HomeLiving - November 2026 by The Papers Inc.

November 2026

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HOMELIVING LIVING

Celebrating Veteran’s Day Thanksgiving Celebrations BANCI Award Winners

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Photo provided by Jim Metherd

Lauren Zeugner

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contents

FLOORING TRENDS Lean Toward Natural, Medium, Lighter Tones and Less Gray

CREATIVE CORNER: A Teacher’s POV Firetrucks, Roses and Teachable Moments

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AROUND MICHIANA Events Calendar

BANCI AWARDS JayH Construction and Renewal Homes

COMMUNITY CORNERSTONES: Michiana Troop Town is where Metherd’s Heart Is

VETERAN’S DAY Local Veterans Honored

November 2026 VOLUME 2

NO. 11

EASY EATS Award-Winning White Chicken Chili

DID YOU KNOW? The Evolution of Thanksgiving

BLACK FRIDAY Has Moved With The Times

BOOK NOOK Cover photo provided by JayH Construction

HOMELIVING PO Box 188 • 206 South Main St. Milford, IN 46542 800.733.4111/Fax 800.886.3796 Editorial ext. 2311 & Advertising ext. 2328

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EDITOR Lauren Zeugner lzeugner@the-papers.com

FEATURE WRITERS BethAnne Brink-Cox Nicholette Stout Julie Young

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ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Karen Johnson kjohnson@the-papers.com HomeLiving Places & Spaces is a newsmagazine with emphasis on lifestyle, exploring the community, travel and home decor and design. HomeLiving does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does HomeLiving or its staff assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publication.

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| HomeLiving Places & Spaces | November 2026 | 3

Flooring trends lean toward natural, medium, lighter tones and less gray By Nicholette Stout HomeLiving Feature Writer

Goshen Floor Mart in Goshen has seen a great deal of vinyl plank flooring lately. Josh, a manager, mentioned that the visual appeal and texture of vinyl planks continue to be enhanced, making the flooring look more realistic. For homes with animals, children or a lot of visitors, vinyl planks are also more water-resistant and scratch-resistant. Light brown, brown, gray and beige wood tones tend to be the most popular options currently, with medium to light colors more popular than darker shades. Carpet is always a popular option, particularly in living areas and

bedrooms. A popular choice among owners of rental properties is sheet vinyl. He reminds homeowners that no flooring is indestructible and that flooring performance depends on the structure beneath it, not just the floor covering. At Infinity Flooring in New Paris, luxury vinyl plank flooring is still the most popular. However, Mike Emeigh, the owner, has seen wood plastic composite flooring outsell stone polymer composite flooring in the last six to eight months. He believes this is because stone polymer composite is thinner and does not handle the local climate as well, leading homeowners to choose a thicker core. When it comes to colors, he sees grays fading from popularity, with earth tones, light blondes and beach-inspired colors becoming more popular. When choosing flooring, he recommends speaking with a trustworthy expert who will ask lots of questions about the home,

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household traffic and the budget to find the best quality option for the homeowner.

Jennifer, a designer and sales associate at J. Lane Flooring and Design in Warsaw, has seen hardwood floors becoming more popular than vinyl plank floors, with more hardwood flooring being installed overall. Typically, the main floors feature hard-surface flooring, while upstairs areas have more carpet. Carpet is most popular, particularly in bedrooms, because of its softness. Linear carpet patterns have also grown in popularity. More people are also choosing wool carpet for its look and appeal. She is also seeing more subway tile. Many people are choosing warmer colors in midrange to neutral tones instead of grays or light tones, while avoiding orange and red tones. Many are choosing natural-looking hardwood. When choosing flooring, the goal should be to get what you like while choosing the best option within your budget. The goal is for the flooring to last 15 to 20 years, rather than needing replacement after five years. n

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Brouwer’s Furniture and Flooring in Warsaw has seen mostly waterproof laminate, vinyl planks and carpet in homes. The company is currently seeing gray tones become less popular, while blue tones are trending.

Much of the decision about a home’s flooring depends on the location of the home and the particular room. In northern Indiana, many homes have a combination of laminate, hardwood flooring and carpet, with the choice depending primarily on the room. While the choice depends on the homeowner, there are certain trends that flooring companies are seeing lately.

