Grange in Dutchess County by William S. Benson, Jr.

Grange in Dutchess County

A Local History of the Patrons of Husbandry

GRANGE IN DUTCHE SS COUNTY, N.Y. A local history of The Patrons of Husbandry

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GRANGE IN DUTCHESS COUNTY, N.Y. A local history of The Patrons of Husbandry

William S. Benson, Jr.

William S. Benson, Jr. Historian, Dutchess County Pomona Grange Salt Point, NY

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To all those Grangers whose faith, hope, charity, fidelity and perseverance have given Dutchess County communities and residents more than 120 years of fellowship, assistance and progress.

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NOTES ON THE AUTHOR William S. Benson, Jr. was born and raised in Dutchess County on dairy farms in the Town of Dover. He attended a one-room school in Wingdale, and graduated from Dover Plains High School in 1948.

Bill served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1952, and was an employee of IBM Poughkeepsie from 1952 until his retirement in 1987. He and his family moved to Clinton Hollow in the Town of Clinton in 1972, where he served as Town of Clinton Assessor, Town of Clinton Historian, and President of the Clinton Historical Society.

He joined Union Vale Grange No. 887 in 1964 and transferred to Fallkill Grange No. 882 after his move to the Town of Clinton. He has held many Grange offices and was Master of the Dutchess County Pomona Grange 1977-1978.

He served as Dutchess County Deputy State Master 1974-1976 and 1979-1981. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the New York State Grange Headquarters, Inc., in Cortland, where he served for ten years. He was elected Overseer of New York State Grange in 1987, and served as Master of the New York State Grange from 1989 to 1995.

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CONTENTS

Preface Part I

THE EARLY YEARS (1867-1890)

Part II

THE ORGANIZING YEARS (1891-1916)

Part III

THE GROWTH YEARS (1917-1941)

Part IV

THE PEAK YEARS (1942-1968)

Part V

THE RECENT YEARS (1969-1996)

Epilogue Appendix Index of Names

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PREFACE a'Zalph Mark, popularly known as Raphael, was a local Poughkeepsie radio personality who regularly reported on local events, including the Dutchess County Fair. He entered the Grange Building at the Fair, got a cup of coffee, and quickly reviewed the Grange exhibits. He then asked me to tell him about Grange. As far as he knew, Grange members came from somewhere, descended on the Fair every August, set up nice exhibits, and then disappeared until next August.

I told Raphael about the eighteen local, or Subordinate Grange units in Dutchess County, whose members are just ordinary folks meeting regularly to help in their communities, as well as enjoy each other's friendship and concern for their neighbors. We invited Raphael to occasionally attend a Grange meeting and become more familiar with Grange people and their work. He soon became familiar with what Grange was all about, and until his death, remained a supporter and valued friend of the Grange in Dutchess County.

This is not an unusual story, for Grange has long been known as a quiet organization. The work of some Granges may be known only to those few needy families who receive food baskets at holiday time. Others, such as Stanford Grange No. 808 in Stanfordville, is very visible as the sponsor and coordinator of the annual Stanford Community Day. Grange is known to our legislators for involvement in rural issues. The Grange profile is very different from one community to the next.

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Few people realize how much Grange has accomplished since its organization in 1867, even though many of those accomplishments have directly affected their lives. Grange pressure has resulted in soy many common sights now taken for granted, from the Rural Free Delivery mail box t® the standard bright yellow color of the school bus. The quiet dedication and determination continues today.

Grange h..s been in Dutchess County since March 6, 1874. For more than 120 years, the lives of Dutchess County residents have been enhanced by the activities of Grange members in every community. The purpose of this work is to document the highlights of that Grange activity as part of the recognition of the 100th anniversary of Dutchess County Pomona Grange on March 12, 1997.

Although societal changes have decreased participation in traditional organizations, Grange in Dutchess County looks forward to many more years of helping communities and rural people.

My sincere appreciation and love goes to my wife, Cindy, for word processing my writings, and to Dutchess County Pom 0 na Grange members for their complete support. Grangers all, they exemplify why we are so proud to be members of the f t est family organization in the world.

William S. Benson, Jr. Historian, Dutchess County Pomona Grange, Salt Point, NY 12578

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PART I

THE EARLY YEARS 1867-1890

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THE GRANGE G~EG]NMNC NATIIONAi LY The Grange, formally known as the Patrons of Husbandry (supporters of agriculture, grew out of the Civil War. Oliver Hudson Kelley, an employee of the Department of Agriculture in Washington, DC, was sent on an excursion through the South to view farms and report on conditions resulting from the Civil War. Affer viewing the devastation, he knew that farmers everywhere needed help.

