In 1863 Thanksgiving became our third national holiday alongside Washington’s birthday and Independence Day.

NPR’s audio report on recreating a Thanksgiving dinner in the style of 1863.

Boil a tender, nice piece of beef — any piece that is clear from sinews and gristle; boil it till it is perfectly tender. When it is cold, chop it very fine….

Be thankful that Thanksgiving dinner is easier to cook now than in the 19th century, when the Bidwell-Wood House was built.

Ham, cole slaw, peach pickles, oysters, chicken pie, tomato catsup, and stewed prunes were the norm.

The Food Timeline: Thanksgiving