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around

michiana

TRAIL TALES

Bring the family outdoors to read a children’s book while walking a short path at Riverbend Park. Book pages are placed in special kiosks along the path. New books are installed monthly. Event partners are the Middlebury Public Library and Middlebury Parks Department. NOVEMBER 1-30 | SOUTH BEND

SOUTH BEND FARMERS MARKET

Indoor market featuring homegrown produce, dairy products, meats, eggs, maple syrup, jams and jellies, handcrafts, artwork, jewelry and more. 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Free admission 1105 Northside Blvd. (574) 282-1259 southbendfarmersmarket.com

NOVEMBER 5 | WAKARUSA

WAKARUSA BLUE GRASS JAMBOREE

A host of local musicians and bands gather to pick, play and sing bluegrass, country and gospel in an informal jam session. Meets the first Thursday of the month. 6:30-9 p.m. Doc Able Pavilion, 116 W. Waterford St. Downtown Wakarusa, one block west of the stoplight. Free admission; free-will offering (574) 862-2200 NOVEMBER 5 | WARSAW

HOLIDAY MARKET

Zimmer Biomet Center Lake Pavilion 4-7 p.m., 119 E. Canal St. Local shoppers will have the opportunity to discover unique gifts, products, treats, and services from businesses throughout the community. Sponsored by the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce. NOVEMBER 5 AND 12 | ELKHART COUNTY

WEEKLY BIRD HIKES

Thursdays at 8 a.m. Elkhart Environmental Center 1717 E. Lusher Ave. Meet at the Visitors’ Cabin. Free admission. NOVEMBER 6 | GOSHEN

GOSHEN LIGHT PARADE

5-9 p.m. Part of November First Fridays A spectacle of lighted parade floats and presentations winds its way down Main Street, illuminating the night and thrilling parade-goers with an entertaining procession of entries from local groups, businesses, clubs, schools, and organizations!

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NOVEMBER 12 | WARSAW

AIRMEN OF NOTE

7:00 p.m. Warsaw Performing Arts Center 1 Tiger Lane Don’t miss this chance to see the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force. Reserve free tickets at https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/usafband/the-airmenof-note-live-in-warsaw. NOVEMBER 14 | MISHAWAKA

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR

Battell Community Center, 904 N. Main St. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free admission, photos with Santa. NOVEMBER 21 | NAPPANEE

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS CRAFT AND VENDOR MARKET

More than 130 vendors 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Claywood Event Center 13920 N. 1100 Road Free parking and admission.

NOVEMBER 21 | SOUTH BEND

FALL OWL PROWL

Celebrate the season by exploring the mysterious world of owls. Learn which owls call Indiana home and discover their incredible adaptations for nighttime hunting. Then head out onto the trail for a guided twilight owl-calling walk. 4-6 p.m. St. Patrick’s County Park, 50651 Laurel Road Admission is $5 per person. Register by Nov. 18. NOVEMBER 26 | WARSAW

FIFTH ANNUAL GOBBLE WOBBLE 5K

3019 N. 325 E. 8:30-11 a.m. Registration fee is $35. Registration for children 12 and younger is $20. Course begins and ends at Chapman Lakes Conservation Clubhouse. Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/ Warsaw/ChapmanLakeGobbleWobble5k n

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YEAR-ROUND | MIDDLEBURY

R E S O U RCE G U I D E Flooring trends lean toward natural, medium, lighter tones and less gray Brouwer’s Furniture and Flooring Warsaw (574) 267-8054

Infinity Flooring New Paris (574) 203-9693

Goshen Floor Mart Goshen (574) 642-4770

J. Lane Flooring and Design Warsaw (574) 269-6230

| HomeLiving Places & Spaces | November 2026 | 7

JayH Construction and Renewal Homes

sweep BANCI awards

By Lauren Zeugner HomeLiving Editor

JayH Construction and Renewal Homes swept the awards during the Builders Association of North Central Indiana’s Homes on Parade gala. The event was held Wednesday night, Sept. 30, at Noa Noa Grill and Sushi Bar. Six local construction companies participated in this year’s Homes on Parade, which was held Sept. 18-20. Participating builders were High Ridge Homes and Renovations, Granite Ridge Builders, JayH Construction, Renewal Homes, T.L. Jackson Construction and Miller Brothers Builders. High Ridge Homes and Renovations had two homes in the parade, while JayH Construction had three.

