Beer, Plymouth Rock & The Pilgrims—The Real Story

Beer (& More) In Food ^ | 11-14-2007 | Bob Skilnik

[toddlintown]

One of the interesting things I’ve learned while donning the cloak of an author is my love of research. Unfortunately, falling under the spell of a good story or three that has ever so slightly the remotest connection to your main topic can lead to a manuscript that most publishers will take a scalpel to. The economics of getting published in today’s market often means writing a lean story, just enough to keep the reader interested, but not so many pages as to bring down an entire forest for an 800-page opus.

While working on Beer & Food: An American History, I found so many interesting and often odd ball stories to tell, ones that might have peaked the interests of beer geeks, foodies, and even the weekend historian. But publishing, dear readers, is a business, so many stories never made the aftermath of the editorial cut...

So I was a bit hesitant to write about another popular bit of U.S. beer folklore—beginning with the silly notion that the “Pilgrims” chose to land at Plymouth Rock because they had run out of beer.

[toddlintown]

And yes, there were no Butterballs on the Pilgrims Thanksgiving Day table either.

[K-oneTexas]

Yes, I do believe this is something wee always guessed!

 

[SunkenCiv]

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[nmh]

And no pop-up thingies to tell when the turkey was done?

Or pre-made stuffing?

;)

[doodad]

There is probably some truth in this. Water was feared as a carrier of disease, with some good reason, and beer was consumed by all ages as the main beverage. It was a weak beer, but the boiling and addition of herbs made for a clean drinking supply.

[toddlintown]

“There is probably some truth in this.”

Obviously you didn’t read the story, with a primary source bibliography.

[doodad]

Mail guy is out and I am covering. We had about 300 pieces in the PO box this morning so I am tight on time. My apologies. But, lots of them were checks! :)

[A. Patriot]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samoset

Samoset
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Samoset (ca. 1590 – 1653) was the first Native American to make contact with the Pilgrims. On March 16, 1621 the settlers were more than surprised when Samoset strolled straight through the middle of the encampment at Plymouth Colony and greeted them in English and asked whether they had any beer for him. (Later in the article, it says he was “stark naked”.) ......After spending the night with the Pilgrims, he came back two days later with Squanto, who spoke English much better than Samoset.

Also, see Squanto in Wikipedia. Very interesting story.

[CougarGA7]

Whether the story is true or not, running out of beer is a darn good reason to stop the boat.

[toddlintown]

“greeted them in English and asked whether they had any beer for him.”

Yeah, and they told him “No.”

I’ll take 4 primary sources over Wiki any day of the week.

[Kevmo]

Thanks for the ping. I’ll need to read it later, but the title has it all — beer, intrigue, history, beer, timeliness, hints of an interesting story...

[RightOnTheLeftCoast]

"...addition of herbs..."

Ah, my beloved hops. Give me a good hoppy IPA any day. The extra hops were to preserve the brew for long sea voyages and warm weather. For me, it's about taste. Best hoppy brews I've had: Live Oak (available only on tap in Austin), Firestone-Walker Pale Ale and Pale Nectar, Lagunitas... mmm, good stuff.