The Legacy of Kindness: The Thomas Shaw Thanksgiving Tradition

Once upon a time, in the heart of Wichita, there was a tradition that warmed the city’s soul every Thanksgiving Day. It was a tradition born out of kindness, and its torchbearer was a man named Thomas Shaw.

Mr. Shaw, a pioneer music dealer in Kansas, had a heart as big as the Great Plains themselves. His deep appreciation for the history, art, and people of Wichita led him to create something truly special – an annual Thanksgiving dinner dedicated to the newsboys, bootblacks, and messenger boys of the city.

Shaw thought of the dinner after a young newsboy, practically freezing in the Wichita winter, told him that he had to work because his father had died, and his mother struggled to make ends meet.

The annual feast was a symbol of nostalgia, a reminder of the past, and a beacon of hope for the future. For 24 years, Mr. Shaw made sure that no young soul would miss out on a good Thanksgiving dinner. It became a cherished tradition that captured the hearts of the community.

The dinners were more than just a meal. They were a testament to Mr. Shaw’s belief in the potential of these young boys. He saw their spirit, their potential, and their dreams. He believed that a good meal and a kind word could be the foundation of a better future.

For the newsboys and bootblacks, the Shaw dinners were a highlight of the year. The meals were served in various locations, from the Biltmore Hotel, The St. Lawrence, Langford, to the YMCA and even the Plaza Hotel. Each year, the menu featured turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and all the beloved fixings that made Thanksgiving special.

But the dinners were only the beginning. After the meal, the boys were treated to various activities, from matinee performances at local theaters to football games. The celebrations were about more than just food; they were about creating cherished memories and lasting bonds.

Mr. Shaw didn’t stop at food and entertainment. He took the time to talk to the boys, to encourage them, and to offer guidance for the future. He spoke of the value of hard work and integrity and shared stories of others who had started on the streets and risen to greater heights.

One boy who attended these dinners for 21 years was Ben Plumber. He had been there from the very first dinner and continued to attend, even after he was no longer a newsboy or bootblack. The tradition had become a part of him, a touchstone of his life.

But one Thanksgiving, an unexpected turn of events occurred. Mr. Shaw couldn’t host the dinner because he was out of town. Thanksgiving Day came and went, but the tradition was too deeply ingrained in the hearts of the city. Mr. Shaw couldn’t let the boys down, so he organized a Christmas meal to make up for the missed Thanksgiving.

The newsboys, bootblacks, and messenger boys of Wichita knew that Mr. Shaw’s dinners were about more than just food. They were about the kindness, the camaraderie, and the sense of belonging. Even if Thanksgiving was postponed, their spirits were not dampened.

As the years passed, Mr. Shaw’s health declined, and in 1913, the city had to say goodbye to their generous benefactor. But the spirit of giving and the tradition he had started would not fade away.

A generous unnamed donor stepped forward to ensure that the tradition continued. For ten more years, the legacy of Thomas Shaw lived on through this anonymous benefactor. Their kindness and commitment to the young souls of Wichita ensured that the Thanksgiving dinners continued, filling the hearts of the city’s youth with warmth and hope.

The unnamed donor, like Mr. Shaw, saw the potential in these young boys and believed in the power of kindness. They continued to host the annual feasts, making sure that the long tables were laden with turkey, cranberry sauce, and all the beloved fixings.

The after-meal activities, the words of encouragement, and the sense of belonging remained an integral part of the tradition. The donor’s dedication mirrored Mr. Shaw’s, and the legacy continued to shine brightly.

Year after year, the generous donor carried the torch, spreading love and holiday cheer to the young newsboys and their peers. Their actions were a testament to the enduring impact of one person’s kindness and the ripple effect it can create in a community.

While the donor remained anonymous, their spirit of giving and the continuation of the Thanksgiving dinners spoke volumes about the power of one person’s commitment to making the world a better place. Wichita continued to embrace the tradition with open hearts, ensuring that the legacy of Thomas Shaw lived on, reminding everyone that kindness is a timeless gift that keeps on giving.  The last dinner was held in 1922.

To learn more about Mr. Shaw check out: The Music-Filled Heart of Wichita: The Harmonious Life and Legacy of Thomas Shaw