Kelley's thoughts turned to the formation of a grand nationwide organization of farmers, which would unite them to pursue common goals and objectives. Important elements would be legislative pressure and buying/selling cooperatives, where effectiveness would be directly related to membership numbers. In addition, he felt that farmers would be far better off if there was a regular attention t. expanding their education. He then, as a member of the Masonic Order, would devise a fraternal structure for it all, making it a special organization to enhance its longevity, and include women on an equal basis, a new concept for that time period.

Kelley enlisted the help of six of his friends who embraced his concept, and together they worked to lay first the foundation and then the details of the organization.

When they were finally satisfied that their work had defined the organization's constitution, by-laws, objectives and how it would operate, they gathered on December 4, 1867 and

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constituted themselves the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry.

For their next step, the founders saw a need to form or model Grange, where they could go through the "test," a procedures for meetings, including officers, stations, order of business, degree conferral, etc. For this purpose, in Washington, DC, they organized Potomac Grange No. 1 on January 8, 1868. After considerable testing of their plans and many changes, it was now time to organize a real working Grange. Kelley set out alone to do just that. As an indication of his enthusiasm and dedication, he left Washington, DC on April 3, 1868 with only a train ticket to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and $2.50 in his pocket He first attempted to start a Grange near Harrisburg, but with no results. He then traveled to Penn Yan, New York, home of fellow Founder Francis M. McDowell. Here again he met with no success. As he headed west toward his home state of Minnesota, he stopped in Fredonia, New York to visit Mr. A. S. Moss, with whom he had been corresponding about Grange. Here he met success, mostly due to the enthusiasm of Mr. Moss, and organized Fredonia Grange No. 1, the first ever working Grange, on April 16, 1868.

By the end of the year 1868, ten Granges had been organized in other parts of the country, including Minnesota, which organized the first State Grange on February 23, 1869 with eleven Granges. A total of 36 Granges were organized that year, with 134 more in 1870 and by the end of 1871, the fourth year, a total of 1,005

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Granges had been established in the country, mostly in the mid-west. The Grange movement was well underway.

THE GRANGE BEGINNING IN NEW YORK Founder Oliver Hudson Kelley and A.S. Moss successfully organized Fredonia Grange No. 1 on April 16, 1868, the first working Grange in New York and in the nation.

While more Granges were being organized throughout the country, Grange in New York moved very slowly, and Fredonia Grange No. 1 was the only Grange in New York for more than two years. rocton Grange No. 2 (later reorganized as Portland Grange No. 2 on February 7, 1874) became New York's second Grange on October 13, 1870. This organization was also in Chautauqua County, just a few miles from Fredonia.

Again, there would not be another organization for more than two years, as these two Granges stood alone in New York.

Finally, during the summer of 1873, the organization of more Granges in New York began in earnest. This came at a time when there were more than 1,300 Granges in the country, but only two in New York. Pioneer Grange No. 3 in Potsdam, Massena Grange No. 4, and Union Grange No. 5 were all organized in northern New York in June of 1873.

I, y the end 1873, there were a total of 28 Granges in New York. Representatives from 21 of these Granges met in Syracuse and organized the New York State Grange on November 6, 1873. The organization of new Granges then spread rapidly, with 150 new organizations in 1874 and

another 90 in 1875. Organization efforts then decreased as the Grange everywhere addressed many of its problems with "growing pains," all of which will be discussed in later chapters, since the successes and failures of Grange in Dutchess County were typical of the Grange experience everywhere.

THE GRANGE BEGINNING IN DUTCHESS COUNTY Although 28 Granges had been organized in New York State by the end of 1873, all were distant from Dutchess County. Only three were in eastern New York, and they were started by individuals who were motivated by the news of the Grange movement everywhere.

Cambridge Grange No. 11 in Washington County, Manhattan Grange No. 17 in New York City, and Pioneer Grange No. 25 on Long Island were all organized in 1873, but not close enough to Dutchess County to be influential or motivational for an organization here.

The first organization in Dutchess County was the individual effort of Gilbert Bentley.

