Houlton Grange Curtain Travels Home

Well, almost home. Since the Houlton Grange is closed and the hall is gone, it’s about as close as it can get, thanks to Jamie Millar, a Houlton Native who continues to support his hometown roots. How the 12 x 18 foot curtain ended up in an antique shop in Texas remains a mystery but it is now owned by the Aroostook County Historical and Art Museum. It hangs in the County Co-Op and Farm Store in downtown Houlton. An easel near the entrance of the store offers a brief history of the Houlton Grange.

The complete story and photos appear in the Bangor Daily News today.

We became aware of the story thanks to links to the Maine State Grange Website. The article incorrectly lists 1879 as the date Houlton Grange closed–probably a typo. But does accurately note that in 1924, the Houlton Grange was the largest in the world, with a membership of over 1,000.

Rebecca loves the Grange!

I love the feeling of being part of something that actively tries to help the community.

“The other Rebecca,” Jonesboro Grange #357

What about you?

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!

I love the Grange!

Rebekah loves the Grange!

 The Grange has given me a beautiful, caring family and has provided so many opportunities to be present our community, outside of our Grange building walls. I truly enjoy community service and the Grange has given me an outlet to serve Down East, Maine and beyond. The opportunities to grow within the Grange are unlimited. I love the rich Grange history. It’s an honor to be part of this family!

Rebekah Hodgson, Jonesboro Grange #357

What about you?

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!

I love the Grange!

Easy Community Service Project?

Did you know that since 2012, the Bangor Savings Bank Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive has collected more than 83,000 jars that have been donated to local food insecurity programs? That’s a lot of sandwiches!

While it’s not an official Grange Program, it’s an easy one to support. Members could do this as individuals–or your Grange could collect donations and deliver them all at once. Take a photo of the delivery!

Jars of peanut butter or jelly can be dropped off at any Maine or New Hampshire Bangor Savings branch during operating hours from Thursday, September 1, 2022, through Friday, September 30, 2022. For each donation received, Bangor Savings Bank will donate one additional jar of peanut butter or jelly to local food insecurity programs.

Peanut butter, a protein-rich food item, is too often in short supply and in high demand at local food insecurity programs. And what’s a more classic pair than peanut butter and jelly? Something as simple as donating a jar can make a big difference to a neighbor in need. And with school back in session, we can support our local schools and backpack programs by donating a jar of peanut butter or jelly!

Judy loves the Grange!

 I love that the Jonesboro Grange is like one big extended family. The Jonesboro Grange does a lot of community events for the public.

Judy Lyons, Jonesboro Grange #357

What about you?

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!

I love the Grange!

Maine Farmer Wellness Fund Available

This article is reprinted with permission from an e-newsletter published by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

Are you a farmer or farm worker in Maine? The Maine Farmer Wellness Fund is now accepting applications until September 30th. Distributed in amounts of $100, $250, or $500, these funds can be used to support Maine farmers in their mental health and wellness needs (broadly defined). Farm workers and farmers of color will be prioritized. For more information and to apply, see the Maine Farmer Wellness Fund application form

Jonesboro Grange Gets the Blue!

Jonesboro Grange #357 earns a Blue Ribbon at the 2022 Washington County Fair in Pembroke, Maine. 

Pictured with the display are (L) Jonesboro Grange Vice President Muriel Gay holding the blue ribbon and (R) Jonesboro Grange President John Cox Jr.

The three active Granges in Washington County, which include Jonesboro, Alexander, and Perry, each set up a display for fairgoers. 

The Jonesboro Grange display included vegetables grown in the Jonesboro Grange garden, a quilt made by Jonesboro Grange members, as well as resin art, a wire skidder & dump truck, woodworking, handmade bags, and pot holders, and delicious home canned goods – all from our talented Jonesboro Grange members! WOW! We also brought along our 2021 Grange scrapbook, photo board, and membership information! 

Next stop for the Jonesboro Grange is the Bluehill Fair!

Dale loves the Grange!

I love the Grange because we are continuing a tradition 150+ years old of inclusion and equality.

Dale Holst, Alexander Grange #304

What about you?

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!

I love the Grange!

Vicki loves the Grange!

“I would say my biggest and best benefit is the extended family I have found in the Grange. Where else can you go and have so many brothers and sisters? I have met so many people in my Grange travels, and they are all family.”

Vicki Huff, Hollis Grange #132

What about you?

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!

I love the Grange!

Maine Collecting Unwanted Pesticides Free of Charge

Press Release from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry.

Augusta, MAINE – The Obsolete Pesticide Collection Program protects Maine’s natural resources and prevents agriculture pollution by promoting the safe and proper disposal of outdated, unused, or unwanted pesticides. The program is made possible by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Board of Pesticides Control (BPC) and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. The program is open to homeowners and family-owned farms who are encouraged to bring unwanted pesticides— including herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, and similar products used in agricultural production or around the home to collection sites in Presque Isle, Bangor, Augusta, and Portland.

  • The next obsolete pesticide collection days will be held during October 2022, one day each in Presque Isle, Bangor, Augusta, and Portland.
  • More details coming soon, including drop-off locations.
  • Pre-registration is required by September 26 to participate, drop-ins are not permitted. 

Details including registering and supplying the obsolete pesticides inventory form, a list of banned and unusable products, storage and transportation guidelines, other disposal options are found on the BPC website www.thinkfirstspraylast.org.