Thanksgiving Day

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THANKSGIVING DAY.

Thanksgiving Day yesterday was a season of universal enjoyment. The weather was delightful, and a large part of the public, therefore, spent part, at least, of the day in the open air. Several of the churches held service, which however was not very largely attended. The courts and public offices were closed, and so were all the stores except those for the sale of liquors, segars, and candy—the demand for these articles being a never ceasing one.

There were a number of out door amusements. The leading one was the excursion of the Bernard Haver Guards,¹ commanded by Reuben Johnson,² and numbering sixty fine, noble looking fellows, to East New York, where they went for target practice, exhibiting great skill and proficiency. The first prize, a valuable gold watch, presented by Mr. Haver, was won by Mr. Ralph Kirkman. The second prize, also a watch, was won by Mr. J. J. Hallenbeck.

The base ball contest between the light and heavy weights of the Eckford Club,³ at the Manor House, excited the greatest interest among the lovers of the game. The Eckfords being the crack club of this district, crowds assembled to see the play. At first the parties appeared somewhat equally matched and the score on the first six innings was, light 24, heavy weights 26. At this point they retired for dinner; the light weights it appeared partook of too heavy a repast, for on returning to the field their play was sluggish compared to that of their opponents, and they were dead beat in four more innings.

One very gratifying feature of the day was the orderly conduct and sobriety manifested. Not a single accident or exhibition of rowdyism occurred in the district, and only one man, Michael Nolan, was arrested for drunkenness. This gentleman was the only inmate of the North Fifth street cells last night.

Perhaps the most interesting celebration of the day was that which took place at the Industrial School, North 2d street, where upwards of 80 poor children were feasted with turkey, a delicacy which most of them probably never tasted before. During the morning addresses were delivered by Mr. Vandewater, Mr. Johnson, and others; and meanwhile the lady managers of the school were busy assorting and cutting up the food which had been sent in from charitable people, in all parts of the district. By 2 p.m. the tables were spread and the meal commenced. When the children had satisfied their own appetites--an operation which consumed a great deal of time and a large quantity of viands--they were permitted to carry off the fragments for their parents and relatives at home, many of whom were doubtless in equal want of a hearty meal. There were a large number of visitors present on the occasion.

We subjoin a note received by the City Missionary, which will show where some part of the provisions came from;

WILLIAMSBURGH, L. I.} Thanksgiving Day.

Rev Mr. Johnson:

DEAR SIR.—As a friend of the "Bernard Haver Guard," permit me to offer the value of one Hundred Leaves of Bread to feed the hungry little urchins for whom you are now preparing a Thanksgiving dinner.

I know that "the Guard," as well as yourself and the little army under your command, will consider this a suitable prize.

Yours, VIII.

The Balls of Neptune Engine Co. No. VII, and U.S. Engine Co. No. IV, held at the Odeon respectively Wednesday and last night, were both largely attended and successful demonstrations. The Neptune boys were especially interested in making a successful turn out, from a quiet determination they had formed to present a well earned testimonial to their old leader, Daniel Donevan, in the shape of a massive and handsome silver trumpet, bearing the following inscription—"Presented to Daniel Donevan, foreman of Neptune Engine Company No. VII, by the members of his company as a token of acknowledgment of his valuable services." Assistant Engineer F. W. Jennings, one of the oldest members of the Company, was selected to make the presentation, which he did in a brief but appropriate address. Mr. Donevan responded in fitting terms. Few men have stood at the head of a company, as Mr. Jennings truly remarked, so long as Dan, and excited so little ill-feeling or trouble; none have united discipline as a foreman with popularity as a comrade more completely.

The Young Atlantic Guards went on a target excursion yesterday. They hail from Bushwick, and consist of 62 muskets, Walter Jimmerson, Captain. Their destination was East New York.

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