Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving with football, parades, or a good old-fashioned turkey, some traditions are truly timeless. Each year, we join hands around the table, appreciate how far we’ve come, and express thanks for the people and blessings that matter most, just as the Pilgrims did back in 1621.
It’s a story that holds special significance for all Americans – and that’s especially true here at The Mayflower.
Our namesake, the Mayflower, carried Pilgrims across the sea to make their home in a new land. To this day, we honor that legacy throughout our community, not only in our signature ship logo, but also in our street address (1620 Mayflower Court) and our phone number (407.672.1620), which commemorate the year the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock.
But that’s far from all … and if you take a tour of our main campus, you’ll discover a history lesson hidden in plain sight.
The Alden Hall apartment tower is named for John Alden, who served as a cooper (that is, a barrel-maker) aboard the Mayflower. Likewise, Bradford Hall is named for William Bradford, who served as Governor of Plymouth Colony during the very first Thanksgiving – and held the post intermittently for nearly 30 years after.
Those familiar with The Mayflower may recognize the Standish as our meeting and event room – but its namesake, Miles Standish, was a military officer who was integral to founding Plymouth Colony. (He also played the leading role in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s romantic-but-fictionalized poem, The Courtship of Miles Standish.)
Even today, we continue to celebrate our roots in the name of our brand-new neighborhood, Bristol Landing. The name was forged from two Pilgrim connections: Bristol County, Massachusetts, was created by Plymouth Colony in 1685 – and “Plymouth Landing,” of course, is the place where the Pilgrims first came ashore.
The connections don’t end there, and the astute eye will notice other small homages to historical names and places. Even as our community grows and changes, we remain proud to celebrate the legacy of the men and women whose bravery and determination paved the way for generations to follow.
For now, all of us here at The Mayflower wish you a very happy Thanksgiving! This year, as always, we’re thankful for the caring and gracious people who call our community home.
When you’re ready to get to know all the advantages of life at The Mayflower, send us a message or give us a call at 407-672-1620. We’d love to welcome you for a visit!