November 1947
- charliebunton
- Jun 27
- 3 min read
It’s that time of year again—the Thanksgiving holiday has arrived, bringing with it the crisp air of late autumn, the vibrant colors of falling leaves, and the cherished traditions that bind families together. With deer season in full swing, the men of the family—grandfathers, fathers, and sons—spend their days immersed in the tranquility of the great northern woods, surrounded by towering pines and the promise of adventure. They rise early, donning their camouflage gear and packing their gear, ready to embrace the thrill of the hunt. The sound of rustling leaves and distant gunshots punctuates the serene landscape, as they share stories of past hunts and bond over their shared experiences in nature.
Meanwhile, back at home, the women of the family—grandmothers, mothers, and daughters—remain busy in the kitchen, working diligently to ensure that the Thanksgiving feast is a resounding success. The aroma of roasting turkey fills the air, mingling with the scent of freshly baked pies and the savory spices of stuffing. As they take turns stirring the creamy mashed potatoes, their laughter and chatter create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Amidst the culinary preparations, they take a moment to browse through the new 1947 Directory, an invaluable resource filled with advertisements, photographs, and local information that reflects the vibrant life of the community. They comment on the many new businesses that have sprung up in town since the end of the war, each representing a fresh opportunity and a testament to the community's resilience and growth. The Calcite plant, a cornerstone of the local economy, has never been busier, attracting new families who move in every week, eager to be part of this thriving community. The sense of excitement is palpable as the women discuss the newcomers and the potential friendships that await.
As morning gracefully transitions into afternoon, the sounds of the Michigan Wolverine football game play on the radio in the family room, creating a lively backdrop to the Thanksgiving festivities. The Wolverines, having concluded their perfect 10-0 season, celebrate their triumphant 21-0 victory at home against their long-standing rival, Ohio State. This legendary team boasts five players who would later be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, including the remarkable left halfback Bob Chappuis, who not only dazzled on the field but also finished second in the 1947 Heisman Trophy voting. Alongside him, right halfback Bump Elliott, who earned the Big Ten MVP title, quarterback Pete Elliott, defensive end Len Ford, and tackle Al Wistert all contributed to the team's storied success, making this season one for the history books.
After the delicious home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner, where plates overflow with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie, families begin to settle in for the evening. Fathers, content and relaxed, are seen sinking into their recliners, engrossed in the new posthumous publication of General George S. Patton's memoirs, "War As I Knew It." The women likely finish cleaning up the kitchen, their hands busy with the last remnants of the feast, while running bathwater for the little ones, ensuring that everyone is comfortable and cared for after a long day.
This tranquil moment provides the perfect opportunity for sisters to sneak away, carefully lifting the receiver of their Tri-County Telephone wall-mounted phone. The polished Bakelite feels cool against her skin as she holds it to her ear, while her best friend hovers close by, eyes wide with anticipation. They are well aware of the rules of the party line, the shared circuit that connects multiple households, but tonight, those rules will be bent. Their ears strain to catch the tell-tale click that indicates their neighbors are off the line, eagerly awaiting the moment they can dial into the hushed, thrilling world of whispered secrets and forbidden chatter. The excitement of sharing stories and giggles carries them into the night, a cherished tradition that adds to the warmth of the holiday.
As Thanksgiving draws to a close, there is much to be thankful for this year in this little hamlet we call home. The bonds of family, the warmth of community, and the spirit of gratitude fill the hearts of all who gather, reminding them of the blessings that come from both the past and the promise of the future.
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