On the night of December 3, 1841, fourteen Naperville men discussed the question, “Are sandhill Cranes as good as turkies for culinary purposes?”
The question was asked by members of the Naperville Lyceum, an organization whose object was “the attainment of knowledge, improvement in general science and the discussion of questions which may be adopted by the Society for that purpose.”
[shareprints gallery_id=”67342″ gallery_type=”squares” gallery_position=”pos_center” gallery_width=”width_100″ image_size=”small” image_padding=”2″ theme=”dark” image_hover=”false” lightbox_type=”slide” comments=”false” sharing=”true”]Images courtesy Naper Settlement archive
After a “learned and able discussion” the question was decided by president, James F. Wight as a “yes,” Sandhill cranes were just as tasty as turkeys. According to the record, an “appeal was taken and the President was sustained by a vote of 9-4.”
And speaking of birds, Scott’s Hall, formerly on the northeast corner of Jefferson Avenue and Washington Street, once held annual poultry shows. At the turn of the century it wasn’t uncommon to see chicken coops and pigeon roosts in the backyards of Naperville homes. Adults and children participated in the contests. Birds were awarded ribbons for weight, coloring, and breed purity.
Visitors to Naperville neighborhoods might once more see chicken coops in the backyard. On February 4, 2014, Naperville City Council passed Ordnance 10-4-6 titled, “Fowl and Livestock” which limited the number of chickens that could be kept in the backyard to eight hens and no roosters. Poultry shows have yet to make a comeback.
Currently the most popular fowl among us here in Naperville is the once migratory Branta canadensis or Canada goose. This once wild species is now quite at home on the lawns, sidewalks and streets of Naperville all year long. Some scientists estimate there are more “resident” geese in American cities than “migratory” geese in Canada.
“Don’t feed the wildlife” signs on the Riverwalk are meant to discourage the large populations of geese which soil our soccer fields and playgrounds.
While some people may enjoy a Christmas goose or at one time a Sandhill crane, both now are protected species.
Aren’t you glad we domesticated the turkey? Could you imagine a domesticated crane? A big fat butterball on long skinny legs!
Happy Thanksgiving Naperville!
