"His Repentance," The Free Press (Poplarville), November 21, 1907, page 3. MDAH microfilm #30982.
The poem above describes a boy who ate too much at Thanksgiving dinner. The humorous illustration depicts the Thanksgiving turkey, chicken, and other animals marching in front of his sick bed with a sign that says “No More Thanksgiving Dinners.”
The Aberdeen Weekly, November 28, 1919. MDAH microfilm #17849.
This ad gives the reader an option on their turkeys.
Newspapers from the early 1900s were often filled with holiday advertising, stories, poems, and artwork. Enjoy this week’s sampling of amusing and frequently poignant vignettes from Thanksgivings past.
The Daily Democrat (Natchez), November 20, 1910, section 2, page 1. MDAH microfilm #21360.
The Free Press (Poplarville), November 21, 1907, page 2. MDAH microfilm #30982.
Mobile and Ohio Railroad Advertisement, Daily Clarion Ledger, October 22, 1911, page 31. MDAH microfilm roll 20495.
Many newspaper advertisers hoped to lure fair visitors to their businesses. These advertisements are representative of many that appeared in the papers of 1911.
Star Laundry Ad, Daily Clarion Ledger, October 22, 1911, page 36. MDAH microfilm 20495.
"Fair Attractions," Daily Clarion Ledger, October 22, 1911, page 13. MDAH microfilm roll 20495.
The fair received extensive coverage in area newspapers. The Clarion Ledger reported:
Never in the history of this association or of any other for that matter, has such strenuous effort been put forth to make of this exhibition a complete, high class and thoroughly entertaining and educational one. The State of Mississippi has been raked and scraped from one end to the other to find exhibits of worth and to prevail upon the people to take an interest in one of the most important enterprises the state has ever known.
Oh, yes, and then there is that ever present, ever necessary midway of amusements. What would a Fair be without them? The management this season scoured the country in selecting the most entertaining, the newest and cleanest attractions that could be secured. Nothing has been overlooked that would add gayety [sic] and instruction for Fair visitors. In fact, nothing has been left undone to make the Exposition as a whole, something that will cause the people to go away feeling that they have witnessed the greatest show they have ever visited.
Source: “Big State Fair Opens Today,” Daily Clarion Ledger, October 24, 1911, page 5. MDAH microfilm roll 20495.
"The Big Fair," Clarion Ledger, October 22, 1911, page 48. MDAH microfilm roll 20495.
