Daily Kennebec journal., 1922-02-21

money being raised by subscription
from officers and members, through
the untiring zeal of Josiah Norris
and Charles Gott. Brother Fred
Leach made attractive stands for
each officers station and the Ladies
Auxiliary purchased a stove for dim
ing hall. The current topic in the
spring Of 1919, was hard wood floor
in the upper hall. Brother Wesley
Norris had a vision of victory and
the conqueror started out on his
quest for the necessary funds. Liber-
al amounts were contributed by
members and many friends outside
the order helped swell the fund with
their contributions. Entertainments
and dances were held and in August
1919, a fine hard wood floor was laid,
the labor being given. In March
1920, electric lights were installed in
the dining hall and kitchen. In OBJ
serving their Goth birthday. Wayne
Grange goes on record free of any
debt. Those serving as master the
past twenty years are as follows:
Luther Norris, 1902; John Cram.
1908: Charles Norris, 1904 and 1905;
James Moulton, 1906 and 1907;
Charles Norris, 1905; Charles Wing,
1903; Josiah Norris, 1910 and 1911;
John Gott. 1912; Charles Gott, 1918,
1914 and 1915; Josiah Norris, 1916
II; Charles Norris. 1915; Percy
Brown, 1890; Charles Norris,
1921.
During the twenty years the
grange has taken in by demit. un-
AFFILIATED and initiated one hundred
and seventy-seven members, togeth-
er with the twenty-thrce charter
members, makes a total of two hun
dred. The largest membership at one
time was ninety-six, in 1911, when
Josiah Norris was master, the goal
attempted being one hundred. The
loss Of membership has been, thirty
two by death, thirty-seven by demit,
fifty suspended for non-pay-
ments Of dues. At this time there
are seventy-four members in good
standing.
Wayne was the first grange to
start boys and girls fair which was
nv SOiiiAlCu W ldHStlS
but every boy and girl that competed
was entitled to the prize. This fair
was held every fall, as long as the
children showed any interest. There
are many red letter days, of pleasure
,, interchange of visits with other
oranges not recorded, which are all
| enterwined with the struggles for
achievement. The retrospective view
of Wayne Grange. shows marked
progress along all lines. Needless to
say there have been days of storm,
shadow and encouragement, many
| meetings not enough for a quorum,
but with the firm unfaltering faith
of the patriarchs of old. willing
hands of the true husbandman and
| matron, have held faithfully to the
plow, nurturing the divine hope, that
perseverance will yield the abund
ant harvest.
! Following the history came sing
| ing by the grange. In the responses
to the roll call. MY memories OF
! Wayne Grange" one could readily
see how much pleasure and profit
each individual had derived from the
fellowship and uplift as united la
borers. Sister Ella Maxim read ar
original alphabetical history OF
grange members, which was ir
rhyme, short and to the point. Vocal
duet, Carolette Burgess and Blanche
Wright. Sketch of Longfellow, Ella
Maxim. An interesting description
of Longfellow's home in Portland
was given by Mrs. Burgess. Quota
tions from Longfellow and singing
closed the program. One visitor was
present, Brother Norton of Strong.