The winner is determined by calculating the number of association members listed as contributors on the official parade entry forms. “It is not a surprise that this year’s winner is Renewal Homes,” said Brett Harter, vice president of BANCI. “Year in and year out, Renewal has consistently been

Renewal Homes received the Members Choice award during the Builders Association of North Central Indiana’s Homes on Parade gala held Sept. 30. The Members’ Champion award is presented to the builder who collaborated with the most association members on its parade entry. From left are Wendell Miller, owner of Renewal Homes; Christine Brown, office manager; and Casey Kline, project manager. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

A panel of judges, made up of professionals from outside the area, toured each home on Sept. 17. JayH Construction won awards for best exterior, best interior, best kitchen, Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice. The Judges’ Choice award is given to the home that left a lasting impression on the judges through its quality, presentation and overall craftsmanship. Renewal Homes won the Members’ Champion award. This award is given to the builder who demonstrates exceptional support of fellow association members by collaborating with the most members of the association on their parade entry project.

JayH Construction swept the awards, winning all but the Members’ Champion, during the Builders Association of North Central Indiana’s Homes on Parade Gala, held Wednesday, Sept. 30. Shown from left are Ida Miller, Aaron Miller, Elmer Miller and Linda Miller. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

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an advocate for the Builders Association of North Central Indiana. They strive to promote the value of our association with

outstanding commitment and integrity.”Before the awards were handed out, Thomas Burnworth, parade committee chair and

2025 board president of BANCI, thanked the sponsors for the parade and gala event, BANCI’s marketing committee and the

homeowners who opened their homes for the parade, allowing thousands of people to walk through. n

| HomeLiving Places & Spaces | November 2026 | 9

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CREATIVE CORNER

A Teacher’s P O V By Cristi Lee Ziebarth HomeLiving Guest Writer

FIRETRUCKS, ROSES AND

Teachable Moments

Outside the glass-paned windows of my high school art classroom is a slow-traveled road. As my paint-stained hands mindlessly washed brushes in the trickling sink water, my peripheral vision caught a glimpse of whirling lights. No siren, just whirling lights and the bright red facade of a firetruck stopped at a stop sign that matched it in color. I paused washing the brushes. Wet hands brushed against my art smock as I walked a few steps to gain a better view. The driver did what everyone is supposed to do at stop signs: stop. I just happened to catch the moment he stopped. Then, he drove on by before I had time to alert the class to look out the window. As a teacher, why would I interrupt the momentum of a quiet, focused class to inspire a look out the window to see a firetruck? We’ve all seen firetrucks before, right? The symbol of a firetruck has meant more to my teacher’s worldview than simply a vehicle rolling along on its way to serve the community: embrace the moment. A few years ago, a keynote speaker spoke of a firetruck. He held a red toy in his hands and waved it in front of the microphone.*

When I see a firetruck now, I remember: What happens in life’s peripheral view can alter the agenda but inspire the journey. Clinging to a present agenda is not always the best plan in the classroom or in life.

thought processes that determine their importance are not missed. Then, make a map to get there.

Stop. Watch firetrucks go by when they go by. This is a variation on “stop and smell the roses.”

A few days ago, I thought I heard the rumble of a firetruck analogy passing by. While students quietly worked, a girl piped up in conversation and said boldly and loudly, “I want to be our state’s senator someday!”

My mind rewound to the sound of the keynote’s voice inspiring teachers not to lose sight of moments when curriculum needs to be set aside in favor of life moments that will be missed forever if we do not notice, value and stop. These are also “teachable moments” and are seldom planned. He implored us to recognize that part of our roles as mentors — teachers and parents — is to model how and when to discern what matters most, so that important things in life and the

His icon and memory trigger was a firetruck.

Instead of hushing her with a “Get back to work!” I let the conversation go on. As students work on art projects in my classroom, quiet talking is encouraged. This table group discussed the question, “What do you want to do after graduation?” One said, “...go to college for engineering.” One said, “I want to

be a teacher.” One said, “I’ll work with my dad.” She said, “I want to be our state senator … then, I want to run for president.” My listening ear was proud of the next student who spoke up. “You’ll have to set some goals between now and then! What do you have to do to get there?” he asked. “I’ll start with good grades, then get to college, then …” She opened her computer, entered a question and read back the answer to the table. By this time, the entire class was listening in. Some things are worth diverting attention for — like mapping out a plan to make an impact and achieve dreams. The bell rang. Students packed up and headed out the door.

