12.11.09

Is Your Parent Ready for Senior Housing?

Posted in Uncategorized tagged , at 10:37 am by darganrealty

Making the decision to move a parent into an assisted living facility can be difficult for the whole family. Change can be especially hard on older adults who are resistant to change or if they are accustomed to being independent and maintaining their own homes. The thought of leaving a beloved home that holds many years of memories can bring sadness and grief. 

The decision to choose an assisted living facility can be just as hard for the children of aging parents as it is for the parents. In her work at an assisted living facility, Paulette Kaufman says she is amazed at how many children continue to see their parents as the strong, in-charge people they were 30 years ago. “They are accustomed to seeing their parents provide help and support,” she says, “and they truly fear seeing their mother or father struggling.”

Kaufman described meeting a son who brought his father to tour the independent living neighborhood, which is designed for active seniors. “On the phone, I asked him how his father was managing at home,” she says. “His reply was confident: ‘My Dad is fine, and does everything for himself.’”

On the day of the appointment, Kaufman saw that the parent was a frail, unshaven man, wearing a warm-up suit that needed washing. His bright eyes still sparkled, and he gave Kaufman a big smile and a warm greeting.

As they walked down the hall, the older man confided to Kaufman that his legs were too weak to walk far, and Kaufman knew he needed assisted living, where the rooms and distances are more manageable, and 24-hour personal care is available. “I turned to the son and explained that as our parents age, sometimes they need extra care and assistance,” Kaufman says, speaking of the assisted living option.

“Everyone wants their parents to live independently as long as possible, but the ability to make good decisions and to care for one’s self can slowly decline.” If an emergency arises, it’s important to have another caring adult nearby.

Adult kids often see their parents as not ready for assisted living. “The son always saw his dad as the strong father figure of years ago,” she says. “After a bit of probing, some of my questions revealed signs he hadn’t seen, like recent weight loss, and uneaten meals in the refrigerator.

It can be hard for children to admit that their parents need an assisted living facility. “It was difficult for this loving son to acknowledge that his father had aged and needed assistance with daily tasks,” she says. “A tear came to the son’s eyes as he realized he had been in denial, and that he wasn’t helping his father in the right way.”

It’s easy to overlook signs of decline in older adults, so ask yourself the following questions to help you determine if your parent is ready for assisted living:

  • Is your parent telling you that he is eating, but you’re seeing food go bad in the refrigerator?

    •  

  • Is your parent covering up bruises from falling that he or she doesn’t want you to see?

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  • Have you seen your parent wearing the same clothes when you go to visit?

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  • Does your parent hear strange noises in the night?

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  • When you look around the house or yard, is it as neat and clean as it used to be?

    •  

  • Is your parent able to take medications correctly?

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  • Does your parent respond appropriately to an emergency?

    •  

  • When you really look at your parent, do you see the bright and vibrant person from years ago, or do you see a more limited person who needs some help one hour a day, three hours a day, or around the clock?

If you answered yes to even a couple of these questions, your parent may be ready for an assisted living facility.

It is very important for adult children to be able to recognize when their parents need help, and when it’s time for assisted living. While making the decision to move to an assisted living facility can be difficult, adult children have a responsibility to ensure that their parents are properly cared for, comfortable, and secure.

Source: www.realtor.com

12.10.09

Carolina Park Trouble

Posted in Uncategorized tagged , , at 10:33 am by darganrealty

Carolina Park developer needs $600,000 soon
By John McDermott
The Post and Courier
Wednesday, December 2, 2009