Gilbert Bentley had the characteristics of a Grange organizer. He was a qualified teacher at the age of 18, when he returned to the family farm at Bulls Head in the Town of Clinton on the death of his father. He was appointed Adjutant of the 141st Regiment of New York State Infantry at the age of 21, then was promoted to Major three years later, and to Colonel on September 8, 1835 at 25 years of age. He was elected to the State Legislature in

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1842 but returned home to devote his efforts to the farm after one term. He served locally as Town Assessor and Town Supervisor.

Gilbert Bentley openly opposed slavery and was active in the temperance movement. His views were well-known, and he was often sought as a public speaker.

Being a farmer and a leader, and an advocate of principles common to the Grange, his organization of a local Grange was a natural outcome. He organized Dutchess Grange No. 136 on March 6, 1874.

Although only thirteen members were required to organize a Grange, Bentley secured 28 charter members, a virtual "who's who" of Clinton's farming community of the time. He assumed the office of Master of the Grange while C.G. Tousey acted as Secretary. Dutchess Grange No. 136 met at the Masonic Temple of Warren Lodge No. 32 in Schultzville, a new building only seven years old at the time.

Just two weeks after the organization of his Dutchess Grange No. 136 on March 6, Gilbert Bentley traveled to Albany to the first annual session of the New York State Grange on March 18, 1874 to represent his Grange at the convention. Masters of 150 of the 165 Granges were present, plus a few non-Master representatives of other Granges. After opening the State Grange session at 10:00 a.m. on March 18, 1874, the very first resolution offered for consideration by the State Grange delegate body was presented by Brother Bentley, and adopted, as follows:

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'Resolved, that duly accredited proxies from Granges where Masters are not present, shall be admitted as representatives of such Granges at the present session of this State Grange, and shall have all the rights and privileges as Masters when the State Grange is working in the fourth degree.'° This first annual State Grange session was taken up mostly with the ratification of the constitution, by-laws, and operating procedures, as well as the formal election of the rather Bentley first roster of State Grange officers. returned from the session as a Deputy with the uthority to organize additional Granges.

That summer, he organized the °°Granger's Pic-Nic'° at the old fairgrounds at Washington Hollow. The event was held on August 14, 1874, and reported the following day in the Poughkeepsie Daily News of Friday, August 15, 1874. The article, captioned The Farmer's Pic-Nic," contains a len_} ° by account of the event.

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The reporter assigned to cover the affair had some difficulty in reaching the picnic site. He left Poughkeepsie for (Clinton Corners on a Poughkeepsie and Eastern Railroad train but could not get a conveyance to the Hollow because 'everyone who could go had gone. Hundreds of teams had already passed down" to the fairgrounds. Faced with the prospect of a walk of three or four miles with the thermometer " t or near 98,' he was offered a ride by Joseph H. Smith, who drove up with his "daughter and Miss Vandewater in carriage their way to the Mecca of the day and offered a seat."

Gilbert Bentley

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Dispensation to Organize Dutchess Grange No.136

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The article describes the seal of the Grange which bore the words "Dutchess Grange No. 136 and the device of a plough thereon," and also listed the Dutchess Grange officers. The news article went on to say: "The Dutchess Grange was only established six months ago, and is the only one yet in the County. It is located in Schultzville in the Town of Clinton, and holds monthly meetings there in the Masonic Hall." (The early reports from Dutchess Grange state their meetings as the first and third Saturdays.)

The newspaper account continues by saying that Colonel Bentley made the principal address at the picnic, speaking on the objectives of the new association. "It is enough to say," he remarked, in part, "that the members feel the dignity of their occupation, one which lies at the very base of the social structure and one which united may wield an irresistible influence, not only for their own protection but for the public good."

The reporter then made a grand list of prominent individuals in attendance, and "a mass of other intelligent and attentive listeners." He summed up the event as "It was one of the most animated and pleasing pictures of health and enjoyment one ever saw."

Brother Bentley continued to promote Grange, and organized Stanford Grange No. 245 two months after the picnic, on October 17, 1874. This Grange, the second in Dutchess County, probably met in the hamlet of Bangall near Stanfordville, even though it was named for the Town of Stanford. Stanford Grange No. 245 was organized with 29 charter members, with L.B. Carroll as its first Master.

