Connetquot Park. How long these magnificent birds can hold on at Mashomack and Connetquot is anyone's guess. The problem is predators, and this becomes serious whenever a preserve like the two mentioned are connected to large land masses. Dogs, cats, raccoons and foxes all take their toll. New York and Pennsylvania have re- established the turkey in some of their more remote areas and from all reports they are doing very well. Memories of Thanksgiving The earliest memory I have of our family Thanksgiving is one down at my Dad's place when I was still in high school. The house was small with a living room in the center, two small bedrooms off to one side, one bedroom on the opposite side and a small kitchen and bathroom. I think as an afterthought a large glassed -in porch was added on the south side. The four - paned windows lifted up and hooked to the ceiling when you wanted ventilation. It was great in the summer, but a drafty place in winter. Nevertheless this was where we ate. There just wasn't any other place. My memories are of a huge table with all the (hr Nrulli-i9ruirul American Tradition hc�,�T�3 @M Mn,QgTq goodies that go into a Thanksgiving dinner spread out and our family and relatives seated around. It had snowed that Thanksgiving and everything was dazzling white outside. Our only heat was the big pot- bellied stove that dominated the living room and with the combined heat of the oven and four - burner stove cooking the Thanksgiv- ing dinner it just about roasted us out. All the windows would steam up on the porch; in those days there were no thermal panes. As a matter of fact, we still don't have any. Cider was always served in tall cut glass goblets brought out from the old china closet for such special occasions. We got our cider from Billards up on the Main Road, where a shopping center now spreads its acre or more of black top. That was some mill and visiting it was a highlight in the fall for those who rode J. Henry Wolfe's school bus. It ran only on the Main Road and everyone got off at their particular stop and walked home. My stop was the one just after the mill, but when the old burlaps, used for straining, hung outside it meant the press was working so we'd all get off there. We'd rush over to the old red barn where there was a Mason jar just inside on the shelf and put it under the spigot as the juice from the apples ran off. How sweet it was! But as all who have tasted fresh apple juice know, we later paid for our overindulgence. Turkey and All the Fixins Of course, there was always a turkey, even through hard times, bulging with stuffing and done to a golden brown, along with mashed potatoes and turnips, cream- ed onions, Brussel sprouts, cranberry sauce, and giblet gravy. Later mince pie and pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream would be served along with a big bowl of fruits and nuts -- a feast fit for a king. Looking back I think it was planned that way for two reasons. One to celebrate the occasion and the other for the leftovers COME SEE OUR LARGE SELECTION OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GIFTS FOR GIVING AND USEFUL CHRISTMAS A I A "I' 477 -0059 132 MAIN ST., GREENPORT 283 -3156 28 MAIN ST., SOUTHAMPTON IN STOCK FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY 1982 Mazda GL C's As low as $5295 p.o.e. 35 I M G 46 E MPG November 26, 1981 AMERICAN WILD TURKEY - -Once a candidate for our National emblem, this handsome bird is being re- introduced into many still wild areas. If you're lucky, you can see them in the wild at Connetquot Park, Quogue Wildlife Sanctuary or on Shelter Island at the Nature Conservancy Mashomack Preserve. Photo by Paul Stoutenburgh that would last the rest of the week. The other occasion I remember was when I was in the service and came home for Thanksgiving. Again family and rela- tives made the occasion and when I look back on those old photographs I always get a warm feeling inside. How young we were. How odd my uniform looked. How proud we all were and how thankful. Most in those photographs have passed on, including my Mom and Dad, and are only memories now, but their voices and warmth will always be remembered. Today's Thanksgiving will be spent with family and relatives gathered about a turkey dinner that only my wife can do justice to. A new dimension has been added. Another generation has been start- ed and we again have something special to be thankful for. Each of us in our own special way will bow our heads and reaffirm our thanks on this very special Thanksgiving day. PAUL STOUTENBURGH MICROWAVE Demonstrations and Sale at 1179 Route 58 Riverhead 727 -1230 This Saturday, Nov. 28th 12 -4 Free Coffee & Foot! ENJOY THE PANORAMIC VIEW 477 -0666' A �l `.R[ft�rnrt "Directly on Long Island Sound Greenport, New York • Luncheon 12 - 3 Dinner 3 - 9 COMPLETE SUNDAY DINNER Appetizer or Soup Salad �'� Choice of Entree Potato, Vegetable Coffee & Dessert Dancing In The Gold Room SAT. NOV. 28th LarrY Lang Trio M 40 DON LEE i at the Piano Bar Friday & Sa turda y I We honor All Credit Cards • PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY EARLY! Gift Certificates Make an Excellent Christmas Gift!