History Group Seeks Memories Of The Old Berlin Grange

BERLIN, CT —The Berlin Historical Society is working on a new museum display on the history of the defunct Berlin Grange.

But it needs help from local, history-minded folks.

While the old Grange building's last headquarters is now privately owned, the historical society is looking for oral histories from residents relative to the site.

"What do you remember or may have heard from your parents or grandparents," wrote the historical society in a public appeal this week.

Granges were once a staple of life in every municipality, operating as a local civic group with roots in agriculture. Many Granges, for example, organized agricultural fairs/exhibits.

Many Grange chapters still exist in Connecticut under the umbrella of the Connecticut State Grange.

According to the society, the Berlin Grange's last home was on Farmington Avenue just below the monument park on Worthington Ridge.

"The Hackett family left us old files and many years ago Irene Ventres did an oral history, but we’d like to hear anecdotes from the public," wrote the historical society.

Once complete, the museum display will be showcased at the Berling Historical Society's headquarters at 305 Main St.

To offer anecdotes or information on the old Berlin Grange, call 860-828-5114 or email BerlinHistorical@gmail.com.