Easton Grange is on the Grow

Submitted to Easton Patch:

Coming from some twelve members in 2008 when the Easton Lions Club approached the small band of Grange members in Easton with an idea to start a thrift Store the total of Grange members has grown to 44. Now the agricultural bent organization is up and running several community benefit projects. Operating the Thrift Store along with the Lions Club is time consuming to say the least, but the local “Patrons of Husbandry” find time to run kids’ games at the NRT’s Farm and Fun day, judge veggies at the NRT Harvest Fair and go to Springfield’s Big E to sell chowder and lobster rolls. Easton’s Grange presents solid support for the local Agricultural Commission and its community garden and fresh market entrepreneurs. Locavore endeavors are a special cause.

The Grange movement is Fraternal in nature. While ritual is still gladly practiced, it has been reduced over the past 50 years. Franternal organizations tend to the care of their fellow members and recently two Grangers showed up at Granger, Althea Thornton’s garden to get it set for planting. The members were joined by Lion Gus Arns with his rototiller and Kevin McIntyre, incoming President of the Easton Lions Club, showing the close connection that exists between the two groups as a reflection of their joint venture at the thrift Store.

Recently Grange master, Avery Lee Williams and Lynne Martin attended a meeting at the Norwell Grange at which Grange National Master (President) Edward L Luttrell spoke. A warm and positive message told of recent increases in Grange membership. Mr Luttrell reminded his audience of the Grange’s support in its past of women’s right to vote, equal pay for women, fairer prices for farm goods and general advocates of rural living. It was noted that the Grange movement will celebrate its 150th Anniversary in 2017.  In its early years the Grange was associated with the Temperance Movement and to this day no alcoholic beverages are served in Grange halls.

Among the new members to join Easton Grange in the recent past are: Priscilla Almquist-Olsen, Ellen Barlow, Kimberly Carvalho, Carolyn Cole, Ryan Cook, Colleen Corona and Jan Lundgren. Those interested in learning about Grange matters should call Lee Williams at 508 238 4260.

To view a feature on the Grange Thrift Shop,