For Thanksgiving, we are revisiting three classic episodes of HUB History. First, learn how the carol âOver the River and Through the Woodâ started out as a Thanksgiving song, and why the songwriterâs extreme beliefs almost cost her livelihood. Then, hear how 19th century Boston got the vast flocks of turkeys needed for a traditional Thanksgiving to market, and then to the dining room table. And finally, prepare to be surprised when you hear that college students, even Harvard students and even John Adamsâ kids, have been known to drink and cause trouble, such as the 1787 Thanksgiving day riot.
Tag: thanksgiving
Over the River and Through the Wood (episode 160)
We know the song âOver the River and Through the Woodâ as a Christmas carol, but it was originally titled âThe New England Boyâs Song about Thanksgiving Day.â Despite the songâs quaint themes of traditional New England holiday cheer, the woman who wrote it was anything but traditional. Medford native Lydia Maria Child had been a pioneering childrenâs author, but her increasingly radical positions on abolitionism, womenâs rights, and freethinking jeopardized her earning power and helped galvanize a movement. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
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