Tag: Grange Activities

When is a tradition no longer a tradition…?

By Walter Boomsma, Guest Columnist

I was more than a bit saddened to learn recently that an exciting Granger from a Grange that’s experiencing amazing growth was strongly criticized for “trying to change the Grange.” On a parallel but personal track, a long-standing holiday tradition has pretty much ended due to changes in circumstances. I find myself left to consider how much a tradition changes before it’s actually no longer a tradition. And, while I would never propose to limit the value of tradition, I understand the importance of perspective. Consider with me for a few minutes what the Grange would be like if there had been no changes to our traditions.

How far back do you want to go? A handful of us recently contemplated some of the features of the Grange in its early beginnings. We rightfully brag about the early recognition of women as having equal status. But much like the “Animal Farm” fable by George Orwell, it seems “all women were equal, but some were more equal than others.” And, before we get too excited about that equality, let us consider that under the traditional rule, it would be possible to have every office in the Grange filled by women. But it is not possible to have every office filled by men. At a minimum, the three graces (Pomona, Flora, and Ceres) are supposed to be filled by women. Rumor has it that the “lady assistant steward” position may be changed to eliminate the word “lady” and simply have two assistant stewards.

We can—and perhaps should—debate the value of changing labels, but always remember that change is hard—even good change. Anyone who has ever quit smoking or eliminated an unhealthy habit will attest to that.

“In essentials, unity.” One of the characteristics of early Grangers seems to have been a willingness to discuss and debate. So we might raise another question. What are the essentials? Is it essential to have a lady assistant steward, or would two male or female assistant stewards be just as effective?

It’s entirely possible that asking the questions is more important than determining the answers. I remember being at the beach with my oldest daughter when she was a precocious three-year-old. She was quite impressed by the flocks of seagulls and would point to them and yell, “Birds, Daddy! Birds!” I would gently suggest that they were seagulls. After several of these exchanges, it became apparent that my desire to teach would not be accepted. She replied, “You can call them seagulls. I’m going to call them birds.”

“In non-essentials, liberty.” I admire her confidence and resilience. She can call them birds. She’s not wrong.

We often refer to the Grange as a “grassroots” organization. We have strong roots, and we grow from them up towards the sun. We are not a “top-down” organization. Being a fraternal organization simply means sharing some fundamental values and, perhaps even more importantly, some fundamental purposes.

“In all things, charity.” Personally, I’ve never been a big fan of “for the good of the order.” Who decides what is “good?” A recent example was the change of titles at the National Level, whereby the Master is now the President, etc. I understand the reasoning for the change, but I also understand the value of the traditional roles of the Master. So how much can we change the traditional officer titles without losing the tradition and, more importantly, the value of the tradition?

Before we criticize people who seem to us to be intent on “changing the Grange,” we might do well to consider that changing can be a tradition. Students of the history of the Grange are likely to recognize that one reason the Grange is still relevant after a century and a half is that Grangers have been willing to adapt to the changes in society without sacrificing fundamental values and purpose. The Grange Way of Life includes that willingness.

---

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.

All is secure and the labors of the day are complete…

If we are inclined to doubt that the Grange is about a way of life, we might simply pay close attention to the things we say and do somewhat automatically. In one of my teaching assignments, I am responsible for “locking up” the building when I finish. This includes “walking the building” to insure lights are off and no one remains inside. Once I’m outside I “report in” by texting the person in charge. I usually text “All is secure.” In my mind the words “Worthy Master” accompany my message of assurance.

I then call home to report my progress. I’ll admit that I am on occasion tempted to announce at the beginning of the call, “The labors of the day are complete.”

While the language of the Grange can readily become part of our lives, an occasional pause and reminder to make sure we are living the Grange way of life can be worthwhile. The language helps us. “Let us be quiet, peaceful citizens…” I often stop right there. I like the word “peaceful.” Merriam Webster defines it as “untroubled by conflict, agitation, or commotion” and offers as synonyms “quiet” and “tranquil.” Those are some tall orders in today’s society which seems filled with conflict, agitation, and commotion.