The development pact between Mount Pleasant and the company overseeing the massive Carolina Park project could be jeopardized if $600,000 in payments are not made this month. The Dec. 21 deadline pits the cash-strapped developer against the owner of a loan secured by most of the vacant land within the 1,700-acre master-planned, mixed-use community. During a court hearing Tuesday, attorney Trey Thompson characterized the two sides as “warring factions.”
As it turns out, they likely will have to learn to make peace in less than three weeks, based on a judge’s ruling Tuesday that directed them to sort out who will foot the bill.
Financial trouble at the project surfaced in June when its developer, Carolina Park Associates, stopped making payments on a $25 million loan balance, according to court records.
In August, Palmetto Debt Holdings LLC, a company led by Charleston real estate investor J. Luzuriaga, bought the note for an undisclosed amount. Within weeks his group filed a foreclosure lawsuit and sought to replace the developer with a court-appointed receiver.
Thompson, who represents Palmetto Debt Holdings, said the $600,000 bill that’s coming due this month is critical to preserving the value of the property, which is just north of Mount Pleasant Regional Airport off of U.S. Highway 17.
Carolina Park Associates agreed to pay $500,000 annually to the town and $100,000 to the county for improvements in the nearby Whitehall Terrace community over 12 years as part of its original development agreement, which dictates what can be built on the tract.
If the payments are not made, the developer could be found in default, possibly making the entire contract null and void. That, in turn, would hurt the value of the land, Thompson said.
“If the development agreement goes into default, all bets are off. … That’s the glue that holds all these pieces together,” he said. Town Administrator R. Mac Burdette said Mount Pleasant is following the Carolina Park case carefully. “We want the development agreement to stay in place, and we want the development agreement to succeed, whoever owns it,” he said Tuesday.
A default could have “severe implications” for the property owner, he added. “They would have to start the approval process all over again,” he said. “They would not have a development agreement anymore, potentially.” A default also could affect town finances. One concern is the $500,000 annual payment, as Mount Pleasant has already borrowed money against that revenue stream, Burdette said. “So if they default on their payment, then we have to go find the $500,000 debt service payment,” he said.
Burdette said the case is taking Mount Pleasant into “new territory,” noting that development agreements are fairly new. For example, he said, it’s unclear what would become of the zoning, or the land and money Carolina Park Associates have promised the town for a new fire station.

“There are lots of legal questions here,” he said.
Circuit Court Judge Roger Young said the request for a receiver was unusual because Carolina Park is not generating any income, an argument the developer’s attorney also made. “What’s the point of a receiver at this point if there are no rents or profits coming in?” Young asked. David Swanson, a lawyer for Palmetto Debt Holdings, said a third-party appointee would serve as an arm of the court that could force the various factions to work out a solution. “The lender is just not in that position. We need somebody on the scene,” Swanson said. Carolina Park Associates, which has invested about $50 million in the property, is working to secure new financing and is willing to sit down with Palmetto Debt Holdings, said its lawyer, Michael Scardato.
Young declined to appoint a receiver, saying the lender, developer and others involved all have enough at stake financially to ensure that the current agreement remains intact. The Carolina Park case is one of the largest foreclosures to emerge from this latest real estate downturn. It does not affect previously sold tracts, including the Wando High School and Roper St. Francis Hospital sites. Luzuriaga declined to comment about his group’s plans should it gain control of the roughly 1,100 acres that have not yet been developed. “I’m just the lender,” he said after the hearing. Contact John McDermott at 937-5572 or jmcdermott@postandcourier.com.

12.08.09

“Going Green”

Posted in Uncategorized tagged , , , , at 10:29 am by darganrealty

Climate change is all over today’s news. It seems like everyone’s “going green.” We’re glad so many people now want to take action, too. Luckily, many of the steps we can take to stop climate change can make our lives better. Our grandchildren-and their children-will thank us for living more sustainably. Let’s start now.

We’ve partnered with the Million Car Carbon Campaign to help you find ways to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint. This campaign is uniting conscious consumers around the world to prevent the emissions-equivalent of 1 million cars from entering the atmosphere each year.

Keep reading for 10 simple things you can do today to help reduce your environmental impact, save money, and live a happier, healthier life.

  • Save energy to save money.
  • Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.
  • Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.
  • Unplug appliances when you’re not using them. Or, use a “smart” power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts “phantom” or “vampire” energy use.
  • Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.
  • Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying
  • Save water to save money. Take shorter showers to reduce water use and install a low-flow showerhead. 
  • Less gas = more money (and better health!). Walk or bike. This saves on gas and parking costs while improving your health and reducing your risk of obesity.
  • Eat smart. If you eat meat, add one meatless meal per week. It will save on environmental and health costs. Buy local meat, eggs and dairy whenever you can. Purchasing from local farmers keeps money in the local economy.
  • Skip the bottled water.  Use a water filter instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste.
  • Think before you buy. Go online to find new or gently used secondhand products. Consider a service like Craigslist of FreeSharing to track down furniture. Check out garage sales or consignment stores.
  • Borrow instead of buying. Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, not to mention the ink and paper that goes into printing new books.
  • Buy smart. Buy in Bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging. Wear clthes that don’t need to be drycleaned.
  • Keep electronics out of the trash. Keep your cell phones, computers and other electronics as long as possible or donate or recycle them.
  • Cleaning supplies. Make your own cleaning supplies with baking soda, vinegar, lemon and soap.  

