Patrons of Husbandry – a website dedicated to the Granges located in Maine
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.
By Larry Bailey, Master
A few of our members got together yesterday to paint the entire first floor of Ocean View. They did a magnificent job. Also, we replaced our 50-year-old cook stove with a new one. The old 10-burner, double-oven has provided wonderful service all these years, but time has aged it to the point where we can no longer rely on it.
There is a stirring of the energy here at Ocean View Grange in Port Clyde!
Articles in this edition include:
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Note that all recent issues are available on the National Grange Website. To save server space, we only post the table of contents on the MSG Website.
By Walter Boomsma, MSG Communications Director
As you know, we’ve faced outages for nearly a month, making the site unavailable. After much frustration, I’ve decided to move the site to a new server and aim to finish by April 30, 2026.
To prepare, I am removing old and outdated posts and pictures. This will smooth the transition and boost efficiency.
This is like moving to a new home. It’s an opportunity to declutter and simplify. For example, we probably don’t need to maintain a post about an event that happened three years ago.
Since most changes are happening behind the scenes, you likely won’t notice many differences right away. However, you may temporarily encounter some broken links or missing photos during the transition. These should be resolved after the move is complete.
My goal is to complete the transition this week. Some cleanup will follow. If you have site issues, please let me know. Timeless documents and resources won’t be affected. For scale, the site’s size will drop by one-third. We’ll have more space in our new home.
We will also have the opportunity to try some new things. One other important benefit is that we’ll also be able to control costs. The offered solution for the outages on our existing server would have increased our annual cost by at least $800. These days, not spending more is a savings!
If you have concerns or questions, please let me know. Your support and patience are appreciated.
We’re packing up and getting ready to move!
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.
The April Bulletin is now available for downloading and printing. Recent issues of the Bulletin are available on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.
The Androscoggin Pomona Grange Degree Day at Manchester Grange is fast approaching! (This is for the Four Degrees.) If you have candidates attending, please let Norma Meserve know! Also, remember that candidates should bring a completed application. The Sagadahoc Fifth Degree Work has been canceled, although the meeting will be held.
The situation appears to have improved! I will continue to monitor outages. Some fundamental issues with our current provider remain. For the long term, it may be best to move the site to a different server. Stay tuned!
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 some resources that will help you plan that!
In a very roundabout way, I recently received the form for recording meeting minutes as a pdf. It’s now available as a resource on our website in the Secretary’s Section. There are actually two versions available. Choose wisely! (I don’t believe either are required-just offered to be helpful.)
Don’t forget to submit your special events and programs for our event calendar! We want people to know the Grange is thriving! Surely, there are lots of Grange things happening in Maine. We also love photos and reports of events that have happened. What’s your meeting magic?
“Over the years of grassroots advocacy, I have learned: People want help, but they don’t want structure. People want leadership, but they resent authority.
June Stoyer
Mystery rides are surprise outings or trips in which the destination and itinerary are kept hidden from participants until the last moment. See the Grange Visiting short. You could stop for ice cream on the way back!
Remember, we don’t share your email address with anyone, and you get a weekly summary of what’s been posted. Subscribe here! Share that link with your members and Grange friends!
Thanks to those who help us keep these directories current by letting us know of changes!
On May 3, 2026, 2:00 – 3:00 pm, Evening Star Grange will host a Wild Fibers from around the World presentation by Linda Cortwright.
As the editor of Wild Fibers, Linda Cortright has traveled the world to some of the most remote regions on the planet, from the Russian Arctic to the High Himalayas. She will be giving a special presentation featuring stunning pictures and unimaginable tales, highlighting the role natural fibers play in both culture and commerce. Wild Fibers is often called the National Geographic of the fiber industry, focusing on indigenous communities and their ability to adapt in the modern world.
Suggested donation is $20. For more information, contact Mildred at 207 975-5671.
Articles in this edition include:
Click the button below to read and/or subscribe to Grange Today!
Note that all recent issues are available on the National Grange Website. To save server space, we only post the table of contents on the MSG Website.