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At the second annual session of the New York State Grange, held at Syracuse on January 12-15, 1875, there was no delegate from Dutchess County. A written report, perhaps prepared by Brother Bentley, was included in the Journal of Proceedings as follows: "Dutchess County. - Only two Granges have been established in this county. It is a conservative district and its farmers move slowly, fearing to adopt new theories.

There is an idea prevailing that the ritual sets forth too much work, and that in consequence, there must be interference with the real business of the order. Purchases of farm and household supplies are made in New York City, on very favorable terms, prompt payment being made in cash.

Success in a fuller measure will be attained when new Granges are instituted."

The roster of Granges at the end of this January, 1875 Journal of Proceedings lists John Greene, another charter member, as Master of Dutchess Grange No. 136. From this time on, Brother Gilbert Bentley, who would have just turned 65 years of age is absent from any known Grange records.

The following year, at the January, 1876 State Grange session in Auburn, the Dutchess County delegate is K. Oliver Smith, the third Master of Dutchess Grange No. 136 in as many years. Brother Smith presented no report for Dutchess County. The roster of Granges, compiled on March 1, 1876, lists him as the Master of Dutchess No. 136, while L.B. Carroll continues as Master of Stanford No. 245.

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Dispensa~oon to Organ ze Rid Hook Orange No.389

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The next activity in Dutchess County was the organization of Iced Hook No. 389. This Grange, actually located in the hamlet of Upper Red Hook, was organized by George W. Gregory of Croton Falls, on March 16, 1876.

There were 15 charter members, with Thomas Elmendorf as the first Master.

Early the following year, Brother Elmendorf was Dutchess County delegate to the State Grange session held January 2325, 1877. He presented no report. It would be easy to assume that ? rother Elmendorf went as the delegate to give the new Grange the opportunity, but on the contrary, it appears that Dutchess No. 136 and Stanford No. 245 have weakened and lost interest. The roster of Granges, dated February 15, 1877 lists the following: Grange No. 136 No. 245 No. 389

Master K. Oliver Smith L. B. Carroll T. Elmendorf

Secretary John Greene Albert Knapp F. A. :.ice

Meeting 1 i: 3 Sat. 1 Wed. Unlisted

From the roster above, it should be noted that the Dutchess No. 136 Secretary's duties have now been assumed

by Past Master John Greene. Stanford No. 245 Secretary Albert Knapp is also., a recent change. In addition to these changes, Dutchess County would be very poorly represented over the next several years, sending a delegate only once more, and submitting no reports on the condition of Grange in Dutchess County.

There was no delegate or report from Dutchess at the January, 1878 State Session in Rochester. The roster of Granges shows that ))utchess No. 136 has again changed

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Master, this time to Brother Duane Story. Dutchess No. 136 Past Master John Greene served as Dutchess County delegate to the January, 1879 State Session in Ithaca, but made no report. Many counties did have reports that 1879 session, indicating many problems, and there is no reason to expect otherwise in Dutchess County.

The 1879 State Session reports, coming approximately five years after the major organization efforts, spoke of impatience with the progress toward improvements. Many members joined only for cooperative buying advantages, and did not participate in regular Grange work to help keep the organization going. Some felt the Grange door was too wide open, admitting problem members. The following are some quotes from those 1879 reports: Jefferson County: "Members wanted to get a great deal without putting forth effort, and they could not do it, so they lost courage and hope, and fell out by the way."

Orange County: "The deputy had political aspirations, and his influence was therefore not profitable to the Order."

Oswego County: "Some had a single purpose - pursuit of the dollar. They did not find what was expected, so there was disappointment."

Ontario County: "The early organization was influenced too much by the curiosity and by anxiety to make money."

Chautauqua County: "Too oft in choosing friends we err.

By warm, good nature pressed,

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And in love-like form receive A serpent to our breast."

After 1879, Dutchess County had no delegate and no report for the remainder of this early Grange period. The roster of Granges for 1881 listed G.E. Wenner as the new Mister of Stanford No. 245, but there were no other changes.

During these early years, in an effort to strengthen Grange and secure new members, cooperative insurance companies were organized. These were fire insurance cooperatives, organized under the auspices of Grange, but independent companies. The first insurance company report to New York State Grange was made at the ninth annual session, January 24-26, 1882, and included the following entries: Rhinebeck, org. 1880, 61 policies I ed Hook, org. 1880, 3 policies In 1882, these two companies reported as Farmers Town Mutual and Co-operative Insurance Company of F':ed Hook.

Other name changes occurred at later dates.

