Patrons of Husbandry – a website dedicated to the Granges located in Maine
Submitted by Dave Gowen
On May 16, 2026, eight members of Highland Lake Grange placed American flags on veterans’ graves at Highland Lake Cemetery for Memorial Day. The Grange has been placing flags for over ten years. Grange markers (made by the members) were placed next to the graves of past members of the Grange.
by Larry Bailey, Master
It is an understatement to say that our Monday night meeting was both a great experience and, more than that, a very sad and moving Grange matter. The matter that was so moving was the Draping of the Charter for our Sister Loa Lee Blake. Our team performed a very professional Ceremony. Loa Lee was an extremely talented person. She was an accomplished musician – piano and organ player, singer, member of many clubs and orders. Loa Lee was a very active, lively lady. She is missed by many of her relatives, friends, and fellow Grangers.
The item that was so uplifting was the surprise visit from two officers from the Maine State Grange who drove all the way here from Norway, Maine, to visit us. The two visitors were Sister Christine Hebert, the Maine State Grange Chaplain, and Sister Linda Allen, Oxford Pomona Deputy. Both are members of the Norway Grange. I made a phone call to Sister Hebert, whose Grange recently held a Charter Draping ceremony, to ask about proper procedures. She was a great help. They just wanted to take the ride to see our Grange in action. They both said, after the meeting, that they were very impressed with our Grange… specifically the Grange building, the members who were there, the proper procedure for Draping the Charter, and the large number of projects we were involved in. All of us at the Grange should feel proud that we were applauded by senior Grange officers.
A few of the other items discussed were:
This is the sort of community service that brings Grangers together and demonstrates purpose. Congratulations and thanks to Mill Stream Grange #574!
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Submitted by Wendy Carr
June 14, 2026 at 11 am
Evening Star Grange
31 Old Union Road
Washington, ME
For more information, contact fullmooncreamery@gmail.com
Every day, and in every way, we’re getting better and better! We’ve had a few glitches–one regarding email that I think has been solved today.
There are a few minor things we’re discovering and fixing. If you see anything weird, please let me know!
There are also just enough differences with this new server to create a steep learning curve. The good news is that the differences are mostly positive.
I’ve been using a good friend’s observation a lot lately. Jack says, “Life is like a rollercoaster. You can’t steer a rollercoaster, so hang on and enjoy the ride!”
By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842
Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Please send us your ideas and thoughts!
The Maine State Grange Office is located at 36 Anthony Avenue, Suite 102, Augusta, ME 04330.
mainestategrange@gmail.com.
Articles for the May Bulletin are due by the end of the day, May 14th.. Recent issues of the Bulletin are available on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.
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We’ve been getting questions from folks interested in visiting Granges other than their own. It’s a great idea! Check out this post for resources to help you plan that!
There’s a rule of thumb for publicity and news photos. “No feet!” That’s not always possible, but remember to “move in” close. A bonus tip: see the background. The camera will and it can result in some funny photos with things growing out of the top of the subject’s head!
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“Happiness is not by chance but by choice.”
Jim Rohn
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Five candidates from three Granges enjoyed experiencing the Four Degrees on Sunday, April 26, 2026. While we don’t have all the specific names and numbers yet, we should thank Androscoggin Pomona for making the day happen and Manchester Grange for serving as host.
If we lacked quantity, we made up for it with quality. Quality not in the sense of a flawless delivery, but quality in the sense of “a good time was had by all.” It even seemed appropriate that the sun shone brightly on the backs of the harvest marchers.
I wish more people could hear the language of the degrees, it really is beautiful.
(Overheard)
With rare exception, most of those participating as officers relied on manuals or “cheat sheets.” Even those who have the language memorized are finding that the infrequency of Degree Days leads to forgetfulness. (Age has nothing to do with it, right?)
The ice cream store next to the Manchester Grange was nearly gridlocked as we experienced one of the warmest spring days this year. This led to speculation that ice cream, rather than apples, might be appropriate at the end of the Fourth Degree.