Category: History and Trivia

Grange information

Historic Moment at Jonesboro Grange

by Rebekah Hodgson

For the first time in history, Jonesboro Grange has water inside the building from their OWN water source!

Jonesboro Grange President, John Cox Jr., can be seen in the red checkered plaid looking over the project.

“Back in the 1960s, Jonesboro Grange shared a water source with the town office. Construction on the Route 1 road severed that water line, and since the 60’s, the Grange has been without a water source. This is a historic moment to have our own well, which we did a lot of fundraising for, to be hooked up to our building. Everything we do is for the people, they are the reason we are where we are in 2025.” – John Cox Jr.

From the doors almost closing for good in 2019 to a new metal roof, new windows, and a well with water IN the building, along with many other improvements in 2025, this moment is treasured by many.

Members, volunteers, and the community have rallied to raise funds, along with receiving funds from welcoming members from a neighboring Grange that unfortunately closed. There have been many high and low moments leading up to this moment with early mornings, late nights, brainstorming, stressful moments, waiting, fundraising, sacrifices, joy, and literal blood, sweat and tears have brought us here.

Thank you to Shannon Drilling Waterwells and J & J Construction for making this happen!

Congratulations to Jonesboro Grange and the community on this momentous event!

Photos courtesy of Jim Cox of J & J Construction.

Celebrate Independence Day

The Fourth of July – also known as Independence Day or July 4th – has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941; but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolutionary War.

On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted in favor of independence. Two days later, delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson.

The Declaration of Independence allowed Congress to seek alliances with foreign countries, and the fledgling U.S. formed its most important alliance early in 1778 with France. Without France’s support, America might well have lost the Revolutionary War.

The war waged by the American colonies against Britain, which began more than a year earlier in April 1775 at Lexington and Concord near Boston, would eventually end when British forces surrendered in Yorktown, Virginia. Yet the Declaration and America’s victory had far-reaching effects around the globe as other nations saw a small novel nation win its freedom from the greatest military force of its time.

From 1776 to today, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues. This year’s Independence Day will be on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.

Reprinted with permission from a newsletter published by Senator Stacey Guerin, District 4.

Patriot’s Day

Only a handful of states recognize an upcoming state holiday that many others around the country know little about. Patriot’s Day is on Monday, April 17, and is celebrated officially only in Maine, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Connecticut, and North Dakota. The latter two recently adopted the holiday in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

With origins stemming from Fast Day, a holiday tied to a time when Maine was still a Massachusetts territory before achieving statehood in 1820, Patriot’s Day (spelled Patriots’ Day outside of Maine) was officially adopted long after statehood in 1907 and originally celebrated on April 19. It was moved to the third Monday of April in 1969.

The holiday commemorates the battles of colonists against British soldiers in Lexington, Concord and Menotomy in Massachusetts on April 19, 1775, which officially began hostilities in the American Revolutionary War. In fact, it was the day referenced in Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Concord Hymn,” in which he describes the first shot fired at Concord’s North Bridge as the “shot heard round the world.” Today, the holiday is also marked by the Boston Marathon, which has been held on Patriot’s Day nearly every year since 1897. Click here for more historical information about what the day celebrates.

Reprinted with permission from an e-newsletter published by Senator Stacey Guerin, Maine District 4.

That’s a Lotta Maine Grangers!

This “photo of a photo” is compliments of James Clements. He has the original photo which appears to be from the late 1800s and contains over 100 people. The actual photo is 41″ wide and 8″ tall!

Imagine trying to get every to smile at the same time!

James is interested in finding a good home for this photograph. If you have suggestions or are willing to assist, let us know and we’ll connect you with him!

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