These insurance cooperatives were no more effective for strengthening Grange than the other cooperative buying efforts. The new members enjoyed the but put no effort into the regular low premiums, Subordinate Grange work of sustaining the Grange itself Subordinate meetings were not being held, and reports were not being made. The 1883 roster listed no officers for Stanford No. 245. Dutchess No. 136 continued to report 1,wane Story as Master, who coincidentally also served as secretary of one of the previously mentioned fire insurance companies.

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The fact that Grange members were using cooperative advantages but not holding regular meetings was recognized early by New York State Grange officials.

At the 1879 State Grange session, the State Secretary's report included: "It is well to look squarely at facts as they exist, for we shall thereby be enlightened in future work, and we shall also kn.w better how to devise plans for the development of the order. The fact that there is a considerable number of Granges that have now ceased to regard their obligations is now so well established that I venture to call your attention to the necessity of dealing with them in some way that shall restore them to the full performances of duty, or take from them the privileges they have violated."

The State Secretary gave a similar report the following year at the 1880 annual session. For the next couple of years, the State Secretary reported on progress of restoring some Granges to regular meetings and operations.

The "axe" fell at the 1884 State Grange session, the 1884 roster of Granges showing that 100 Granges were officially closed that year, including Dutchess No. 136, Stanford No. 245, and Red Hook No. 389. For Dutchess County, Grange was officially dead.

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PART II

THE ORGANIZING YEARS 1891 - 1916

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PART II- THE ORGANIZING YEARS (1891 - 1916)

Even as the New York State Grange decreed the massive closing of inactive and dormant Granges in 1884, reorganization and new organization efforts had already begun.

Of the earliest of 287 Granges organized through the end of 1875, only 111 remained after the 1884 closings.

Only two of these, ethlehem No. 137 in Albany County, and West Sand Lake No. 283 in Rensselaer County, were in eastern New York State. The others were all in northern and western New York, so reorganization efforts were concentrated there, where there was still a reasonable level of Grange activity remaining.

Throughout the 1880°s eastern New York was essentally ignored.

Dutchess County was fortunate however, for there was Grange activity nearby, but in a different direction, over the state line in Connecticut. Webutuck Grange was active near Sharon, Connecticut, and some members were neighbors of the people in Amenia. This neighborliness led to the formation of Amenia Grange No. 698, with the

31

organization actually being guided by a Deputy from Connecticut.

Amenia Grange No. 698 was organized August 25, 1890 with 18 charter members. It was organized by Deputy P.C. Beckwith of Connecticut, with Brother E.B. Underhill as its first Master.

There is much significance with the organization of this Grange. First of all, the number indicates that more than 300 Granges had been organized in New York since Red Hook No. 389 in 1876, but not a single one in Dutchess County until now, and this one was organized by Connecticut Secondly, Dutchess County will now have a delegate to the New York State Grange Session for the first time in twelve years. Finally, the charter membership contains one Mr. A.E. Hall, who will go on to be Deputy and organize no less than twenty-three more Granges in Dutchess County.

Six months after the organization of Amenia Grange No. 698, Master E.B. Underhill served as Dutchess County delegate to the eighteenth annual session of the New York State Grange at Elmira, February 3 - 6, 1891. He gave the following report: "Dutchess County. - Only one Grange exists in Dutchess County. This Grange, Amenia No. 698, was organized August 25th, 1890, with 18 charter members and has received two members by initiation, and lost one by death, our Worthy Chaplain, who was most instrumental in the organization of our Grange and a prominent and influential man both socially and also in town and county

1lgmtld IK ordorin` hlitnka will pirate glee tha letter it the blank wanted.

A.

'p .

w nl i..1

It.

National Crange incorporated January, 1873. .

Deptttiee organising Orengei it. regeesioel to send a n+pr or this shoot he the 8ecreter7 of their Elate Onnge at the rotas Urns ; they pond the appllettMn and roe in Wuhingtoe.

r•

To JOHN TAIMBIoE

ocrotary of National Qrango, aN t.intertt,

is

).

~tT.t«T+~*aTOM.

a. a.,

The undersigned have organized a Subordinate Grange'in the p

'

Toot of .

County oA

~✓ #~y~' 7tfa`1 t'iSf...

«.«.

~r4fLGAr,1~-•~...,r •tti~~:?~ ~

And most respectfully ask for a (Dispensallon

Slate of

and all necessary doc4crnenls, and enclose the fee of Fifteen !Dollars for the sdnse..

