Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-10-07

cheese is more profitable than the
manufacture of butter: What Is
the best system Of farm economy
resolved, that women have more
petty trials than men,: Resolved,
that old bachelors and old maids are
useful members of society,": Who
Is responsible for the success or fall
ure OF the Granger" Remembering
as we do many of the intelligent,
thoughtful men and women OF the
Grange in the early days. SVs for
example, well read. full of wit and
humor, we can imagine the spirited
discussion on these and other Ques-
tons that took place at the Grange
meetings.
In later years. many profitable
and Interesting meetings have been
held in Monmouth Grange hall.
Harvest Day. Children's Day and
other special days are observed an
nually. Old Friends Day has be-
come a yearly institution. a day when
friends old and new are invited to
meet and enjoy the hospitality of
the Grange. Noted speakers are
often entertained and their inspiring
addresses on some of the important
questions of the day have helped to
make our Grange what 1t is, an or
ganization OF patriotic. public-spirit-
ed men and women who are ready,
always, to embrace every opportu-
nifty for education and uplift.
In 1921 q ladies degree team was
organized. This has made name
for itself as doing most excellent
work and increasing the interest of
the meetings. The captain of the
team is Charles H. Berry. grandson
and namesake Of the third master Of
the Grange. whose picture hangs in
this hall. During the past season,
needed Improvements have been
made in the building, at considerable
cost.
Our membership at the present
time is EOS. The oldest member Is
Mrs. Sarah ]. Simpson of Auburn.
IS years OF age, whose pictured face
smiles on us from the wall. We re-
greet that she is not able to be pres
emit today but we know she Is with
us in spirit.
Mrs. Simpson Joined the Grange ~
wears ago and recalls the fact that
this hall was in process of erection.
She took her degrees in the third
floor hall which was in an unfinished
condition. The officers desks were
boards laid across barrels. Although
Mrs. Simpson joined another grange
for q time when she removed from
Monmouth, her interest in and love
for Monmouth Grange has ever been
paramount, and about a year ago
she again became a member here.
The associations of earlier years
are dear to her memory. She recalls
particularly the kindness OF the
grange when she and her husband
lost their home by fire. The women
met together with sewing machines
and material and made bedding and
clothing to replace that which was
burned: the men brought supplies or
food and cut the winters wood: and
when the buildings were placed, help
ed in their construction.
Among the pleasant gatherings at
our grange hall, other than the res.
ular meetings, have been several
wedding receptions: if recent years,
those of Mr.. and Mrs. 7. II. Petten-
gill, Mr.. and Mrs. Berton Robinson.
Mr.. and Mrs. Frank Kilman. Mr.. and
Mrs. Wesley Cook. MIR. and Mrs.
George Ridlon and Mr.. and Mrs.
Harold Smith. One marriage cere-
mony has been performed here, that
of Mr.. and Mrs. George Pottle, on
Jan. S. 1895.
During the fifty years OF eXistance.
Monmouth Grange has had twenty
four Masters. Henry Bates was mas
ter in 1899 and 1900 and Is the earl
lest living master. After him came
c. w. Warren who Is the oldest liv-
ing MASTER aged 81 years. During
the half century the grange has had
16 secretaries. Mrs. Carrie r. Deane
has held the office since 1913, twelve
years, the longest term of service in
the history of the order.
We have briefly reviewed the bis
tory of the grange since its organ
ization, fifty years ago. IL has grown
and broadened until 1t is a commun-
ity center where old and young may
meet and avail themselves of its SOL
cial and educational advantage. It's
influence for good in the life of the
town can hardly he overestimated.
Who can tell what fields of useful
ness may open before 1t in the com.
ing years.