St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1911-07-19
The
National Grange
THINGS DONE BY ORANGES
Instances Of Community Service That
Reveal One Practical Side OF
Orders Work.

Real community service is being rem
dered by many Oranges throughout
the country, in addition to what they
do for their own members and within
the inner circles of their own direct
activities. Below are cited instances
where Oranges have done things" for
the good of their local communities
These are gathered from many states
and they all combine to reveal a highly
practical side of Grange work:
One Grange set going movement
for cleaner streets and to accomplish
that end it purchased from its own
funds considerable number OF rub
bish boxes, which were placed at con-
venient intervals along the sidewalks
throughout the center of the village.
On the front was inscribed: Help the
Grange keep our town clean" The eff
feet was very marked and the amount
of rubbish, loose papers, etc., that had
formerly been thrown, carelessly about
the streets was at once reduced to the
minimum, while a general awakening
of interest to keep the village neat
and tidy has distinctly shown itself in
that community.
A Fourth of July celebration held
under Grange direction and by Grange
effort netted handsome sum in one
community that was far removed from
the large centers. At the next Grange
meeting those entire proceeds were
voted turned over to the little strug-
Cling village church, to help it close
its year free from debt.
A fine stone watering trough is q
much-appreciated convenience in one
community because the Grange raised
the money, had the stone cut, the
trough set in place and connected with
q fine spring Of never-failing running
water On the front is plainly cut the
name and the number of the Grange
and many a thirsty traveller, and per-
chance perspiring animal, blesses the
Grange that thus evidenced its COM
munity interest along thoughtful and
practical lines.
Telephone lines, without number,
owe their existence, with all the con-
venience and comfort they bring to
isolated country homes, because the
Grange led the way in getting the line
through, when it seemed doubtful
whether it could be done. Movements
to secure the erection of proper guide
boards, the repair Of dangerous
bridges, Strengthening of bad road
curves. and a variety Of other local
improvements in rural communities
can be traced to Grange agitation and
leadership, often followed by actual
work and even the expenditure Of
Grange funds to accomplish the end
desired
One Grange assumed the care of the
village cemetery for a year, kept the
grass neatly moved, the stones erect
and the whole appearance neat and
attractive during its year of care. The
Grange also set going several plans
for permanent improvement that later
were gratifyingly carried out
An implement exchange" is con-
Quoted under the auspices of one
Grange that is located in an exclusive
~ agricultural community A pur-
chase was made of several pieces of
farm machinery and these are rented
to the farmers of the place at price
just sufficient to make the Grange
whole on it's investment This has
been a Godsend to some of the poorer
farmers, the younger ones particularly,
who had been forced to do much Of
their work by old hand methods, be-
cause lacking the funds to buy mod
ern improved machinery.