iStock/JackVandenHeuvel
Today, you might think that the flocks of turkeys roaming your neighborhood or the frozen beauties in the local market harken back to the first Lake Minnetonka Thanksgiving. Think again.
That first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1853—five years before Minnesota became a state. Proclaimed by Minnesota Territorial Gov. Willis A. Gorman, it was held on December 22 and hosted by the Rev. Charles and Semantha Galpin in their newly built home in Excelsior. The gathering featured 18 adults and 12 children from Excelsior and Chanhassen townships, eating in shifts.
The men were responsible for bringing game but only managed to bag one raccoon, which lasted through the first seating. Semantha saved the day with baked beans, biscuits, butter, cranberry sauce, potatoes and turnips … and more beans. Just a year later, the gathering grew to 100 people. The feast included beef, chicken, fish, grouse, pheasant, pork and venison, ending with pumpkin pies. The evening progressed with music, oration and cakes and puddings.
Lisa Stevens is a board member of the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society, which tells the story of Lake Minnetonka by collecting, preserving and sharing its history. Discover more at lakeminnetonkahistory.org.
