Editorial writers at The Day have used the Thanksgiving holiday to be philosophical - "it conveys the American spirit of charity and appreciation" - and practical (the cost of turkey and the status of business). Some commented on new trends, such as the phenomenon of artificial trees and the invention of the car trailer, which one writer saw as a threat to our very way of community life.

We looked back a century to provide a sampling of these holiday-time editorials.

We add to them our own simple thank you to all of you, our readers, who take time to consider our arguments, whether you agree with them or not. And we should all be thankful to live in a nation where views can be freely expressed.

But for today, let's set the politics aside and take a brief peak back in time.

1910

The high cost of living has removed from the dining table of people of modest means many former popular varieties of food. Turkey, for instance, is not seen in the average household as often as it once was. The gobbler in the matter of price seems to have gotten into the class with the lobster.

1926

On the eve of another Thanksgiving Day, this city has a great deal to be thankful for. In the first place the general health of the community is satisfactory. Business is good and there have been no outstanding business failures during the past year.

1936

Months ago the trend toward trailers, throughout the country, was remarked upon and marveled over on this page. Now, however, the new crop of improved homes on wheels have been placed on display. Economists have taken note of the tendency to pick up one's home and depart for life on the road, several of them predicting that half the population of the country will be living on wheels within 20 years.

If this trend continues it would put a vast number of persons in the nomad class. Like the Indian tribes of old, they would roam the nation with no fixed residences.

1965

The arrival of the real trees is interesting because more and more sales of artificial trees are reported. There are synthetic trees that give a very good impression, will last for many years if properly stored and cared for, and cost a considerable sum - up to $100 or even more.

They may not have that unmistakable odor of evergreens but, on the other hand, they won't catch fire.

1977

The United States has many secular holidays ...

None except Thanksgiving and Christmas, however, remind us of our distinctly religious heritage. Thanksgiving in particular is a uniquely American holiday. It conveys the American spirit of charity and appreciation for the gift of life among abundance. Celebrants ask nothing of the Creator. Rather, the day expresses our gratitude for what we have received.

2002

Thanksgiving binds people together. In the face of drought and famine and sickness, this ability to appreciate the smallest gifts and opportunities gives sanity to a world that too often deprives individuals of the most basic needs.

Standing on the cliff's edge, facing the harshest conditions, gives expanded meaning to the spirit of thanksgiving. Giving thanks ennobles the spirit and creates its own rewards. Thanksgiving is both courage and confidence, the guardian against a diverted focus and a friendless folly.

To give thanks is to stand up and say, "I need help. I can't do this alone. I value myself and others. I appreciate everything in my life."

What courage this takes.