Source: www.WorldWatchInstitute.com

12.04.09

12 Red Flags to Consider When Buying

Posted in Uncategorized tagged , , , at 10:16 am by darganrealty

Indeed, more than 40 percent of the previously owned homes on the market have at least one serious defect, according to HouseMaster, a major home inspection company with offices in more than 390 cities in the United States and Canada.
“Virtually every ‘used’ home needs some repair or improvement,” said Kathleen Kuhn, CEO and president of HouseMaster. “That’s to be expected. But with today’s high prices, you want to make sure that you are aware of any major problems in a house you are considering purchasing, and what it will take to remedy the situation.”
Drawing from their own findings from more than one million home inspections, HouseMaster says the most serious home defects to be on the lookout for are:
  1. Cracked heater exchange
  2. Failing air-conditioning compressor
  3. Environmental hazards including radon, water contamination, asbestos, lead paint, and underground storage tanks
  4. Moisture in the basement
  5. Defective roofing and/or flashings
  6. Insect infestation — termites or carpenter ants
  7. Mixed plumbing
  8. Aluminum wiring
  9. Horizontal foundation cracks
  10. Major house settlement
  11. Undersized electrical system
  12. Chimney settling or separation
Kuhn says most of these problems can be repaired. However, depending on the specific problem, the cost can be substantial, particularly if the defect involves one of the major systems. The cost could become a factor in whether you ultimately buy the house.
For example, a new air conditioning compressor could cost you up to $1,200. A new roof or repairs can cost at least several thousand dollars. A wet basement could cost up to $5,000 to remedy.
If you enter negotiations to buy a particular house, your agent should advise you to provide a provision for renegotiating or backing out of the contract if a home inspector finds major problems.
“If the property inspectors find that little or no corrective work is required, you have little or nothing to negotiate,” say Eric Tyson and Ray Brown in their book, Homebuying for Dummies. “Suppose, however, that your inspectors discover the $200,000 house you want to buy needs $20,000 of corrective work for termite and dry-rot damage, foundation repairs, and a new roof. Big corrective work bills can be deal killers.”
If repairs are needed, there are several ways to proceed if you still want to buy the house, the Dummies book advises.
  • The sellers can leave enough money in escrow to cover the cost of repairs, with instructions for the escrow officer to pay the contractors as the work is completed.
  • The lender can withhold part of the full loan amount in a passbook savings account until the work has been done.
  • The sellers may give a credit for the work. Lenders may disapprove of this last alternative because there aren’t assurances that the repairs will be made.
A home inspection usually costs between $250 and $400. Hire a qualified inspector. Try to get referrals from friends or anyone you know who has had a satisfactory experience with a home inspector. Also, look for affiliations with organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors or the American Association of Home Inspectors. Both groups require its members to be certified, meet professional qualifications, and adhere to specific business ethics.
Once you make an appointment with a home inspector, it’s important to be there.
Your investment of spending these few hours with the inspector could prevent headaches and save time in the future. As the home inspector examines the various systems and components of your home, ask him or her to explain what problems may be encountered down the road, what signs to look for, and how to prevent them. Try to learn how things work and how to maintain them. The inspector may also point out little flaws or oddities that don’t measure up to being mentioned in the report, but may warrant keeping an eye on.
Says Kuhn of HouseMasters, “A pre-purchase inspection is your best protection against buying a home based more on emotions, rather than as a sound investment.”

12.02.09

Home Insurance Guide-What’s Covered…

Posted in Uncategorized tagged , , at 12:55 pm by darganrealty

What’s the most important thing you need to know about your homeowners insurance? What does it cover? What does it not cover? A close look at what your policy does and doesn’t cover may surprise you. Here’s a 29-point guide to help you read it closely to determine what coverage is best for your situation.  

 The list may not be as obvious as you think.

Regular homeowners insurance will cover damage from fires, tornadoes and pieces of satellite that fall from the sky, but it won’t cover havoc wreaked by flooding, hurricanes, earthquakes, acts of terrorism or nuclear meltdowns. How do you know if you have the right coverage?

After all, one survey found that 68% of households have too little to adequately protect their property. Here are the basics you should have from your homeowners insurance: You want enough coverage to rebuild your home from scratch. Don’t count on your agent to give you an accurate figure. Get a square-footage estimate of the reconstruction value. It generally isn’t the same as the fair market value. Remember: A “guaranteed replacement” policy isn’t necessarily a guarantee. Get “replacement cost” rather than “actual cash value” for your belongings.

Make an inventory of your possessions and the cost to replace them. You’ll likely need a rider to protect valuables like furs, jewelry, fine art and antiques.

