Connie has been after me for a while to write about the Grange. Having recently received a plaque from the Historical Commission, I thought now was the time.
The organization known as the Grange has its roots following the Civil War. In 1865, Oliver Hudson Kelley, a Boston born Minnesota farmer was called to Washington for a meeting with President Andrew Johnson. Kelley had been at different times a reporter, worked in a telegraph office, traded with the Indians, built the first frame barn and owned and operated the first reaper in Minnesota and was the first Mason in that State. Later, in D.C., he worked in a clerkship position in the Department of Agriculture, and by 1866 held a position in the U.S. Postal Department. It was Kelley that the President sent to travel the country, in particular, the South to access the conditions of agriculture in a hope of hastening rehabilitation of the country.
Kelley found conditions pitiable. Farmers and people in rural areas, not just in the South, but in the North as well, needed some kind of nationwide farm organization. It was to this end that he gathered together six friends all well acquainted with Washington and agriculture. These “7 Founders,” along with Kelley’s wife Lucy and niece Caroline organized what we know as the Grange. Because many of the men were Masons, much of the setup and ritual is similar with one BIG exception. From the very beginning, women were able to belong, hold office and vote on any and all matters. Of the 16 offices, four are for women only. Very early in the process, children as young as 12/14 were also able to join and participate. In many areas of the country today, there are Junior Granges for children as young as five to get together, run meetings to learn, as well as have fun.
Over the years, the Grange has grown in numbers and sadly in some areas declined. No matter, the National Grange has always worked closely with Government to pass legislature to aid families. It was because of the Grange that we have Rural Free Delivery (RFD) mail, Parcel Post and Agricultural Schools. Agriculture has always been a main goal, but along the way the organization has worked to protect and support forests, wildlife, Arbor Day observance, Fire and Police protection, better railroads, building the Panama Canal, St. Lawrence Seaway and so much more. It was the Grange that pushed for direct elections by the people for U.S. Senators rather than having them appointed. A great book to learn more is ‘The Grange – Friend of the Farmer’ by Charles M. Gardener.
From the beginning, the organization spread across the country with local Granges being formed in some cases in every town. The Massachusetts State Grange was formed in 1873 and celebrates 150 years this year. In 1905, Allen G. Ashley went door to door in Rochester trying to get people interested in forming a Grange. Finally in February 1906, a meeting was held in the North Rochester Social Union Hall (now a private home.) There were 81 Charter members. The first Agricultural Fair was held in 1909. Meetings were held with more and more people joining the ranks. Issues of the day both locally and nationally were discussed and voted on. Heated discussions often occurred. These early members took pride in their new organization and worked hard to make it last into the future.
It soon became apparent that a new meeting place was needed. Land was purchased from Mrs. Annie Hartley and a building, the Grange Hall, was built. The Grange Hall was dedicated in 1925 with 280 in attendance and the work continued.
From the beginning, members looked to helping others. Helping neighbors with farm work, chopping cords of wood for widows and neighbors in need, suppers raised money to help families burned out of their homes, etc. During WWII, ladies made bandages and other items to support the War effort. Many of you reading this will remember your 8th grade graduation being held on the stage, youth basketball, the boxing ring made by Bill Watling, now a display platform at the fair. In more recent times before Covid, the Grange supported Heifer Project, Words for Thirds and Foster Care. We hope to do so again. The Town rabies clinics were held there as well. The Boy Scouts still meet in the hall and hold their wonderful Trash Can Turkey Supper there every November.
For those of you who may not know, yes, the Grange is still here. We took a severe hit with Covid, and it’s been hard. If you would like to learn more, visit the National Grange or Massachusetts State Grange on their websites or talk to someone. By the way, new members are always welcome.
By Susan LaFleur