_._.......... ..~1~~,.r, •

...................~....._..... ......:....._......_ .r .I . .V/L.

~K~.

!V

/G aa7n PIE~t.'(~ '

9. .. f «Master.

.... .

r.wRw.~rH:n

a.... ~.4..~M.Y...1-..f..7•••

4t1~Sr

i~~.......Ce

..Secretary.

Mdrew

a County of

.Nearest Express O i. e Name of Grange_,_.__

.

.. ~~. .... ,

s

Organised and approved by. __—___ Dale_

j~.._ i.',./ fo

'P.O. Address

..dr .9..r4._LJ

trrsrnuorrorrs ro i rurizs.

The Orange organised will peonies all necese+rr doenments with tlielr diepeeeetlen, sad in the rneentlms sea be appointing Oontmlttees, preparint their Hell, their and billeting for Osedldalee. Olepnsestioee will larariably be feel wlthla lbry•elgbt P hoen after the recelpt or the appliosttoa. .t

Dispensation to Organize Amenia Grange No. 698

33

Natlonat Crango Incorporated January, 1873.

Delnttlea nrgnnlzing tirengiw ere regncwitrl l ecnd a copy or Ibis ehrrl to the i ccrclnry of their i ietn (hinge at the lelnle time lhey mini (l,e eiydicntlmt ntn) us in weehington.

fio JOHN ' RIMBLB, Secretary or National Qrange, ert v rrrnr:r r,,

W -.A.al3i2arOSON,

a.

O.1

The undersigned have organised a Subordinate Grang6 to lid Town o/

County

'

-

Slate a)........._....~n^1 cN ....

aim

of....

y

most respectfully ask for a ,Dispensation

and all necessary drl 1itenls, altd enclose the fee of Fifteen ?)ollars for the saute, N.AMEO

a

..a

.Oi'

APPS..~OMI2e

<-&~,..-............... ...~. Z z..c&

. r-

',

. q

/.

v

.

....~W

.......~.............

✓1.~.

t/4' (4 4,u%4-r'

.Master.

.Secretary.

P. O. Addrus.

1'. O. Addroeo.

"I.,

.Nearesl Express 0 ue..

N ame of Grange_

....,~ .i

Organised and approved by... — •

eDale.........(l?Jl.-.-

ottitly of............ ....~..............,,.................:

...i.t 'h

vZ_-...... ....... .... . ..

• ,i/ .z . . L1..G., tit..'La..---.. . V n~.'l' wSIJ~,n ✓~:.

/..7...:...t FrpS.~....T. 0. Address.........t~.

n;;

A

... ....,..........C~~.a.....,Cr~......

IN87, UUTIONS W DSPUTTE9.

The Orono orsenlnotl will roceive ell noccmary dtenmonle will, licit dlgronnntlnn, end in tin monntlmo 0An be nppnin io thou, Oototnitloon, preimring their itnil, end Imibting t,r condu lotea. t)leitonettlone will Inverlobly be Sent within fhrt,.cllhl /~ / '✓JGrr/~ _ I ~ ~~ L ~~ ~~n after the racolpl of the npplleatlon. (~ L

Dispensation to Organize Millerton Grange No. 796

34

interests. We are looking forward to a general interest in Grange work in Eastern New York.

"Amenia Grange has rented a hall and holds its meetings the second and fourth Mondays of each month in the winter time, and upon the fourth Mondays of each month in the summer. We have no county organization and our aid and instruction in the work has come from a neighboring Grange in Connecticut. The State Agricultural Society met last week in our midst and its influence is felt to our good.

"Our members are in earnest and must succeed. Bid us God speed."

Brother Underhill again served as Dutchess County delegate to the New York State Grange session in 1892, but gave no report. In 1893, Brother G.S. Thompson, husband of the Amenia Grange Secretary, served as delegate to the New York State Grange session. Amenia Grange and therefore Dutchess County, accounted for 26 members of the total 31,961 members in New York State. Brother Thompson gave the following report: "Dutchess County. - We are cheerful and hopeful, with reasonable ground for hope. We are pleased with our commercial ventures with Woodbury of Rochester.

"Our members are grateful to our State officers, especially Worthy Secretary Goff, for their manifest interest in us.

35

"We are well drilled in our work, applications coming in and work of confirmation at every meeting."

Dutchess County had no delegate to the 1894 State Session, and there was no delegate report, but there was a membership report that Amenia Grange No. 698 had gained six for a total of 31 members. George S. Thompson again represented Dutchess County at the 1895 State Session, but gave no report.

Later in 1895, I rother A.E. Hall of Amenia Grange No. 698 was appointed Deputy for Dutchess County, and organized five Granges in three months time! They were: * Millerton Grange No. 796, located in Millerton, on October 17, 1895, with 13 charter members, and E.L. Barrett as first Master. * Upton Lake Grange No. 802, located in Clinten Corners, on December 9, 1895, with 13 charter members, and Smith Knapp as first Master. * Pine Plains Grange No. 803, located in Pine Plains, on December 18, 1895, with 13 charter members and Mulford Wheeler as first Master. * Waldo Grange No. 805, located in South Dover, later called Wings Station and Wingdale, on January 17, 1896, with 20 charter members and Frank A. Denton as first Master.

* Stanford Grange No. 808, 1. cated in Bangall, on January 23, 1896, with 18 charter members, and Edwin Knickerbocker as first Master.

The first three of these Granges were authorized by Deputy W.H. Chamberlain of Otsego County, but the first makes a note to pay fees to Deputy A.E. Hall.

Brother A.E. Hall, then became the Dutchess County delegate to the 1896 State Session. The State Secretary summed up activity for the year by announcing that the year's organization work resulted in seventeen new Granges, five of them in Dutchess County. Dutchess County is listed as having six Granges, all of them reporting, for a total of 185 members.

Brother Hall then gave the following very interesting and detailed report: e

"Dutchess County. Worthy Master and Patrons: It becomes my privilege to make to this worthy body the first report that comes from Dutchess County, although I have been informed in my labors as deputy that there had been a Grange in this county, and als met an individual why. said he had attended the State Grange. This he said was about fifteen years ago. But this Grange only lasted for a short time and for some reason dropped out.

"Just over the border of this state, in Connecticut, there has been a working Grange for a number of years, the Webutuck Grange.

The brotherly and congenial spirit which prevailed towards one another within its circles and its good and helpful influence was felt and recognized by the

37

adjoining communities. Thus it was largely through the influence of this Grange, that the work was again revived in Dutchess County. Five years ago last August, a few farmers with their families assembled in a private place and with the assistance of a deputy from Connecticut, organized the Amenia Grange No. 698, with 18 charter members.

There are today 43 members in good standing. But the Amenia Grange has not been one of continued prosperity.

It was a new thing in the county, farmers were slow to see the benefits to be derived from such an organization. For about three years, we did but little more than hold our own.

Death also entered our circle, and took from us in the first year of our organization Brother Conklin, one of our most efficient and enthusiastic workers. Also, wthin the past year, God, in his wisdom, saw fit to remove our Worthy Master George S. Thompson, another earnest worker for the interest of the Grange. But for the past two years the Amenia Grange has been more prosperous, new members have been added and today I think I can say that it is in a very prosperous condition and in good working order.

"Prior to last October this was the only Grange east of Hudson River. About this time Brother Chamberlain, State Deputy and a veteran organizer from Otsego County, appeared in the field to assist the County Deputy in his Grange work. If there had been an earthquake or some other disturbance I do not know as it would have caused more excitement, especially among the dealers in the county, for so far the Amenia Grange had been working in a quiet way, not causing any fear to business or trade. During the week that Brother Chamberlain remained with us, three Grange meetings were held at Millerton, Dover Plains, and South Dover. The result of the week's work was one

~R

Delnllice In enlering Meeks will plesee glee thn letter of the hlnnk wnnted. *gam s

w National Grange Incorporated January, 1873.

Deplflles organising Orenaea arc fegeesieel to send s copy of this sheet to the Secretory of their State firing. at the same these they send the application and lb. to Washington.

fio JOHN fiRIMBLN1 Secretary of National Qrangel eta P STREET, WA/XITTeTC2S.

/J ,._ .. ?orals of _..__.... ... ....c±:.~c~>1 ( /1 Slate of _.....__.....?':C~.f.~'

a.

C..

The undersigned have organic d a ubo dxnale Grange in the ~— SS ........ __..._ _...... _ ........ ........._....... Coui:ly of......il Gi. and most respectfully ask for a

Jispensalion

and all necessary docn n,enls, and enclose the fee of Ftfleen dollars for the same.

