Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Answer Man - Who Ate The Most At The First Thanksgiving Dinner
Date: April 1, 2026
Host: Albert Mitchell (The Answer Man)
Main Theme:
A nostalgic journey through classic radio, where Albert Mitchell, the “Answer Man,” answers listener questions about Thanksgiving traditions and American history, with brief detours into quirky fun facts, cultural history, and societal tidbits.

Main Theme or Purpose

This episode of "Harold’s Old Time Radio" centers on Thanksgiving—its history, quirks, and myths. Inspired by questions from listeners, the Answer Man delivers rapid-fire responses about the first Thanksgiving, its attendees, the origins of turkey, and many more curiosities from American and global history. The episode evokes the classic radio era, combining warmth, humor, and surprising insights.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Who Ate The Most at the First Thanksgiving Dinner?

• [01:14] Question from a Summit, NJ listener: “Who ate the most at the first Thanksgiving dinner?”
  • Answer: “The Indians. The Indians not only had larger appetites, but they outnumbered white men at the first Thanksgiving feast. 90 to 55.” (Albert Mitchell, 01:14)

The Date of Thanksgiving

• [01:30] Not all states celebrated Thanksgiving on the same day in 1940s America.
  • “The people of Florida, Idaho, Nebraska, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia have to wait till next Thursday to celebrate Thanksgiving.” (Albert Mitchell, 01:30)
• The President can suggest a date, but states set holidays.
  • “...the president and Congress don't make legal holidays. That's the state's right.” (Albert Mitchell, 01:44)
• Historical specifics:
  • First national Thanksgiving: November 26, 1789, proclaimed by George Washington. (02:54)
  • First Thanksgiving in Plymouth: December 13, 1621, the second Thursday in December. (04:44)

Thanksgiving vs. Christmas in Pilgrim Times

• [02:16] Christmas vs. Thanksgiving: “Thanksgiving was a far more important festivity. For to many Puritans, the celebration of Christmas was idolatry. Hateful idolatry.” (Albert Mitchell, 02:16)

Turkey: Name Origins and Myths

• [02:36] Why is a turkey called a turkey?
  • “When the bird was first introduced into Europe, the name turkey was used to mean any far distant land. So it was natural for them to call it a turkey cock.” (Albert Mitchell, 02:36)
• [05:00] First to eat turkey:
  • “Benjamin Franklin said the first Europeans of prominence to eat turkey were Charles IX of France, his bride Elizabeth of Austria, and the guests at their wedding feast in 1570.” (Albert Mitchell, 05:00)
• [03:22] Turkey with all white meat:
  • “White turkeys produce all white or at least light meat.” (Albert Mitchell, 03:22)

Thanksgiving Foods: Pies, Pumpkin, and Cranberry

• [03:08] Did Indians make pumpkin pie?
  • “No, they didn't know how to make pie crust. But the Indians did have a pumpkin pudding they made with maple syrup.” (Albert Mitchell, 03:08)
• [04:11] Cranberry sauce origin:
  • “Each had learned how before they met. ...Indians using cranberries in their pemmican and making a cranberry sauce with maple syrup, while the people of Europe... had learned to make cranberry sauce with sugar from the Scandinavians.” (Albert Mitchell, 04:11)

The Thanksgiving Feast: Duration, Food, and Guests

• [03:40] What was the bumper crop?
  • “...the crop was primarily corn, barley and peas. 20 acres of corn and 6 of barley and peas.” (Albert Mitchell, 03:40)
• [03:55] How long did the meal last?
  • “So much food was prepared it took them a week to eat it all up.” (Albert Mitchell, 04:00)

Celebrating Thanksgiving in England and the US

• [05:22] English harvest celebrations:
  • “The English do celebrate a good harvest by appropriate ceremony in rural areas, but...their national thanksgivings {were}...to celebrate a victory in battle or because the king had recovered from an illness.” (Albert Mitchell, 05:22)
• [05:51] How many Thanksgivings in the US?
  • “In the continental United States today there are 42 Thanksgivings. Next Thursday there are eight. That's because two states celebrate twice.” (Albert Mitchell, 05:51)

Fun & Notable Quotables

H.G. Wells’ Six Greatest Men

• “Jesus of Nazareth, Buddha, Asoka, Aristotle, Roger Bacon and Abraham Lincoln.” (Albert Mitchell, 07:04)

Fear of 13

• “Triska decophobia is morbid fear of the number 13.” (Albert Mitchell, 11:33)

Oddball Nature Facts

• How do animals descend trees?:
  • “Squirrels, chipmunks and similar rodents...but apes, monkeys, raccoons, porcupines, opossums...may come down a tree headfirst if they're in a hurry. And coatimundis are not in the least particular which way they come down. ...It's pretty much which end up they are when they start.” (Albert Mitchell, 10:45)

Timestamps for Notable Questions and Answers

• Who ate the most at the first Thanksgiving? – 01:14
• Thanksgiving not on the same day everywhere – 01:30
• Thanksgiving vs. Christmas in Pilgrim times – 02:16
• Why is a turkey called a turkey? – 02:36
• First national Thanksgiving – 02:54
• Did Indians make pumpkin pie? – 03:08
• Is there such a thing as an all-white turkey? – 03:22
• What was the bumper crop at the first Thanksgiving? – 03:40
• How long did the Thanksgiving meal last? – 03:55
• Cranberry sauce origins – 04:11
• Historical Thursday for first Thanksgiving? – 04:44
• First Europeans to eat turkey – 05:00
• Thanksgiving in England – 05:22
• How many Thanksgivings are there this year? – 05:51
• H.G. Wells’ six greatest men – 07:04
• First game law in America – 07:14
• Definition of triskaidekaphobia – 11:33

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• “Thanksgiving was a far more important festivity. For to many Puritans, the celebration of Christmas was idolatry. Hateful idolatry.” (02:16)
• “So much food was prepared it took them a week to eat it all up.” (04:00)
• “The Lutine Bell is now rung at Lloyd's. Whenever there's important news, one ring for bad news, two for good.” (07:33)
• Thanksgiving toast:
  • “Here's to the things for which we're thankful. Here's to the blessings we enjoy today. Here's to the day of real Thanksgiving, the day our boys come home to stay.” (13:35)

Tone and Style

The episode is brisk, informative, and congenial, reminiscent of classic radio’s directness and warmth. Albert Mitchell maintains a friendly, accessible approach—answering each listener’s query with cheerful authority and succinct wit.

Conclusion

While the central question playfully addresses “who ate the most at the first Thanksgiving,” the episode charms with a sweep of quirky historical tidbits both about Thanksgiving and beyond. The Answer Man’s responses offer a window into mid-20th century Americana and its enduring curiosity about the past—perfect for listeners seeking knowledge served with nostalgia and a smile.