Check your policy’s “loss of use” provisions. How long will your insurer pay your rent while your damaged home is being repaired or rebuilt?  If a disaster destroys your home, your insurance company will want an inventory down to the last sock.  

How do you get the best deal on homeowners insurance? Shop around. Get online quotes here. Make sure the company is financially sound. You’ll also get a discount if you buy your homeowners and vehicle insurance from the same company. Raise your deductible. You can save up to 24% by increasing it to $1,000. Buy the most liability insurance you can afford to protect you from lawsuits resulting from incidents like accidental injuries and dog bites. Consider an umbrella policy. Make sure your insurer knows how close you live to a fire hydrant and fire station, and whether your home has deadbolts, smoke detectors and a security system. Ask about discounts for seniors, longtime customers and nonsmokers. Insure your house, but not your land.

Maintain a good credit score. Don’t report damage to your insurance company unless you intend to file a claim. It could lead to higher premiums or dropped coverage. 

Insurance companies have access to several scores that rate your property and your potential to file a claim. Get a free copy of your property’s claims history — your Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange, or CLUE, report — at ChoiceTrust. You can get a report on your home for $19.50.

A few things that your homeowners insurance may not cover include: 

  • Damage from a sinkhole or mudslide.
  • Damage resulting from poor maintenance or neglect. Water damage is covered if you forgot to turn off the bathtub faucet; it’s not if water is seeping through your basement walls, which is considered a maintenance issue.
  • Sewer backups and mold.
  • Damage caused by pests, like insects, birds and rodents, and by pets. If your miniature horse chews the side of your house, you’re out of luck.
  • Home-office equipment.
  • Tenants’ belongings. Renters insurance costs about $150 to $300 a year depending on the amount of coverage, the deductible and where you live.It includes liability to protect you if someone is injured in your apartment.
  • Of note for condominium and co-op owners: Find out first what the building’s insurance does and doesn’t cover and insure accordingly.

And if the worst happens-

Separate policies are available to protect you in the event of a flood, earthquake or hurricane. These policies generally have high deductibles. FEMA funding is available for repairs and housing assistance not covered by those insurance policies.

You can buy flood insurance if your community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. The program’s Web site offers an interactive look at flooding risk as well as premium estimates. Don’t wait until disaster is about to strike; there’s a 30-day waiting period for coverage to take effect, with some exceptions.

Californians can get earthquake coverage from a few insurance companies or from the state-run CA Earthquake Authority. Residents of quake-prone areas also should take steps to reduce the likelihood of damage to their homes. 

Coastal residents in some hurricane-prone areas may have difficulty finding wind coverage. Floridians should check out Citizens Property Insurance for more information on hurricanes.

Those who live on mountaintops or deep in the woods or are otherwise considered high risk may also have difficulty purchasing insurance. 
Make digital copies of your financial records and family photographs and send them to a trusted friend outside your area. Use a video camera to record the contents of your home. After a disaster, contact your insurance company as soon as possible.

Check for damage as soon as it’s safe to return. Take photos of the damage before you begin cleanup. Make temporary repairs to mitigate further damage.

Read all of your policies, particularly the part covering “duties after loss.”

Read the fine print before you sign anything from your insurance company. Don’t sign away your right to future compensation when you get your first check, and don’t accept a settlement offer that doesn’t fairly compensate you.

Source: www.msn.realestate.com

12.01.09

Use Caution with Foreclosures

Posted in Uncategorized tagged , , , at 10:23 am by darganrealty

I ran across this article in USAA Magazine, Winter 2009 and thought it was very helpful if you’re considering buying a foreclosed property. Impulsive or uneducated buyers can find themselves holding the deed to a bottomless money pit if they’re not careful. Here are some tips that could help you out in this situation:

  • Do your homework-search reputable online databases for foreclosures. When considering unfamiliar areas, research neighborhoods, school and market prices.
  • Don’t buy property at auction unless you are comfortable with unknown risks. Actioned properties may be in poor, unliveable condition and/or may have liens against them that will cause legal trouble down the road. Buying bank-held foreclosures is safer.
  • Do drive a hard bargain. A foreclosed property should be at least 20% lower in price than similar homes.
  • Don’t make an offer before having the inspection done. Look for water or insect damage and any structural problems. It’s a good idea to hire a professional for electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems.
  • Do work with a real estate agent. Real estate agents can help negotiate you a lower price on the home and can walk you through all the necessary steps to home ownership.
  • Do get financing before you shop. It’s always a good idea to meet with your bank to see how much they will owe you so that you can decide which price range you can afford. Some offers today require a letter of pre-qualification before the offer will be considered.