The way we end our meetings is mean to ensure “all is secure” but it goes beyond closing the Bible and implement case to include the assurances offered the Grange Way of Life. We are also reminded that we “place faith in God, nurture hope, dispense charity, and are noted for fidelity.” These are the qualities that drive us to “add dignity to labor, and in our dealings with our fellow men be honest, be just and fear not. We must avoid intemperance in eating, drinking, and language, also in work and recreation, and what ever we do strive to do well.”

I can imagine leaving a Grange meeting years ago, riding home and unhitching the horse, and achieving another “all is secure” at home and in the barn. The animals are settled in for the night. The labors of the day are complete. All is secure. The farm and home are quiet and tranquil. The world we are in is at peace.

---

Any degree or ritual quotations are from the forty-seventh edition of the 2023 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.

Keep the eye of the mind open…

“Natural history is replete with both the wonderful and beautiful, and its study enables us the better to carry out the principles we inculcate of Faith, Hope, and Charity. Cultivate an observing mind. It is delightful to acquire knowledge and much more so to diffuse it. It is sad to think that any human soul should fail to perceive the beauty that every where abounds. Nature preaches to us forever in tones of love, and writes truth in all colors, on manuscripts illuminated with stars and flowers.”

From the Lecturer’s Lesson in the Third Degree

The Third Degree represents autumn and the harvest season. And we are fortunate here in Maine that nature literally “writes truth in all colors” each fall. The candidates are seen as harvesters and gleaners and the lecturer also reminds them that nature sings the song “Be faithful, be hopeful, be charitable.” Interestingly, the chaplain closes instruction with, “Be faithful in gathering, that you may be liberal in dispensing.”

Too often, we think of fall as the ending of summer. Of course, that’s accurate but the Chaplain is not going to let us forget that endings are also beginnings. The changes in agriculture and farming can make it easy to lose sight of that. At one time, harvesting and gleaning also meant selecting and saving the best seed to repeat the cycle by planting it in the spring. We were much more aware of the cyclical nature of life and nature. We didn’t gather and harvest solely to consume. We gathered being mindful of spring when the cultivation cycle would begin again.

“Harvesting” knowledge is meant to be no different. Gaining knowledge is not an end. We gain to dispense or diffuse—to share. The Chaplain also reminds us that “a man’s life consists not in the abundance of things he possesses, but in the right use of God’s blessings… that we may be the stewards of His bounty.” In practical terms, nature teaches us to harvest seeds responsibly, keep some to plant in the spring, and share some with our neighbors. The master reminds the candidates that “your faithful work will soon entitle you to still further advancement.”

One of the distinct advantages of celebrating the Four Degrees at one time is it becomes possible to catch the connectedness of the seasons and the lessons. The Steward describes the cycle. “The seasons of preparation, culture, and harvest have passed. It is in the home that we enjoy the fruits of our labors in the fields of the farm and fields of life. In winter, the season of rest from active toil, we sit down with our families, our friends and neighbors, and enjoy together the good things our labors have brought us…”

We have much to enjoy.

---

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.

Keep the eye of the mind open…

“Let me caution you, that you keep the eye of the mind open among your members. Encourage improvement; remember that Nature’s motto is ‘onward.’ She never goes backward.”

From the Installing Master’s Charge to Masters

The installing officer’s charge to the masters being installed is one of the longer ones. As a result, it’s easy to stop listening. As with the Grange Ritual in general, there is much to learn.

Not every member is destined to hold the office of master, but every member could benefit from what masters are taught during the installation ceremony. I’ve chosen just a few sentences for consideration.

“Keep the eye of the mind open…” is a skill that can be developed. Here, we are talking about being observant of our members. That’s consistent with being a fraternal organization. By most definitions, a fraternal organization is a social club or membership organization formed around a common bond, ideology, or personal background. We might do well to consider how strong that bond is. But one of the things that makes it stronger is “keeping the eye of the mind open” or, in other words, “keeping an eye on each other.” Can you answer these questions?

• Who, now, is the happiest person in your Grange?
• Who, now, is the most discouraged person in your Grange?

You get the idea, right?