The seed was planted. The next day, when this group of students returned to class, she sat down with a declaration. “I’ll be senator in nine years!” she announced. “I have to be 25 to be a senator and 35 to be president! So, I’ll start with Student Council, then move up to senator, then president of the United States.” I smiled from behind my desk. My hands gathered up a pile of paintbrushes and headed to the sink near the window to wash them off. In my mind’s eye, I thought I heard a fleet of firetrucks with whirling lights and bright red facades. *Credit Dr. John Keller n

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COMMUNITY CORNERSTONES

Michiana Troop Town is where Metherd’s By BethAnne Brink-Cox HomeLiving Feature Writer

“Boasting about oneself is never comfortable. What I do within my community isn’t for recognition; it’s simply the right thing to do, and paying it forward makes you feel good. Working with veterans who’ve faced housing instability reminds me daily of living in my sister’s car for three weeks. It sure can make one remember how a safe and stable place can make a difference, something our tiny home residents are working hard to rebuild for themselves,” Metherd explained. “Since I didn’t come from an easy childhood, home wasn’t always steady, and I learned early how to take care of myself and how to keep moving even when life felt stacked against me. At 17, stepping into adulthood in one of the most intense environments imaginable, the Army gave me discipline, brotherhood and a sense of belonging I hadn’t felt before. I learned what it meant to show up for the person next to you, to push through fear and to carry responsibility with pride. Trust me, there were many nights while at Fort Ord, California, when I questioned, ‘What on earth had I done?’ One night, I had the opportunity to sit and speak with one of the senior soldiers in the unit. I won’t mention his name, but to this day, I remember that conversation as if it was last night. He shared with me many tips and suggestions on how to adjust and simply give things a proper chance. That talk stuck with me throughout my entire career. When given that chance, I turned into a highly decorated, natural-born leader. Having the chance to proudly serve during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm certainly gave me a new perspective on life. To see firsthand different cultures and different outlooks on life was something hard to explain. Even 35 years later, there isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t miss serving my country.” “Since the opening of the Robert Miller Veteran Center at 11:11 on 11/11/2011, I have always had a passion to do more to provide those guests not only a room but an entire space to call their own. In 2020, after working in corporate America for 28 years, I resigned from my position to dedicate my time solely to forming Mishawaka Troop Town, where I am the president. Our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was formed and is devoted to making a difference in the community. We provide transitional housing for local veterans until they are able to provide for themselves. Currently, in the St. Joseph County area, we estimate that over 40 veterans are living on the streets. To combat this, Mishawaka Troop Town opened our doors to our first guest on Dec. 8, 2025, and we are overwhelmed with joy that all eight units were filled by April 2026.” Metherd knew what he believed was the best way to help these veterans, and he was right. “We do not judge you and ask how you became homeless; we will simply provide the tools and programs to avoid being in that situation again! I do this work because every veteran deserves the dignity, safety and stability of a home. Too many have faced homelessness or housing insecurity. Nearly 25% of homeless individuals 12 | HomeLiving Places & Spaces | November 2026 |

Three years ago, you met Jim Metherd and learned about Troop Town, designed and built for homeless veterans. It’s a wonderful project in Mishawaka that was — and is — very dear to his heart. What kind of person dreams of such a project and then, with the right help and funding, makes it happen? Let’s take a closer look at this man.

nationwide have worn a military uniform at some point.” “Honestly, my current home life revolves 100% around Troop Town. Every now and then, when our schedules align, I enjoy having dinner with my daughter, Sam. My home life is quiet and supportive. It gives me the balance I need to show up fully for our residents, who are rebuilding confidence, reconnecting with the community and finding their footing again,” Metherd said. Outside of work, he stays involved in the community by attending local events, meeting with partners who may contribute to MTT and learning from other organizations that serve veterans. “I am blessed with also being the elected president of another local nonprofit, Get Wet for a Vet. We raise funds through engaging community events, with proceeds supporting Michiana veterans. That mission aligns very closely with MTT; it centers directly on improving the lives of those who have served. I love taking my motorcycle out on the open road to unwind. I also spend time volunteering in the kitchen at our VFW, supporting the y veterans’ community that means so much to me.” db ide rov erd p And as November rolls around? s eth oto Ph Jim M “On Veterans Day, I often use the day to think about the people we served with, the challenges we faced and how service shaped our identity. Many veterans carry physical or invisible injuries or memories. A simple ‘thank you’ is appreciated, but understanding the ongoing impact of service matters even more. For some, it’s a day to reconnect with fellow veterans who understand experiences that can be hard to explain to those who have not served. The military is a culture, not just a job. Many civilians have little exposure to military life because the U.S. has an all-volunteer force, and fewer Americans have family ties to service members. It’s a day to recognize the courage of those who served, far beyond any free meals or giveaways,” Metherd mused. Troop Town benefits everyone: the veterans it assists, the volunteers who donate and help in every way they can, and the community that has learned to take a different, deeper look at what homeless veterans really are. Certainly, Metherd feels like the luckiest one of all. n