11.30.09

Home prices up slightly in September

Posted in Uncategorized at 11:54 am by darganrealty

By ALAN ZIBEL, AP Real Estate Writer Alan Zibel, Ap Real Estate Writer – Tue Nov 24, 2:09 pm ET WASHINGTON

The summer’s trend of rising home prices faded at the end of the traditional home shopping season, two reports Tuesday showed. The Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller home price index of 20 major cities rose only 0.3 percent to 144.96 in September, but it was the fourth straight monthly increase. The seasonally adjusted index is now up more than 3 percent from its bottom in May, but still 30 percent below its peak in April 2006.

Another reading of home prices by the Federal Housing Finance Agency held steady from August to September. Analysts expect prices to dip again this winter as foreclosures increase and economic growth remains modest. The government said Tuesday that the economy grew at a 2.8 percent rate last quarter — less than originally estimated. And forecasts for the next several months are no better.

Unemployment, meanwhile, could rise from the current 10.2 percent to as high as 11 percent next year. “As long as the unemployment rate stays elevated, you’re going to see pressure on the pace of foreclosures, which are going to find their way back onto the market, depressing prices,” said Dan Greenhaus, chief economic strategist with Miller Tabak & Co. Home prices are a key ingredient to rebuilding the economy.

Homeowners feel wealthier when their property appreciates in value and are more likely to spend money. Rising prices also help millions of homeowners who owe more to the bank than their homes are worth. Currently, roughly one in four homeowners are in that situation, according to First American CoreLogic, a real estate information company. And a record 14 percent of homeowners with a mortgage are either behind on their payments or in foreclosure, the Mortgage Bankers Association said last week. “We are very worried about the potential for a huge wave of supply next year, both from private sellers and banks,” wrote Ian Shepherdson, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics. “Prices could easily reverse their recent gains.” Spring and summer are typically the best times of the year for the housing market, because families prefer to move between school years. And this year’s sales were aided by a tax credit for first-time buyers, which drove up sales nearly 30 percent between May and October.

In the winter months, fewer homeowners put their properties on the market. That means a bigger proportion of the sales will be foreclosures. Last winter, sales of foreclosures and other distressed properties made up about half of all sales in February and March, compared with about a third over the summer, according to the National Association of Realtors. With those low-priced properties dominating sales, Barclays Capital economist Michelle Meyer forecasts an 8 percent drop in prices before they hit bottom next spring, but said, “I don’t expect another freefall.” Continuing economic woes will likely force many consumers to shorten their Christmas shopping lists.

Consumer confidence in the economy improved slightly in November from October, but shoppers are still gloomy, the Conference Board reported Tuesday. In the Case-Shiller report, home prices rose in 11 major cities, with the strongest gains in San Francisco and Minneapolis, according to the Case-Shiller report. That’s a shift from the summer, when price gains were broad. In July, for example, prices were up in 17 cities.

Prices fell by the most in Las Vegas and Cleveland. Compared with a year earlier, the 20-city index was down about 9 percent, the smallest year over year decline since January 2008. “With housing remaining an albatross around the economy’s neck, nothing would perk things up more than some increases in home prices,” wrote Joel Naroff, chief economist at Naroff Economic Advisors. “That seems to be happening.”

The Commerce Department on Wednesday will release new home sales data for October. Economists expect a 2 percent increase from September to an annualized rate of 410,000, according to Thomson Reuters.

AP Economics Writer Jeannine Aversa contributed to this report.

11.29.09

Toogoodoo Tree Farm

Posted in Uncategorized tagged , , at 1:17 pm by darganrealty

Make Christmas special this year with a trip to the Toogoodoo Tree Farm located in Hollywood, SC just 25 miles from downtown Charleston. Pickout and cut down your own tree, go on a choo-choo ride through the country and visit the gift shop. Even the grumpiest of Scrooges can’t help but get into the Christmas spirit when they visit Toogoodoo. Visitors are greeted with Christmas music, the smell of an open fire, warmth from a cup of apple cider and the smiles of friendly Santa’s helpers.

There are 5 species of trees that are guaranteed to be fresh because you cut it yourself. With proper care and water, trees will easily last through the New Year.   If you want your Christmas tree to last even longer, a live tree may be the right choice for you.  Growing trees in root control bags enables people to take home a Christmas tree that will not only live through the holidays, but can also be planted in the yard and enjoyed for many years to come.

