Maine State Grange

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.

Report of Grange Services

Have you ever been to a Grange meeting where the Master/President didn’t skip the agenda item “Grange Services?” I can’t recall one. Once in a great while, someone gets curious as to what it’s supposed to include. So, after a little research, I have an answer!

As you might well expect, there’s a little history involved. A comparison of old manuals suggests it was at one time a “Report of Insurance or Business Agent.” A 1908 manual that was assigned to my great uncle list it as such. Since over the years, the Grange did provide services to farmers, one might rightfully conclude this is the place where the status of the services would be reported. By the way, my uncle often shared his displeasure with the Grange Insurance Program when one of his cows was killed by lightning. They didn’t pay the claim because it was an act of God. His argument that “God isn’t in the business of killing cows” did not prevail.

In my research, I’m told that there are still a few states that offer a form of Grange Insurance. (State insurance regulations often have created issues for these, but some remain out west. Here in Maine, Halcyon Grange has a silo and, I believe, participates in cooperative grain buying, Those Granges have something to report on.

But what about the rest of us? Are our community Granges not providing services?

Perhaps not in the historical sense but when we truly think about it, the Grange is all about service. Now it probably happens that many of those services are reported elsewhere during the meeting.

But before we drop this agenda item or tap the gavel and skip over it, let’s think about some of the services the Grange offers its members. Just change the word “services” to “benefits.” Perhaps during the Grange Services portion of the meeting, there could be a review of one member benefit offered at the national level. There is an entire section on the National Grange Website devoted to member benefits ranging from health-related to travel-related to shopping. Your membership chairperson could select one or two and review them briefly as a “report of Grange services.”

The Heirloom Program also qualifies as a Grange service. Every month we have the opportunity to be reminded of an important practice or principle of our Order.

Yet another opportunity exists in what might be called the “soft” benefits of being a member. I remember some years ago conducting a survey that asked people what they enjoyed most about the Grange. The answers were certainly rewarding. Some spoke of meeting new friends. Others enjoyed the opportunity to learn new skills such as leadership and public speaking. One person wrote that her parents met at the Grange and married as a result. She was thankful for the Grange because, without it, she wouldn’t be here!

Maybe it’s time to do that again—if not officially, at least locally. We could report how our Granges have served us. Who will step up and accept responsibility for a “Report of Grange Services?” I’m not sure it matters who it is, but this seems to fall naturally to a membership chair. It wouldn’t hurt us to devote some time thinking about the services/benefits we receive from being a member. And it definitely wouldn’t hurt for other people to start hearing about those services and benefits.

Once again, we prove the value of tradition and ritual. Let’s make this one work for us! When the master calls “Reports of Grange Services” and raises the gavel, who’ll jump up and respond, “I have something to report, Worthy Master!

(Special thanks to Phil Vonada, Amanda Brozana Rio, Steve Verrill, and Vicki Huff for their thoughts and contributions that will help us refocus on Grange Services.)

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.