This is the Thanksgiving Day message issued by Thompson B. Ferguson when he sat in the Governor’s Mansion. Although the language may be archaic, the feelings expressed are as appropriate today as they were 123 years ago.
Providence has bestowed upon the citizens of Oklahoma many blessings during the year which is now drawing to a close. Our fields have brought forth plentifully and our harvests have been abundant.
All legitimate lines of commerce in our Territory have brought good results. The golden sunlight of Prosperity has fallen upon all alike.
Citizens of our beloved commonwealth have much to be proud of and much to be thankful for, and it is with one accord that the people hail with joyful anticipation that the day in the not distant future when a change shall be wrought upon the banner of our great republic, and when upon that field of blue shall be seen another start, and that star shall represent our won beautiful Oklahoma, sun kissed “Land of the Fair God.”
In conformity with established custom and in harmony with the proclamation of the President of the United States, I recommend that Thursday, November 27th, 1902 be observed as a day set apart for devotion and thanksgiving, and in this manner manifest our gratitude to the Author of all good gifts for the moral, intellectual and material blessings so lavishly bestowed during the past, and for the rich promise and glorious prophesy of the future.
Done at Guthrie, Oklahoma, this 11th day of November, 1902.