The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1879-07-03

Grange 1ociaAls.
The events Of every day life follow
each sother in such rapid succession
that ve ecsrcely have time 70 ehroni-
Gle their merits, or dement's, ere they
are borne away as the things that were,
having only the clouds or sunshine to
reflect their light and shadows on
memory's wall. But ere q passing
event that trsnspired Of late Is swept
on by the noiseless footsteps of Time
into the treasured past, where SO much
OF our lives lie hidden, let us rsveal to
your columns, one Of the enjoyable,
and never to be forgotten sociabIes,
held.At Mr.. VIM. Stevens, whose resi-
dence, a6oending ffom the west, is sit-
uated at the brow OF Hiram hill. All
who have ever bod occasion to pass
that way, know whatiis commonly
called the Rider rod, has for years
been noted for its pictdfesque beauty
and grandeur. Tie neat and method
heal manner In which those ludustrious
farmers conduct their Garuss Eissworthy
'of.nolice and the limitation Of all who
own bnifms. On the 18th, as the long
cooling shadows stretched toward the
east, and the round ,orbed sun had just
the edge Of the western woods
ehd hills with its golden rays. lighting
up the clouds likea ! gorgeous banner,
might be seen carriages from al direc-
tions vending their way to the hos
pitable home.of Bro. Stevens; and they
continued to come I'LL the hour grew
late, and the spacious rooms were
filled by friends and neighbsrs, tn re-
pletion, After the usual greetings,
of hands and words of friendl
ly cheer were spoken, the house was
called to order by Master Sanford, fol- |
lowed by tho singing OF several select
pieces by the Grange choir. Az We
to the sweet breath Of song, as |
It floated out on the evening cir, we
could almost imagine that we stood on
the border land of the Leal.'s from |
whence immortal melodies were being |
waited down through tho Golden |
IS Gates ajar;" awakening that divine |
within the precinct Of the
soul which only the vibrating melody
of song can awaken. When the sing
ing had ceased and the silent tear that
some eyes had been brushed
away, Rev. Milton Moore was request
ed to- make = few remarks.s Unfor-
being in another part of the
house. we could only catch ah occa-
sional sentence. The DRIFT Of his re-
marks was that we created, to . certain
extent, our Enjoyment and SORROW that |
was the secret lock that
anbarred the door Of our existence to
let in the sunshine. He saad he en-
iorsed the sentiments of Rev. Hepry
Ward, that all might be comparatively |
happy ifthey would make the best Of
Life. Mr.. Moore Ii deliberate, candid |
talker. His remarks ut the Grange, or |
arc always ffaught with
practical sentiments.
Then followed the reiterated call for
A. 8. Beecher to take the ho0r, who |
in his usual pleasing and In |
manner, somewhat 1T length,
On the objects Of the Grange organiza-
lion, which were listened to BY those |
Dutside of the Order with marked at-
He stated the following !
ideas: The Grange II not only an or
ganized movement to forward aud per-
petuate more studiously and scientific
ally, the art Of agriculture, to discuss
The methods followed by the best re-
suits from tillfng the soil, but Il was |
The farmers social home. wherein we
cast aside the political and religious |
meet as one in the common |
brotherhood OF humanity, to mutually
bless and encourage each other; also to
pave the way to q higher culture,
broadening urcharities, thereby teach
ing as to umbitle into every act Of life |
the import Of the Golden Rule; That |
We hope to enkindle renewed life and |
in the hearts OF all who were
Der the stony cliff toward
life's goal. ...
The next In order. aud very much tof
our surprise, was an invitation. by our
Kind host and hostess, to accompany
hem TO the dining room, for refreah-
ments were waiting. Lol We would
pause here, for no pen Of ours can por.
nay the sight that met our eyes. To
'ay there spread out before our gass,
vas = long table. that groaned beneath
ts burden of luscious strawberries,
sQldens cream and delicate pastry,
would be i homeiy shadow cast beside
he real. Only those that were there
AN reatizs' to what extent the art Of
cooking can be perfected. aud how
much Of this accomplishment b due
% Mrs. Stevens. - isssfsts
After all had partaken Of the gem
,rous repast, Mr.. II. Rider was called
IN to give his experience Of farm life.
Hr. Rider held the idea that farming,
ike every other duty Of life, should be
made practical. He said he would not
ldvise any farmer to fellow the exam-I
pie of gentleman whom he met some
lime ago. who was running for ofIice,
hat would repeatedly come to Raven.
IA and expatiate upon the beauties Of
tell how he loved the
'mell Of the soil, and 20 on. He scared
o such sublime heights that some