Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1907-07-02
Readfield GRANGE.

Saturday, June %, was a day af re-
ioicing in Readfield Grange. The &C.
casion was the payment of the debt
on the Grange hall and the realization
by the patrons that their Grange home
was free. The State master, o. Gard
nor, State Deputy c. S. Stetson,
County Deputy Mrs. Fellows, and 9TH
CT prominent members in the county
were present as guests. Nearby
oranges were we'll represented. Two
hundred and fifty took dinner in the
hall. The meeting was called to order
at II o'clock by w. NJ. C. Weston.
Song by Grange choir. The worthy
master then gave a brief history of the
Grange, it's early struggles, and finally
its need of new hall. Not only the
members of the order but citizens re-
spondcd literally and advanced the
funds needed. Bonds were issued, ten
per cent. with interest at four per cent.
being due yearly until paid. With the
building of the hall, new interest
seemed to prevail in Grange matters,
and the membership began To increase.
Tn" amount due on bonds was prompt
ly paid each year until the present, and
the amount on hand justified the call
ing in and cancellinS all Indebtedness.
AlluSion was made to the friendly re-
lations existing between the Grange
and the public. In former years those
outside the order had been very gen.
cr"us and helpful in aiding in the pltr-
chase of u site for the hall, and it's
location and patronizcd the entertain
ments for raising needed funds; and on
the other hand. the Grange opens and
gives free use of its hall and it's ap-
pnintmcnts for worthy purposes. In re-
ply to the worthy master. The treas
urcr reported the debts on the Grange
hall were all paid: and the trustees
reported they had the cancelled bonds
in their possession. 1t was then voted
that they lie burned, which was done.
a piano solo by Mrs. Mitchell fol-
lowed. The first master of Readfield
Grange, J. Q. Butman, was called upon
and responded. The absence of A. Il.
Clifford. master of the Grange, during
the building of the hall, was regretted.
Brother and Sister NJ. l.. Gray came
from their home in North Carolina to
be present at this meeting and visit
friends in The State. Bro GRAY was
chairman of the building committee
and Mrs. Gray was secretary of the
Grange for several years Both re-
spondcd briefly to the call from the
worthy master. Miss Maud Andrews
o1 Augusta gave one of her pleasing
Rotations and responded to an encore.
w. ii. Keith of Winthrop was called
upon and congratulated Rcadficld
Grange on its prosperity A rrcoss was
thcn taken for dinner In the afternoon,
Grange opened with a piano solo by
hrothcr Frccr. state Master Gardner
dedicated tn" Grange hall in 1898, and
was present to congratulate the MEM
bcrS on the prompt payment of the
Grange debt. His address was replcte
win SOUND advice. and while he was
Plcascd with the prosperity, he urged
the necessity of continued effort for
sun greater achievements, and never
TO consider the work finished; for then
Il decline would surely follow. Other
oranges in the State are on a line with
ltcadteld. doing equal work. Bro Gard
ncr spoke of the work the Grange is
doing for the benefit Of mankind and
inc great prosperity of the order
Miss Elliott, accompanied by Mrs.
Mall"tt gave several choice musical
selections, and songs by strong Choir
us Wore given during the day. Bro.
Stetson followed Bro. Gardner, and
spoke we'll for the Grange and what
1t was doing for the people.
Miss Andrews followed with a reci-
tation and these speakers then left
t" take the train for home. Mrs. Mas
t"rman was called for song and en-
cored. An amusing farce by Mrs. Mitch
ell and Mrs. Hunton was then Civ
en-. Mrs. Fellows of Startling Grange
was the last speaker. The venerable
grange worker and officer, D. H. Thing
was present and spoke briefly 1t was a
pleasure to greet Mrs. G. c. y. Became.
who was unable to respond to the
call of the master. Sister Beane is one
of the cnartcr members and has been
one of its chief supporters and Off
GERS.