Hosting Thanksgiving and tired of turkey? We suggest a Capitol classic and favorite of Speaker Joseph “Uncle Joe” Cannon. Maine versus Idaho: the half-baked potato war of 1937. In the northwestern corner, nicknamed the “Potato State,” was Idaho.

In the northeastern corner, armed with Aroostook spuds, was Maine.

But one unusual battle was fought-with potatoes-at the House Restaurant. Most debates in the House are settled on the House Floor. On Thanksgiving Day 1937, the House was no exception. We’ve all been a part of those Thanksgiving dinners where nobody got along. See other historical highlights featuring holidays. House of RepresentativesĪbout this object This 1964 postcard advertised The Congressional Club Cookbook, a project of the bipartisan group for the wives of Members. However, unlike the other holidays in the bill, the President had the discretion to set the date for Thanksgiving, which caused some consternation. On Thursday, November 26, 1789, President George Washington issued a proclamation for “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer.” Beginning in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln encouraged Americans to recognize the last Thursday of November as “a day of Thanksgiving.” A few years later in 1870, Congress followed suit by passing legislation making Thanksgiving (along with Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Independence Day) a national holiday. On this date, Representative Allen Treadway of Massachusetts made a plea on the House Floor for Congress to set the last Thursday of November as the legal holiday for Thanksgiving. Ready for some turkey and taters? Thanksgiving Day has been around as long as the House of Representatives, and it’s seen some congressional attention since it was first declared more than 200 years ago. –Representative Allen Treadway of Massachusetts, on the House Floor (November 28, 1940) adopt a joint resolution calling upon the President to proclaim the last Thursday of November each year as a day of thanksgiving.” It seems to me that it would be well of the Congress. And how much more significance the day would have if it were celebrated on a traditional date. How much more appropriate would it be if the people throughout our land might celebrate Thanksgiving on the same day, as of yore. “Disrespect for custom and tradition has been given too much encouragement in recent years. Police Officer Norman Richardson (center) looks on. House of RepresentativesĪbout this object Former Congressman Dewey Short (left) enjoys a roast goose alongside Market Inn owner John Mandis (right) as D.C.

Holiday november 11 2015