Ken Mulheran

Ken Mulheran, State Farm Agent, proudly serves the communities of Mokena, Frankfort, New Lenox, and the Manhattan-Lincoln Way area. With over 21 years of experience with State Farm, I opened my office in 2023 to provide reliable insurance services to our neighbors.

Our team is dedicated to assisting you with Auto, Home, and Life Insurance needs. We are licensed in both Illinois and Indiana, offering comprehensive coverage options. Whether you’re looking for Renters, Motorcycle, or Condo Insurance, we are here to help.

As a proud State Farm agent, my goal is to build strong community relationships and provide the insurance coverage you need. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling and volunteering, reflecting my commitment to community involvement.

I have been a resident of the area for over 20 years and am actively involved in the Lions Club and the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce. I have a wonderful family, including my wife, a speech pathologist, and our three children.

The history of Thanksgiving dates back to the early 17th century and is closely tied to the Pilgrims, early European settlers in North America, and Native Americans.

Early Origins:

• In 1620, a group of English Pilgrims sailed to North America on the Mayflower and established the Plymouth Colony in present-day Massachusetts.

• After a harsh first winter with many deaths, the Pilgrims received crucial help from the Wampanoag people, a Native American tribe, who taught them how to cultivate corn, fish, and gather local resources.

• In the fall of 1621, after their first successful harvest, the Pilgrims held a feast to celebrate and give thanks. This event is often considered the "First Thanksgiving." The feast was attended by 53 Pilgrims and approximately 90 Wampanoag people.

Development as a Tradition:

• Thanksgiving celebrations occurred sporadically and on different dates in various colonies over the following centuries.

• It was often proclaimed as a day of thanksgiving by religious or political leaders to mark events such as the end of droughts, military victories, or successful harvests.

Establishment as a National Holiday:

• During the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day in 1863 to be celebrated on the final Thursday of November, aiming to unite the country.

• In 1941, the U.S. Congress officially established Thanksgiving as a national holiday to be celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November.

In Canada:

• Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of October.

• The Canadian Thanksgiving also has roots in European harvest festivals and is influenced by early explorers giving thanks for safe journeys and bountiful harvests.

Modern Significance:

Today, Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to gather, share a meal, and express gratitude. The holiday also includes parades, football games, and volunteer activities. While it honors cooperation between Pilgrims and Native Americans, contemporary perspectives also acknowledge the complex history and impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples.