Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-03-18
FAIRFIELD.
CLINTON GRANGE.
Twenty first Anniversary Appropriate
ly Observed.

Clinton Grange observed its 21st an
niversary Tuesday at the hall. The
meeting was the largest held at the
hall for a long time. The meeting was
called to order at 1890 o'clock by the
master, l.. T. Merrill. The Clinton
Grange Choir assisted in the opening
exercises. An address of welcome was
delivered by the master A goodly del
egation was present by invitation, from
Benton Grange at Benton Station.
A brief history Of the Grange was
read by Worthy Lecturer Lee Steward.
The history was closely listened to.
Starting with go members, the member
ship has grown to 26S. A letter from
an absent member, in California for
her health, was read by Mrs. Lottie
Cain. The principal address was de-
livered by State Lecturer w. J.
Thompson.
Each of the charter members present
was called on to tell of the early start
OF the Grange. The idea Of organizing
lodge was not to be dissuaded. A few
dubbed together and secured one little
room in d store called the Foster
store" and met occasionally. Soon they
began to swell Interest increased The
leaders received Encouragement and
devoted more time to the matter, fin
ally securing the names of 60, the num-
Der sufficient to obtain charter, which
was received in 1887. By sticking at it
success crowned the Oranges efforts
In few years it purchased the entire
store and set to work to fit up the
large hall in the upper part. The
IN, fI,a
debt and remodel the building to suit
the reeds of constantly growing Or
ganiZation. Today many electric lights
furnish illumination. One of the best
halls in the section is the property of
Clinton Grange.
Today the Grange is n power for good
In the community, factor in the up
building of the morals. character and in
dustry of the town. The membership is
unanimous for the constant growth of
the order and as result only the most
active and energetic members are secur-
Ing the offices. Following these individ-
ual stories a countful dinner was served
by the ladies of the Grange.
The afternoon session was commenced
with singing by members of Benton
Grange. Ami Berry. violin; George Good
win. bones: Mrs. Venie Stinchfeld, Or
eanist; Percy Randlett and Mrs. Angelina
Roundy. The feature of the session was
the address of State Master Stetson. Mr..
Stetson called the attention of his lis
teners to the vast importance Of all
studying and discussing the leading uues-
lions of the day. Each question should
be thoroughly understood in order that
all could vote at the coming election I'M
derstandingly and with familiarity with
the object of voting. He advised voting
Tor the hest and most able men for public
offices. By the proper investigating of all
questions such result could be accom-
plished. He spoke of the steadily in
creasng numbers of the Oranges. and
predicted that in the next two years the
membership would increase to such an
extent that many would so desire to be-
come identified with the organization that
they would seek admittance.
An original poem was read by Miss
Blanche Roundy. A recitation by Mrs.
Willis Cain and music by Ami Berry con-
cluded the musical program
Mrs. Ella Kennedy, lecturer of Clinton
Grange, was complimented upon the ex-
cellence of the program. During the clos
ing moments of the profitable session the
lecturer called upon the visiting mem
bers. Master of Benton Grange Albert
Reed. Past Master Fred Pollard and Rev.
A. p. Reed addressed the meeting, all
voicing the well wishes of Benton Grange
for the continued progress of Clinton
Grange.