Category: Grange Principle and Practice

Meandering Around the Grange Way of Life

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Abandoning Traditions

By Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist

A tradition I haven’t abandoned is keeping an eye and ear out for community service opportunities. I also have some appreciation for burial traditions, so it was quite natural that I jumped at the chance to join a restoration project undertaken by the Abbot Historical Society. Volunteers are meeting for a couple of hours each week to clean and restore the stones in Abbot’s oldest cemetery. It’s a fun project—one where you can immediately see the results of your work. It makes you think. It makes you feel good.

My first “assignment” included an almost illegible stone that read simply, “Baby.” When I told my friend Jack what I’d done, he replied, “Everyone does their best to make life work… Keeping gravestones clean is a nice reminder of how the system works. Not a bad spiritual exercise.”

I’m always a “flag holder straightener” and it didn’t take long to notice there were many opportunities. While doing that, I noticed many short holders without flags. I didn’t count, but in the section I was working in, there were a lot of them! A closer look revealed that they were all Grange flag holders! On the one hand, it wasn’t a surprise. At one time, Abbot had a very active Grange (#329—right on the holder). The surprise was how many there were! Since these were custom-made with the Grange number, one might assume that Abbot Grange maintained a tradition of providing one whenever a member passed. I have tried to visualize blue Grange flags flying. Since this cemetery is right across from the town hall, on the main highway through town, what an amazing display it must have been.

Unfortunately, the tradition and Grange are gone. But at least part of it remains, and I’ve decided to “restore” every marker with some cleaning and painting. Like the stones, this is definitely a long-range project and “not a bad spiritual (and Grange) exercise.”

I’m reminded of another Grange sign that must have existed for a while. Frankly, I’m still kicking myself for not buying this when I saw it. It was a slightly rusted green and white sign that probably was made to hang on a barn that declared Grange Membership. I don’t recall the exact wording, but it was something like, “This is a Grange Farm.”

In life and death, as the song proclaims, “It’s a good thing to be a Granger.” Traditions such as these served as a visual reminder of the Grange Way of Life.

Of course, traditions change. We could probably have an interesting discussion (lecturer’s program?) about the burial customs. Tillers International (where I learned to communicate with oxen) is offering a workshop during which students will build their own caskets in anticipation of an environmentally friendly burial. Until needed, it serves as a bookcase.

If, as Jack suggests, “Everyone does their best to make life work,” a reasonable question might be how the Grange supports that. Perhaps some of our traditions and ritual do so and maintaining them is “a nice reminder of how the system works.” I have always valued our connection with the earth—the biggest system we live in.

We may abandon some of the Grange’s traditional practices for many reasons, but we should do so thoughtfully and deliberately. A word that comes to mind is “legacy,” defined as something handed down from the past. Flag holders and farm signs are simple reminders of our legacy. These flag holders are reminders of a time when everyone knew what the Grange was and what it was about. I know that painting and making them more visible isn’t enough to preserve the memory and meaning, but it may trigger people’s interest. Besides, it’s not a bad spiritual exercise.

(Grange flag holders (slightly different) and flags are still available through the Monroe Classics Grange Store.)

Any degree or ritual quotations are from the forty-sixth edition of the 2013 Subordinate Grange Manual or the most recent edition of the Pomona Grange Manual. The views and opinions expressed in “Exploring Traditions” are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official doctrine and policy of the Grange. Information about the book “Exploring Traditions—Celebrating the Grange Way of Life” can be found at http://abbotvillagepress.com, on Mr. Boomsma’s Amazon Author Page, or by contacting the author.

Meandering Around the Grange Way of Life

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When Useless Things Aren’t

By Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist

Road Trip 2024 is over, at least in the sense that the travel is complete. We traveled through eight states and over 3,500 miles. The theme of the trip was “simplicity and tradition.”

Traditions are beliefs and practices that are passed down from generation to generation, usually by word of mouth or actual practice. Much of the Grange Ritual falls into this category.

One of the things I wanted to explore was how “tradition” fits into a society that is changing at an increasingly fast pace. There was some irony in the call from a news reporter just before I left. Elizabeth Waltztoni of the Bangor Daily News wanted to discuss how (or if) the Grange was gaining new members and making good use of the often historic halls. The answer was given in the headline, “Once town centers of agriculture, these public spaces haven’t quite disappeared.” It’s a thoroughly researched and objective article.

