Since we began this blog in 2008, we have revisited the unique local tradition of the Turkey Note many times over the years. This short poem using three- or four-lines along with the word “Turkey” in the first two lines has been a Davenport and Scott County tradition since about 1890.
Turkey Notes are easy to make. Purists insist a color must follow the word “Turkey”, but others disagree. As mentioned above, the Turkey Note is usually three- or four-lines. The most common example is “Turkey Red, Turkey Blue, Turkey says I love you”. Once finished, the paper is rolled and then wrapped with tissue or construction paper that is longer than the rolled paper inside. The ends are tied with ribbon, yarn, or string and the edges of the outer paper are cut to make fringe. Then write the name of the person who is to receive the note on the outside and your Turkey Note is done!
We even found Turkey Notes in local business advertisements when researching for this year’s blog. The ad below does not follow the purists form of using a color after the word “Turkey”, but they get high marks from us for their creativity!
Over the years, in some schools children would create Turkey Notes in the same spirit as May Day baskets. They would be hung in secret on the doorknobs of elderly neighbors or given to hospitals to pass out to pediatric patients with their Thanksgiving meal. Other classrooms would spend time before Thanksgiving making Turkey Notes to pass out in school or to take home to family members.
There are still families who create Turkey Notes for Thanksgiving. Parents and children work hard creating these individual rhymes for each person at the table. Once finished, they may be used as place cards or placed in a basket at the table. From loving messages to jesting about sports rivalries or long-standing family jokes; these gaily wrapped messages are read at the table to the amusement of all.
The wonderful thing about Turkey Notes is their connection over the years to family members and friends. These short poems may be passed out at your Thanksgiving meal or texted in group chats in this modern era. However they are delivered, they bring back wonderful memories and connect you once again to past Thanksgivings. The joyful spirit of Turkey Notes still exists after 130 years. We hope you find a way to include this tradition into your holiday.
Our original Turkey Note blog: https://blogs.davenportlibrary.com/sc/2008/11/21/turkey-notes/. Thank you Sarah W. for starting this blog tradition!
For more Turkey Note blogs, please type Turkey Notes into our search box on the upper right side and enjoy!
Turkey Red,
Turkey Blue,
Turkey Says Thank you for Turkey Note memories,
This one’s for you!