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Local veterans honored in community events surrounding

VETERAN’S DAY By Nicholette Stout HomeLiving Feature Writer

Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, Nov. 11, this year, with a variety of events and opportunities for veterans throughout the surrounding counties. Elkhart, St. Joseph and Kosciusko counties will host ceremonies, gatherings and remembrances, as well as offer free admission to attractions for veterans and active-duty service members. Many restaurants also will offer free or discounted meals for veterans and active-duty service members.

Elkhart County A program titled “REMEMBER: Honoring the Legacy of Veterans — Past and Future” will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Northern Indiana Event Center, Elkhart. This annual signature supper is hosted by FreedomSystem.org and helps provide support to local veterans. Limited tickets available. The Elkhart Rotary Club will hold a Veterans Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9, at Matterhorn Restaurant in Elkhart to honor local veterans. The Nappanee Kiwanis and Rotary clubs are hosting a Veterans and Spouses Thank You Lunch at First Brethren Church in Nappanee on Tuesday, Nov. 10. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., and

the program starts at noon. This event is free for veterans and their spouses. Those interested should RSVP by Nov. 5 to Donna at (574) 536-3854. VFW Post 88 will host a Veterans Day service at Prairie Street Cemetery in Elkhart starting at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11. The service will include a local memorial and tribute ceremony to honor all who served. Cleveland Elementary School will feature student musical performances and a tribute to veterans. West Side Middle School will hold a Veterans Day assembly in conjunction with the Elkhart High School Air Force JROTC flag detail.

The Elkhart County Historical Museum in Bristol will offer free admission Wednesday, Nov. 11. The museum features special tributes and displays honoring past and present service members. Wellfield Botanical Gardens in Elkhart will offer free admission to veterans and active-duty service members from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11. Visitors can see the Veterans Memorial Wall at Grace Lawn Cemetery in Middlebury, which honors more than 400 veterans, free of charge.

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Ruthmere Museum and the Havilah Beardsley House will offer free admission to veterans

and active-duty service members from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, as part of the Patriotic Program series. Tours are offered at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

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St. Joseph County

Kosciusko County

At American Legion Post 297 in New Carlisle, there will be a Beyond the Uniform gathering at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7. This community gathering will feature free chili and cornbread, cornhole and an open canteen, with no formal speeches required.

The Live Well Kosciusko Veteran 5K Run/Walk wil l begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, in Wino na Lake. The event will be gin with an opening salute to vetera ns, and veterans who reg ister will receive $10 off. All registration fee s benefit Magical Meado ws, a therapeutic horseback riding nonprofit serving vetera ns, first responders and people with spe cial needs. A “Salute to Veterans” con cert featuring Vocal Vision Youth and Vocal Vibes will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at First Baptist Church in Warsaw to rai se funds for Honor Flight of Northeast Indiana. Admission is fre e, and all donations will go toward Honor Flight.

A Michiana Regional Veterans Day concert will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at VFW Post 360 on Jefferson Boulevard in Mishawaka. A patriotic performance by the Michiana Concert Band will be followed by a light meal. There will be a Veterans Day ceremony at American Legion Post 50 on Bendix Drive in South Bend Wednesday, Nov. 11. This indoor and outdoor program will give families an opportunity to honor military heroes.

An Oakwood Cemetery Veterans Day service wil l be held at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Oakwood Ce metery Chapel in Warsaw. The service is ho sted by American Legion Post 49 and VFW Post 1126.