One of tradition’s values is that it fosters social bonding and cohesion. In simplest terms, it brings people together with often unstated values and beliefs.

In essentials, unity…

Of course, the beginning of the Grange Slogan raises an important question: “What are the essentials?” In a society marked by increasing discord, it’s an important question! Our essentials are—or should be—our core values. Those values should be simple and straightforward and a focus of our practice and traditions.

In non-essentials, liberty…

There were two instructors at the oxen-driving workshop I attended. Each had a slightly different style and approach. They agreed on the fundamentals, so there was no confusion there. (“In essentials, unity…”) However, by seeing those differences, I was forced to consider my own approach and style. That’s an important point. Even with tradition, there is room for tolerance. What one sees as essential, another may totally dismiss.

I remember sitting in a meeting once and watching an argument develop regarding which foot to lead with during some Grange floorwork. It was sadly entertaining because it focused on differences of opinion. It lost sight of the essentials. (It might be important that two people “marching” together be in sync, but does it matter if they start with the left or right foot?)

In all things, charity.

One of the reasons I love the Grange Slogan is that it’s simple. It’s a great reminder that as we travel through life, we can be guided by “charity” or love. Under that guideline, we celebrate the essentials we share and allow each other the freedom to have differences.

Something simple is not always easy. Communicating with oxen is pretty simple, but I can testify to the fact that it’s not easy.

One of our daily chores involved getting fifteen bales of straw from the upper barn and delivering them to a different location. This was a learn-by-doing workshop. When we discussed our plan for the day, Instructor Rob said, “Using the oxen means it will probably take an hour and a half. We could hop on a tractor and do it in fifteen minutes. But what would the fun be of that?”

He could have pointed out that we wouldn’t learn much about oxen if we used the tractor. Instead, he made us think about what was important and reminded us that learning and work can be fun.

When we have a Grange Meeting, we could eliminate the ritual and save some time. But what would be the fun of that?

Perhaps during the closing of the meeting, there could be a follow-up question to the Master’s question, “Worthy Overseer, are the labors of the day complete?”

Overseer: “They are, Worthy Master.”

Master: “Did we learn anything and have fun?”

All, in unison: “We did!”

Any degree or ritual quotations are from the forty-sixth edition of the 2013 Subordinate Grange Manual or the most recent edition of the Pomona Grange Manual. The views and opinions expressed in “Exploring Traditions” are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official doctrine and policy of the Grange. Information about the book “Exploring Traditions—Celebrating the Grange Way of Life” can be found at http://abbotvillagepress.com, on Mr. Boomsma’s Amazon Author Page, or by contacting the author.

Meandering Around the Grange Way of Life

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When Useless Things Aren’t

By Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist

I briefly considered taking a sabbatical from writing this column during a summer road trip that spans two months. Then it occurred to me that I might find a connection between the trip and the columns. Plus, I can justify writing about the trip I’m so looking forward to!

Occasionally, I allow myself to speculate on the differences between the “Grange Way of Life” during the formative years of the organization and today. It’s easy to see the differences, but it’s fun and valuable to identify the similarities. An important value of tradition and ritual is familiarity. When we attend a Grange Meeting, we probably park in the same place each time. Our predecessors likely stabled their horses accordingly.

While it wasn’t totally intentional, this summer’s road trip is about tradition. We’ll spend a week among the Amish in Ohio, where we last visited nearly forty years ago. I’ve been warned to expect a lot of change, so I plan to look for things that haven’t changed much. Since the Amish accept change hesitantly and deliberately, what better place to look?

The ultimate objective of the trip is Scott, Michigan–the home of Tillers International. Here I will spend four days learning how to train and drive a team of oxen. Why?

If you’ll permit a digression, many years ago, I was part of a team of Grangers who answered the phones at a PBS telethon. Viewers were invited to call with questions as well as donations. We wrote down the questions and handed them to the celebrity hosts for on-air replies. The program running during the telethon featured classical music including some Italian Opera. During one of my calls, the caller asked, “Why is that guy singing in Italian?” When I showed the question to Rick Tyler, he grabbed the paper and walked towards the camera. I remember it as if it was yesterday. He stood in front of the camera and read the question, then explained, “He’s singing in Italian because he can, Rose.”

At the time, I found it funny. After laughing, I realized it was also insightful. Sometimes we need to do things just because we can–that’s enough of a reason.

