The Newtown bee., 1897-01-08
In Litcbfeld County
BETHLEHEM.

THE SIXTH ANNIVERSARY OF BETHLEHEM
 GRANGE.
 The following paper was read at the anniversary meeting of Bethlehem Grange, Monday night, by Amos c. Ls ke, who for four years has been the efficient treasurer. Six years ago 35 of the inhab itants of this town met together and formed the Bethlehem Grange, making an obligation implied and understood, to be just and true to each other and labor for the best interests, improve our moral and social condition, benefit our finan. cial interests and to labor for the com- mon good of all. It is well for the mem- ories of the past to be like sun dial, ,only marking the hours that shine. The six years of the life of Bethlehem Grange have not passed by without bright and pleasant events, and the accomplishment of some good. The development of the ability of it's members to express their views in public has been one of the good things accomplished, One fact that came to my notice illustrated that point. At a social gathering in our town some time since there was present from out of town a person, native and for some time resident of this town. Several of our patrons responded to the call from the toastmaster of tae evening in very pleasant manner. This person remarked to me that they did not know as we had so many men that could speak so well. 1 replied that it was the Grange that had brought out their ability. We have be come better acquainted with our fellow townspeople, and by gathering in Po- mona meetings have had an opportunity to meet people in adjoining towns. This has given us a chance to rub against each other and wear off the rough corners of our make up, gathering ideas, increasing the activity of our mental powers and ad- vancing with the rest of the world in this age. Socially our Grange has been a success. We have been enter tained by our neighboring Oranges, and in turn have entertained them. Financi- lIxr ho p,t our greatest benefit in that direction has been probably derived from our trade cards. This may be due to the fact that a large number of our members go to Waterbury for market and naturally will do large amount of their trading there, although there is no question in my mind but that we have reduced the profits in more than one case. There are many ways we might buy to- gether and make a good saving if we would, and hope we may grasp the op- in the near future to do so. It Is with feeling of sadness and regret | hat look about this hall and see the va can't chairs and miss the presence of so | many of our absent friends, once mem- oers who have withdrawn from our Grange, many of them active and useful i brothers and sisters. If each member who has withdrawn from us was obliged | 70 write on the back of their chair the ] cause of their withdrawal, what would | we find written on several of them? I | will leave that for each of you to imag | ne. But l fear it would not bring pleas. mt recollections to our mind. The time | las come for us to seek remedy for all | his. Let us arise in our might, good and | rue brothers and sisters, put aside all hatred and malice in our minds and have | ,nly one thought in our minds, the good | md true welfare of our Grange. We | nave enough of the right kind of blood | eft in us yet to sustain and maintain the | Grange. Let us arise in our might and a | bright future is before us.
 Warren Taylor has sold his oxen, an | extra good pair, to Alderman Judson.
 Joseph Warner has opened the black smith shop at the Center, and has had a good run of patronage. The shop has been closed for some months, and many who are called to the Center for mail and | trading are pleased to have the shop fired up" again.
 The private school seems to prosper lnder the leadership of A. c. Barrows. There are at present about 25 scholars enrolled. MT Barrows is a graduate of Brown university, and has made pleas ng impression on all who have met him.
 Howard, the young son of William Morgan, had his collar bone broken while
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