The Military Honor Park and Museum at South Bend International Airport will offer free admission to veterans from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11. On Wednesday, Nov. 11, the Indiana Dinosaur Museum and South Bend Chocolate Factory will host Hometown Heroes Veterans Day, offering free admission to veterans with a valid military ID. The day will feature veteran storytelling, ceremonies and opportunities for community connection while supporting Stop 22 Michiana.

Warsaw Salutes You displa ys personalized banners honoring local veterans and active-duty service members for a ful l year around the downtown Warsaw courthouse square and on designated streets.

The main branch of the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library in downtown Mishawaka features historical displays and veteran photos along its walls during the week of Veterans Day to honor local service members.

North Webster Commun ity Center will have signs displayed in its yard to honor local reside nts who served in the Arm ed Forces. n

—— E A S Y E A T S —— Award-Winning White Chicken Chili INGREDIENTS: q 1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth q 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup q 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers q 1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning q 1-1/4 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast

q 2 (15 ounce) cans great northern beans q 1 (15 ounce) can white corn, drained q 1/2 cup sour cream q 1/2 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese, or to taste

This crockpot white chicken chili recipe is easy to make in your slow cooker. It’s won several chili competitions and is a definite crowd-pleaser!

DIRECTIONS: Layer chicken, great northern beans, and corn in a slow cooker. Mix chicken broth, condensed soup, chile peppers, and taco seasoning together in a bowl. Pour broth mixture over top. Cover and cook on Low until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 8 to 10 hours. An instant-read thermometer

inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Transfer chicken to a cutting board. Shred with two forks or cut into bite-sized pieces. Return to the slow cooker. Stir in sour cream and pepper Jack cheese; cover and cook on Low until cheese is melted, 3 to 5 minutes. n

allrecipes.com

Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 8 hrs 5 mins

Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins Servings: 10

| HomeLiving Places & Spaces | November 2026 | 15

Did You Know?

By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer

The evolution of Thanksgiving

While fowl and venison were present at the first harvest celebration, turkey did not become the main course of the meal until the 19th century, when its size made it a popular choice for feeding large families. Side dishes and desserts featured regional and cultural fare, which can still be found around many Thanksgiving Day tables. George Washington and other early American presidents declared national days of thanks, such as in 1789, when the Constitution was written, or after significant military victories. However, it was Abraham Lincoln, at the behest of journalist Sarah Josepha Hale, who declared Thanksgiving a national holiday to promote unity during the Civil War.

After Lincoln’s proclamation, Thanksgiving was celebrated on the last Thursday in November, but that changed in 1939 when Franklin Delano Roosevelt moved the holiday up a week to allow more time for people to shop for Christmas and stimulate the economy during the Great Depression. The new date confused many Americans, and in 1941, Congress passed a joint resolution declaring Thanksgiving a federal holiday to be celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November.

The first Thanksgiving Day football game was played in 1876 between Yale and Princeton, shortly after the game was invented. Realizing that fans would be off work and could attend the event, other schools began scheduling their games on Thanksgiving as well. Records of professional football games on Thanksgiving date back to the 1890s, with the first professional-amateur team, the Allegheny Athletic Association in Pittsburgh, Pa. In the early 20th century, members of the Ohio League scheduled their marquee matchups on Thanksgiving to attract spectators, but the practice largely ended in the 1910s because many of their teams’ players coached high school football and were unavailable to compete. The NFL began regularly holding games on Thanksgiving in 1922. The competitors were the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cardinals. Over time, the NFL has continued its Thanksgiving tradition, with games in Detroit and Dallas dating to 1978. In 2006, the league added a third game to be played in prime time on Thanksgiving night.

Although it is synonymous with the holiday, the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was an idea borrowed from its rival, Gimbels, whose Philadelphia store staged the first Thanksgiving procession in 1920. It wasn’t a huge event, but it did include 50 people and 15 cars, capped off with an appearance by Santa Claus to herald the start of the holiday shopping season. Two years after R.H. Macy & Co. went public in 1922, the company’s Manhattan flagship store enjoyed a significant expansion that encompassed a city block. To showcase the “World’s Largest Store” and its 1 million square feet of retail space, the company threw New York City a grand parade on Thanksgiving morning. Spectators along the six-mile parade route saw a menagerie of animals on loan from the Central Park Zoo, four bands and Santa himself. The live animals, which frightened some young children along the route, were replaced with character balloons, which remain a staple of the parade today. n

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... and now you know!

artwork: shutterstock.com

Although it’s only been a federal holiday since 1941, the roots of our Thanksgiving celebration go back to the 17th century and have evolved with the times. What was originally a three-day harvest festival celebrated by English colonists and the Wampanoag Native Americans in November 1621 has become synonymous with parades, feasts, football and the start of the holiday shopping season!