In my early explanations of why I was attending this workshop, I often joked, “It may be one of the most useless things I’ve ever done.” I suppose I could just say, “Because I can.” Do we really have to have a reason for everything we do?

Maybe, instead of seeking memorable experiences, we could seek experiences (even ones that seem useless) and then see if they become memorable and useful.

My friends, the person who has been speaking to you is that worst of enemies to progress—ignorance, attended by his companions, sloth and superstition. Give them no heed if you hope to advance.

Assistant Steward to candidates during the First Degree

The Grange Way of Life goes beyond being open to experiences and learning. If we are to progress and grow, we must abandon ignorance, sloth (laziness), and superstition (commonly seen as fear of the unknown). While it’s not limited to vacations, they can be a great time to try something different and, maybe even a little bit crazy.

I’ll let you know how it goes.

Any degree or ritual quotations are from the forty-sixth edition of the 2013 Subordinate Grange Manual or the most recent edition of the Pomona Grange Manual. The views and opinions expressed in “Exploring Traditions” are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official doctrine and policy of the Grange. Information about the book “Exploring Traditions—Celebrating the Grange Way of Life” can be found at http://abbotvillagepress.com, on Mr. Boomsma’s Amazon Author Page, or by contacting the author.

Meandering Around the Grange Way of Life

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Owner or Steward?

By Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist

A dairy farmer recently shared his thoughts and feelings regarding his favorite cow, Judy. A terminal illness meant a tough decision on his part. Explaining that decision, he observed, “ I do not own these cows. I am their steward.” He added that meant he was obligated to decide in the best interest of Judy and not on what he thought, felt, or wanted.

“It is required in Stewards that they be found faithful.”

Opening statement when installing the office of Steward

A simple definition of “steward” is one who manages the property of others. So we could rightly ask the Installing Officer, “To whom am I expected to be faithful?” The remainder of the charge given by the installing officer describes the steward’s obligation to the overseer, to “new workers,” and to “keep safely and in proper order the property of the Grange,” noting, “It requires good judgment on your part.” That might be an understatement.

I often visit a local dairy farm where we buy our milk—not quite directly from the cows, but from their steward. But I do get to pat the girls and scratch them under their chins. If the steward happens to be around, we talk about them and sometimes talk to them. I learn a lot. He describes himself as their caretaker. And, while we might be guilty of anthropomorphizing a bit, we are both convinced they trust his care. He points out, “They’ve got it made.” It seems to be a “good deal” for everyone. The milk they give is amazing!

Just maybe that epitomizes stewardship. I shared with him an Amish Proverb. “If you don’t help with the milking, you’ll forget the cows’ names.”

A few years ago, there was a movement (I don’t know where it started) to stop Grangers from saying “my Grange.” I suppose it was a well-intended effort to stop implying ownership. “It’s not your Grange; it belongs to everyone.” Personally, I never had a problem with the words. What’s critical is what we do, not what we say. If a farmer wants to call them “my cows,” that’s okay as long as he or she remembers it’s about stewardship and practices accordingly. Words don’t mean; people give meaning to them. If you tell me about your Grange, I am willing to assume that you live as a steward of it.

The Grange Way of Life is ultimately that of stewardship. During the Second Degree, the Chaplain reminds the candidate for membership, “In no other occupation does a man’s daily labor bring him into such close companionship with the Great Creator as in the cultivation of the soil. Therefore, guard against selfishness. If thine enemy hunger, feed him. Do good, hoping for nothing in return, and your reward shall be great. Love one another.

Love and stewardship are not always easy. One of the most memorable lessons of the degrees for me personally happens in the First Degree, when the Master displays a few kernels of corn and says, “Behold these inanimate kernels of corn! But the germ has life—the future plant is there. We loosen the soil—we bury the seed, and in so doing, impress upon our minds the truth of the immortality of the soul. There is no object in which, to appearance, life and death border so closely together as in the grains of seed buried in the earth; but when life seems extinct, a fuller and richer existence begins anew.”

Are you (in your Grange and in your life) helping with the milking? Do you know the cows names?

Any degree or ritual quotations are from the forty-sixth edition of the 2013 Subordinate Grange Manual or the most recent edition of the Pomona Grange Manual. The views and opinions expressed in “Exploring Traditions” are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official doctrine and policy of the Grange. Information about the book “Exploring Traditions—Celebrating the Grange Way of Life” can be found at http://abbotvillagepress.com, on Mr. Boomsma’s Amazon Author Page, or by contacting the author.