1890s Thanksgivings Sported Turkey Shoots and Football

When Thanksgiving first became a holiday, Prescott was newly born. The first celebrations were muted in both Prescott and the Southwest, however, due to the ongoing Indian Conflicts. Stories of the Pilgrims and the friendly Indians who helped them survive seemed farther away than Plymouth Rock itself. In the 1890s, however, most of the local conflict had been put to rest. Prescott started to celebrate Thanksgiving “quietly,” the paper observed, but by the middle of the decade the town began to create some of its own Thanksgiving traditions. 

Prior to the 1890s several churches in Prescott would hold morning services. Starting in 1868 the evenings would feature gala balls. These annual traditions continued through the 1890s and by the middle of the decade, two sporting events were added to the list: turkey shoots and football games.

1895: Prescott's First Football Game Hosted Phoenix *UPDATED*

Early "foot ball" was half sport and half street riot.

Come one! Come all! "To witness the greatest and latest sport to take place in Prescott for the first time..." (*1)

The exciting game of Foot Ball!

"The boys are practicing regularly for the game. In the day time, they practice in the plaza, while at night, they go through signals and receive instructions in the Scopel Block, so all lovers of good sport may expect an exciting game Sunday," (December 8th, 1895.) (*2)

"A small charge of fifty cents will be collected to help defray the expenses of the visiting team. It is hoped that a large crowd will be present." (*1)

There was an additional motivation: Prescott wanted "to win at least one sport from Phoenix before the year closes." (*3)

Everyone was excited for the big game.