HAS MOVED WITH THE TIMES

By Julie Young HomeLiving Feature Writer

While the Thanksgiving holiday has always been the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, the term “Black Friday” was coined in the 1950s and ’60s by police officers in Philadelphia to describe the traffic jams, crowded sidewalks and shoplifting associated with enthusiastic post-Thanksgiving shoppers, thieves and football fans. However, in the 1980s, retailers gave the term a more positive connotation, promoting the accounting narrative that this was the day stores turned a profit and went from the “red” to the “black.” Naturally, Black Friday sales were not limited to the day after Thanksgiving but extended over the holiday weekend to ensure shoppers got the biggest bang for their buck. However, in the 1990s, intense retail competition for Black Friday shoppers caused some stores to open on Thanksgiving evening with doorbuster deals that encouraged shoppers to cut

their holiday short in search of savings. As Black Friday became its own quasi-holiday, online retailers, small businesses and nonprofit organizations began to market their own occasions, which led to Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday. By 2020, a number of major retailers

had stopped the tradition of opening on Thanksgiving night, partially because of the rise in online shopping and staffing challenges that made the practice less necessary and less profitable. While shoppers can still score excellent deals on Thanksgiving Day, they no longer have to sacrifice time with their families and friends to do it! n

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k o o N k o o B e h T

Want to suggest a book for Book Nook? S end the title, author, a brief synopsis of the book and why you liked it to lzeugner@the-papers.com.

WELLINGTON YORDY’S PICK

RUTH GREEN’S PICK

For this months’ BookNook, three members of the Elkhart County 4-H Media Club contributed selections they think readers would like.

THE WHIZ MOB AND THE GRENADINE KID

by Colin Melroy

The book follows a lonely American Boy in 1961 France who befriends a young pickpocket and joins an international gang of child thieves. It is a wholesome, fun and fast read with cool 1960s French settings and pickpocket capers.

RILLA OF INGLESIDE

by L.M. Montgomery

This book is set over the duration of WWI. It follows Rilla Blythe, Anne (Shirley) Blythe’s youngest child, as she navigates war, death, and love. I recommend this book because it will make you laugh in one chapter and cry in the next. It is perfect for anyone who loves Anne Shirley, L. M. Montgomery’s humor, and a good war-time tale.

MERCI GREEN’S PICKS SPY SCHOOL

by Stuart Gibbs

Thirteen-year-old Benjamin Ripley is recruited to join a top-secret CIA training school because of his spectacular math skills but as he begins to settle into the rhythm of classes and campus life, he discovers things are not all as they seem. When put to the test, Ben must save the day, and, ultimately, show everyone he is completely worthy of studentdom. I would recommend this book for many reasons. I have found myself exploding into chuckles because of the author’s witty and engaging writing style. Every aspect of the spy world and the government is portrayed very realistically, with no improbable superpowers or gadgets. Lastly, this book is educational, as one picks up randomly useless trivia and is introduced to an astonishing amount of probably true conspiracy theories. This book is the first of an ongoing series.

MAGIC HOUR

LUNA, PHOENIX, QUEEN

by Julie Orringer

This read is a love story featuring a rescue dog. It gives this dog, who survived a fire, three names. She goes by whatever anyone who shows her affection wants to call her.

DANDELION WINE

by Kristin Hannah

by Ray Bradbury

A six-year-old girl appears out of the Olympic National Forest, speechless and alone. Child psychiatrist Dr. Julia Cates is determined to free the little girl from a prison of fear and isolation. To do that will require help from her estranged sister, a local police officer.

A great end-of-the-summer read. This is the story of a summer in the life of a 12-year-old boy. One activity the young boy and his brother do is collect dandelions in their grandparents’ yard. Their grandfather presses the dandelions, adds rainwater and the liquid is sipped in winter as a reminder of warmer times. n photos: amazon.com

18 | HomeLiving Places & Spaces | November 2026 |