Patrons of Husbandry – a website dedicated to the Granges located in Maine
I am in the ancestry of Charles Wilson Abbott, who was a janitor of #382, who lived on Oak Woods Rd. North Berwick, Me. This is all I remember of Charlie and his association with the Grange from my grandmother. I come to believe their involvement was sincerely devoted to the Grange. I would be enthusiastic to learn more, etc.
Ernest D. Houle
Do you love the Grange? Can you explain what’s great about being a member? It only takes a minute to click the button and tell the world!
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.
The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Forest Protection Division urges caution and preparedness for spring wildfire season. Maine has already experienced 115 wildfires that have burned about 75 acres thus far in 2026.
Despite the recent rain, spring weather conditions are extremely conducive to wildfires. Most spring wildfires occur in April and May and the most common cause is escaped embers from burning debris or dead vegetation. Other leading causes include unattended campfires, equipment malfunction and inappropriately discarded cigarettes. About 90% of all fires are caused by people and are preventable.
Maine residents and visitors are encouraged to check with their town hall, local fire service or the Maine Forest Service before burning. Those wishing to burn may also visit the state’s portal for open burning permits.
Other critical steps to preventing wildfires include being mindful of weather conditions, particularly higher wind days, and using only easily-controlled locations for burning. Allow woodstove and fireplace ashes to cool before disposing of them in a tightly covered metal container, which should be kept at least 10 feet away from the home and any other buildings. Never empty the ashes directly into a trash can. Most importantly, never use flammable gas-propellants.
The Maine State Grange will hold its annual Yard Sale at Manchester Grange on Saturday, June 6, from 9 am to 1 pm. Along with traditional yard sale treasures, there will also be crafts, raffles, food for sale, and much more. To rent tables, call 207-213-0371. For more event information, call 207-583-7211.
Manchester Grange is located at 953 Western Avenue in Manchester, Maine.
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!
The following announcement was made in a recent Grange Today! newsletter. Be aware that this affects anything ordered from the National Grange Store, including membership awards and letters.
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.
After the loss of a loved one, families deserve support—not scams. Unfortunately, criminals comb through obituaries, funeral home websites, and online memorials to find names and personal details they can use to target families.
The schemes include impersonating the funeral home or cemetery about payment issues, appearing as a “long-lost” relative, promising healing through “spiritual advisers,” and identity fraud against the deceased loved one.
In the wake of a loved one’s death, consider the public nature of an obituary and online memorials, and limit information that could be used to deceive you. If the funeral home calls demanding money, hang up and call them back at a number you know to be legitimate. And if a “long-lost” relative or friend reaches out, ask other family members or longtime friends if they know the person.
Fraud affects every generation, and AARP Fraud Watch Network is helping people fight back—one community at a time. By learning together and sharing information, we can better protect one another.
Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.
Share this news!