Tree prices at Toogoodoo have remained the same for the last ten years and they won’t go up under the new ownership.  The average cut tree runs between $36 and $49, sold by the foot.  Trees are measured to determine price, are shaken to remove loose needles and debris and bailed with string netting for easy transport.  Live trees run an average of $45 to $55.

If a tree is why you came, grab a handsaw and cart and head out to the fields on the quest for that perfect tree. There are over 15,000 to choose from too! For more information, see www.toogoodootreefarm.com.

11.28.09

Daniel Island Holiday Festival

Posted in Uncategorized at 9:18 am by darganrealty

The Family Circle Tennis Stadium will once again hold it’s Annual Outdoor Holiday Festival this year on Saturday, December 5th from 10 am – 6 pm. The Tennis Center will come alive with great bargains and a vast assortment of unique gifts for the entire family. Over 120 of Charleston’s finest vendors will offer gifts and homeade crafts just right for the holiday season. All shopping will take place in one convenient location-under the roof of the Family Circle Magazine Stadium.

This popular Lowcountry Festival will be open to all and has evolved into one of Charleston’s most exciting annual holiday events offering fantastic holiday shopping opportnities. Complete your holiday shopping while you enjoy some great local music, food and family entertainment.

For more information, please see www.dicommunity.org the choose Island happenings tab then Holiday Festival tab for a complete list of shopping and food and beverage vendors. If you come early and stay late you may get to catch Santa’s Rockin Christmas Countdown and Holiday Dance Party!

11.26.09

Thanksgiving Facts & Trivia

Posted in Uncategorized at 4:02 pm by darganrealty

Thanksgiving Day is a very important day in the United States. There are many things that are especially related to the celebrations of the Thanksgiving Day, such as Thanksgiving turkey trivia, pilgrims, thanksgiving proclamation and  thanksgiving as a national holiday.  

1. Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States.

2. Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the second Monday in October in Canada.

3. The Plymouth Pilgrims were the first to celebrate the Thanksgiving.

4. The pilgrims arrived in North America in December 1620.

5. The Pilgrims sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to reach North America.

6. The pilgrims sailed on the ship, which was known by the name of ‘Mayflower’.

7. They celebrated the first Thanksgiving Day in the fall of 1621.

8. They celebrated the first Thanksgiving Day at Plymouth, Massachusetts.

9. The drink that the Puritans brought with them in the Mayflower was the beer.

10. The Wampanoag Indians were the people who taught the Pilgrims how to cultivate the land.

11. The Pilgrim leader, Governor William Bradford, had organized the first Thanksgiving feast in the year 1621 and invited the neighboring Wampanoag Indians also to the feast.

12. The first Thanksgiving feast was held in the presence of around ninety Wampanoag Indians and the Wampanoag chief, Massasoit, was also invited there.

13. The first Thanksgiving celebration lasted three days.

14. President George Washington issued the first national Thanksgiving Day Proclamation in the year 1789 and again in 1795.

15. The state of New York officially made Thanksgiving Day an annual custom in 1817.

16. Sarah Josepha Hale, an editor with a magazine, started a Thanksgiving campaign in 1827 and it was result of her efforts that in 1863 Thanksgiving was observed as a day for national thanksgiving and prayer.

17. Abraham Lincoln issued a ‘Thanksgiving Proclamation‘ on third October 1863 and officially set aside the last Thursday of November as the national day for Thanksgiving. Whereas earlier the presidents used to make an annual proclamation to specify the day when Thanksgiving was to be held.

18. President Franklin D. Roosevelt restored Thursday before last of November as Thanksgiving Day in the year 1939. He did so to make the Christmas shopping season longer and thus stimulate the economy of the state.

19. Congress passed an official proclamation in 1941 and declared that now onwards Thanksgiving will be observed as a legal holiday on the fourth Thursday of November every year.

20. Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird of the United States. But it was Thomas Jefferson who opposed him. It is believed that Franklin then named the male turkey as ‘tom’ to spite Jefferson.

21. The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade tradition began in the 1920’s.

22. Californians are the largest consumers of turkey in the United States.

23. When the Pilgrims arrived in North America, the clothing of the Native Americans was made of animal skins (mainly deer skin).

24. On December 11, 1620 the first Pilgrims (or Puritans, as they were initially known) landed at Plymouth Rock.

25. By the fall of 1621 only half of the pilgrims, who had sailed on the Mayflower, survived. The survivors, thankful to be alive, decided to give a thanksgiving feast.

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