The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1896-06-17
Grange Anniversary.

Agreeable to the notice given in the
last issue Of this paper the grangers and
their friends began to assemble in Forest
Grange Hall, at an early hour Saturday
forenoon, to celebrate the Sth anniversary
of the life of this particular link in a
chain of farmers societies that bind the
North and South from the Atlantic to the
Pacific in one great grange family.
There is an old saying that the "easiest
way to a mans heart is through his stom-
ach" and so the celebration took the form
of a good, old-fashioned grange picnic.
As soon as the young people commenced
gathering in, swing was put up and
other preparations made for an outdoor
festival. a slight shower, however,
compelled our good matrons to spread
the festal board within the hall, where
we, after doing credit to the feast, and in
justice to our stomachs, settled down
contentedly to enjoy whatever of a men
tai feast might be in store for us. After
the singing of several glees the assem-
blage was called to order by c. A. Henry,
lecturer of Forest Grange, and after the
singing of an appropriate ode, and a few
preliminary remarks by the chairman,
Brother Wheelock, Past Master of Lime
stone Grange, Warren Co., was intro
duced, who in a very able manner
showed us how the grange could and was
helping them to improve their condition
as tillers of the soil. Brother Wheelock
is an earnest supporter Of the grange and
nd if. ,Vl- t,l
ure to listen to his talk. We are sorry
that he does not live as close to us as we
do 10 him, for if he did we could have the
pleasure OF hearing him talk much Of
tener. After the singing of another Sc
lection by the choir, w. f. Hill of West
ford, Pa, lecturer of State Grange, was
introduced, whoi in very interesting and
instructive discourse explained the
grange-work in general, and its educa-
tional features in particular. He explain
ed to us how the grange was the best
school eXtant for the development of a
high order Of citizenship in a farming
community. Education is the chief end
and purpose of the order and the good
work goes steadily on. About twenty
seven thousand subordinate oranges
have already been organized, every one
of which is a school for the farmer and
his family. Isolation, distrust, supersti-
tion, prejudice and ignorance are giving
place to social enjoyment and culture,
confidence, well grounded faith, liberal
ity, charity and intelligence. The grange
has been in existence longer than any
other farmers organization, and has
proved its claims. 1t has outlived the
period of ridicule, distrust and fierce OPP
position, and as a farmers organization
it is stronger to-day than at any previous
| time in its history of more than quar-
| ter OF a century.
This interesting lecture was followed
by song, after which the assemblago re-
| paired to their respective homes to get
their evening meal, do the chores, etc.
| But by S o'clock many of ths same faces
were again seen at the hall, and many
others came and we had treat in the
| lecture given by Brother Hill. bespoke
almost entirely on the oranges power in
| legislation, discrimination, taxation, ap-
preparation and represen sentation. He told
us that the grange could claim but one
representative years ago in the House
of Representatives against 90 this current
| year. lie showed how the farmers who
were selhshly keeping aloof from the
| grange, We're gladly reaping share OF
the oranges accomplishments. How
the grange had unbeknown TO those out
side brought to them, as well as grangers
great benefits. How in all this good
work the grange was non-partisan.
We are very greatful 10 Brother hin loI
his kindness In coming SO far 10 be with
and instruct MS, aud we hope the good
seed sown may bring forth much lruit
Long live the Grange! A PATRON.