Growing Up in Williamsport, Ohio

Thanksgiving

My Dad’s birthday was November 24. It often fell on Thanksgiving and if not, sometime thereabout. Most people are unhappy to have their birthday on a holiday. My Dad was happy to have his birthday celebration on Thanksgiving because it meant family and good food, both of which he was happy to have a lot of. We always had turkey and all of the fixings that went with it. My Dad always helped my mother get the turkey in and out of the oven and carved it.

Since it was also hunting season, he either went out after his big meal to hunt but more often went hunting the next day. Sometimes it was alone or with family members (my sister Kathleen’s husband Lon) or even with Junior Dunlap and friends. John Dunlap, Jr had friends in New York who came to Ohio to hunt with him. My Dad and Junior were friends so my Dad was usually invited. The only gun my Dad owned was a shotgun. It had a terrible kick that left bruise marks on the shooter’s shoulder. I believe it had belonged to his father, Amos Francis.

I thought everyone might like to see another photo of “the man for all seasons” after one of his hunting adventures. And yes, my mother cleaned whatever he brought home and we ate it. Pheasant has a wild taste but it is good! However, today, I don’t eat squirrels, rabbits, ground hogs or o’possums. Not that I haven’t eaten them. : )

Oh, Happy Thanksgiving!

©Marilyn Francis Ferguson 2020
Photography/graphics by Michele Ferguson Schuck