“Encourage improvement.” I suspect this is a two-word sentence by design because it allows us to be broad in our thinking. What do we want to improve? This is not subtractive thinking designed to get us focused on what’s wrong. It’s opportunity thinking. What can we make better? I’ve thought it would be fun (a lecturer’s program, maybe) to spend some time during a meeting asking everyone to identify one thing relative to the Grange he or she could improve. It doesn’t have to be monumental. Does the fridge need cleaning?

“Nature’s motto is ‘onward.’” Sometimes I think the Grange is stuck in the fall season and has become focused on declining. One of the saddest emails I’ve read recently included, “Our Grange seems to be falling apart… how can I bring back the excitement that I still feel in our Grange?” It’s a simple but not easy question to answer. “Encourage improvement and remember that Nature’s motto is onward.” Nature uses fall and winter to her advantage. We often think of winter as a time for rest. In Maine, we may well “hunker down.” But just as sure as winter arrives, so does spring together with an awaking and a time for growth and blooming.

“You may encounter difficulties. Overcome them, remembering that difficulties are but opportunities to test our abilities. As Master of this Grange, your fellow laborers will look to you to devise work. A judicious Master will use due care that no time is lost in labor. Let all labor and all time tend toward improvement. Your laborers will come in contact with their minds; if they are left uncultivated, if neglect is allowed, the moral weed crop will baffle and torment you.”

---

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.

Awaking and Acting…

A book I often refer to is “A Fair Field and No Favor” by Stanley Howe (Copyright 1994 by the Maine State Grange). It’s described as “a concise history of the Maine State Grange,” and for those interested in the history of the Grange in Maine, it’s worth searching for in used bookstores or Amazon and eBay. (There is currently at least one copy available on eBay for about $30.)

One of the many interesting illustrations is a letter sent from the Maine State Grange Executive Committee to all Subordinate Granges in July 1911. It reads, in part:

“…the time has arrived when the Grange should actively oppose a movement, already well underway, for the elimination of the prohibitory amendment from the Constitution of our State. We believe that it is but a movement toward the open saloon, which exists solely that it may fatten on the lifeblood of our boys by the licensed sale of that which is not food, which cannot promote love of home, which destroys habits of industry, thrift and economy, and which prevents a high conception of citizenship.”

Wow. We’ve come a long way, haven’t we? This is not an appeal to revive the temperance issue. Unfortunately, I can’t recall the source, but I do remember reading that those who had a business interest in alcohol were considered ineligible for Grange membership. Yes, times have changed.

And while Grange Policy on several issues has changed, it is also interesting to note what hasn’t changed. That same letter goes on to proclaim:

“…the Grange stands upon the side of and is pledged to the support of those things which stimulate habits of frugality, industry, honesty, and faithfulness to home, a truer conception of patriotism and a broader manhood and womanhood…”

The letter recommended “immediate action” and suggested Subordinate Granges “organize in a way which shall best meet conditions of your locality,” pointing out that “Active aggressive work means success.”

That’s sound advice, and successful Granges are following it, stimulating habits of frugality, industry, honesty and faithful to home. We are—or ought to be—promoting a truer concept of patriotism and broader manhood and womanhood.

The letter further recommended “appointing a committee for the purpose of canvassing your town to awaken interest…” While this letter was written specifically regarding temperance, the early 1900s included issues such as changes in the distribution of school funds, increased licensee fees on automobiles, commercial fertilizer inspections, changes in school funding, road improvements, and female suffrage.

While there are obvious hazards to taking strong positions in the political arena, there was very little doubt over what the Grange cared about a hundred years ago. The “active aggressive work” of the Grange was based on those values.

Both personally and as community Granges, knowing what we value and taking action will not only support what we value, it will energize us individually and as an organization. History proves that and we are proving it today. Several examples come to mind.

Victor Grange in Fairfield values other community organizations and provides meeting and event accommodations. Highland Lake’s recent program reflects its value of veterans and the community. Ocean View Grange in Martinsville values their hall and recently painted it in anticipation of more community programs.

