Thanksgiving proclamations have been a common practice for governors and presidents, all the way back to President Washington in 1789.  And so 100 years ago,  Washington Gov. Marion E. Hay issued a proclamation on Nov. 18, 1912, just before that year’s Turkey Day. The proclamation is found in the State Archives, which is part of the Office of Secretary of State.

Part of Hay’s proclamation read:

“And I urge that the people of this state on that day put aside their usual occupations and devote the day to ministry to need, sympathy with sorrow and a broad charity for the unfortunate.”