The questions we face are simple but not easy to answer. First, as a Grange, what do we value? This goes beyond mission statements and declarations of purpose. These have their place, certainly, but tend to be lofty ideals. What matters in our community? I will never forget being at a Halcyon Grange meeting. A young family walked in and since I was closest to them, I introduced myself and learned they’d never been to a Grange meeting before. I asked them why they decided to come. They replied, “We are starting a small farm and we heard this is the place we have to be for support and help.” Anyone familiar with Halcyon Grange knows they care about small farmers.

The second question is, what must we do to support and grow what we value? It should be noted that these are not one-time questions. The actions we take become easier when like-minded people are involved. And while our fundamental values do not change much, the emphasis may shift. Overall, the Grange as an organization is an example of that. That’s an important part of the Grange Way of Life.

---

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.

Going beyond farming…

As many know, I never cease to marvel at the similarities between the Amish and the Grange. (And the differences! In spite of their interest in farming and nature, the Amish were not permitted to join the Grange—even during the Grange’s early years.)

Historically, the Grange has been viewed as a farmer’s organization. In many circles, it is still. I recall one “old” Granger who would try to emphasize the fraternal aspect of the Grange by suggesting that “We’re like the Masons, but we keep cows.” Finding an accurate but short description of the Grange as an organization is challenging—in part because the Grange isn’t simple and it is a very diverse organization, at least in terms of what local Granges do and are known for doing.

And that means we sometimes miss one of the most powerful aspects of the Grange and the Grange Way of Life. “Since God placed man on earth, agriculture has existed,” is the installing officer’s reminder as he or she opens the installation of officers. I think it should be noted that it’s not, “Since God placed man on earth, farmers and farming have existed.”

When you drive through Amish Country, it’s easy to become impressed with Amish farms and gardens. During this year’s vacation, I was researching and photographing for a future book. We paid close attention to gardens, including many that were not part of an Amish farm. (Many Amish in Central Pennsylvania are not farming for a number of different reasons. But they are no less Amish.) Their gardens are bountiful. The rows are straight. There are many flowers and no weeds. The Amish wife typically has primary responsibility, but it’s important to understand that we are looking at a family-based society. We often saw entire families in the garden, weeding, planting, pruning… older children supervising younger ones.

Given the humble nature of the Amish, this can quickly seem contradictory until we try to understand we are not seeing “Amish Pride.” We are seeing Amish Connection. “Since God placed man on earth, agriculture has existed.” Amish or not, we are all connected to the earth, to nature, to agriculture (and in the Amish mind “to God).

When we look at the rituals and lessons of the Grange, it’s not difficult to see that they go beyond farming to nature and agriculture. In that same opening, “We encourage the planting of trees, fruits and flowers by which to enhance the value and increase the attractions of our home; adorning them with those beauties so lavishly given us by the God of Nature.”

Returning to the Amish for a moment, working the earth, and growing crops is seen as a means of drawing closer to God. In a large part, this enables a different view of work that takes it out of the category of drudgery. Work is an opportunity, not a problem. It’s a chance to build character. With its many benefits, work is to be enjoyed.

It doesn’t take too much “out of the box” thinking to see how connecting with the earth, with nature, and with agriculture brings many advantages. Perhaps we might stop thinking of the Grange as a farmers’ organization and start thinking of it as an organization that enjoys and reaps the benefits of being connected to the earth and nature.

Lester Gibbs is a Granger who lives in New Hampshire. We are “social media friends” on Facebook. I’ve forgotten how it started, but he has been regularly posting photos and reports of an onion he has growing indoors. Most of his reports are only a sentence or two—like the day it grew five inches. I look forward to and enjoy them. I mention him as an example of being “connected to the earth and nature.” He’s also demonstrating opportunity. The onion is part of his window garden, but even if it were his only plant, caring for it and observing it is not work. It’s no surprise that he’s a Granger. He is connected to the earth.

We may not be “Masons with cows,” but we are people who are connected to the earth and nature. “We ask none to join us who cannot see good in their fellow beings; but to all interested in Agriculture, who have generous hearts and open hands to help the needy, raise the fallen and in making the labors of this life cheerful, we say, ‘Welcome to the Grange.’”

---

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.