ST.A.

Q OF

.A.PFS.ICA2STS

..........Secretary.

.......

Nearest Express Ojiice..

arrt.

02G f i iC .

_.

County oJ...'? Lc..Lee

G;fir/.._ .. . .._. ..... ~ .._..___.._............,.._~........__..__..........,_ ...... ..........,&. ..

.Name of Grange_—.._.

Organised and

_.

approved by __ ..........K.. -

iDale....__:11_ [.......9.:....._..1.9 F.J............__rP. o. address........../ .....~

....... ...... ..... . s..._....a ..off.

. '

.

. .• INSTIZUOT[ON3 TO DIDPUTI &.

The Orange oegaolrod will erosion ail neeeenary docomenta with their dispensation, end in the meantime esnlbe appolntina their Ooeemhtees, preparing their hell, end balloting tier OandWatea. Olspensatinoe will In►sriahly he seal within: fertyeigbt.0 yl y • K ,11. ~Fku1x beers alter the receipt of the application. ~~~(f

Dispensation to Organize Upton Lake Grange No. 802

39

Depm,nos in coloring hlnnk■ will place give the letter or the hlnnk wental.

t

National Crange Inoorporated January, 1873.

Deputies orgenh:leg Ornngce ore o-gncelrJ in eeod n copy or ltmis sheet to the Scerctery nr their 8tnto Omega et the rme time nary emul time nl,pncnnm, enmi roe in W eelmhigtemn.

To°JOHN 9'RIMBLB, Secretary oT National. Qrange, nit n' KTRRi:r. •W'.&morxIJ4Toce. a. c.,

'The undersigned have orgai i dd Town Of. '

r

Slate of(j;1jf

Subboordivale Grange in the / -/C/.................................._...

. . . . .. .. ..... . ................ County of.I

._

and most resfieclfully ask for a 'Disfinensalion

and all necessary documents, viii l enclose ills fee of Fifteen

/ollars for llic saute.

County of.,.

Nearest Express O~c .

Name of Grange Organised a d aj 5rroved by.....! / (Dale.. ... _. / 9......!

q'• 0. Address...

INST7lUOTIONS TO DEPUTIES. The 9renge nrgenirocl will receive nil necoee try mleotunontn with their dielHmnennnn, end in time mnrentime 0100 he eppelnting their.Oommittom, propnring their llnil, end hnllnling rim, OnndWntos. 1)Igronentlone will Inoerinhlr'ho sent within rorlyelgbt i . been after the renolpt or the eppllcatlon.

Dispensation to Organize Pine Plains Grange No. 803

40

I)ry,nlire In nnBwveroti I,Innke .111 plrn.n Rl,n lhn loltnr eP lhn l,l.nk w.nt.4.

National Crange Incorporated January,

Dopetim era.relv.InR Hlm.gm tro n!gHmenl In send a e,q,y nr this Sheol In the fl.erotnry or tholr fltnte Cmnge it the 'time lime they mint the eppllcelIon end rce to W,uhinglnn.

fio JOHN fi RIMl3IZS, Sacrctary of Nattonal Orange, 1.1.1 F NTltF.tr. W.A

Town of. 1 Slate oj'

1.I2SGSO5 . a.: o.r

flu taidersigueti !rave organized aSulrordinale Grange i,e !ltd i / -te-.ecr ...

C a, 0f /`

~

and all neccsaary docsnienls, and enclose •r

_ ~_...„........

•F

1/u

and most resj ctfully ask for a rDispensalion t fee of Fifteen ?)altars for 1114 same,

27Aftx17 Os' A1T?xxoA'~rxm

..._......."_.

_ ...*.--.___........:...~ ~~

~,~~

I

._.; ........... . . ., ..

............Secretyrx.

1'. C. Aadrow.

a•4~' 6

Name of Grange.~YZ-Go--__-.__ •»_:a.

_..,

:.

. •"-

_ Mailer....................-~._.__ • 1'. O. Aklrew.

1

'

Organized and approved by. .__:. tDale.._

E I:

rI I_;b.

✓ldc csa~

C

~~trtr'4

~

SPUTIJln. IN8TRUOTEOuT8 •T The Omnre organirml will romire till neceerery docnmm1i a1Li t oir dl.ponmtlnn, end In the meantime Imn be eppointleg their Committeee, preperins their 11.11, ail Intlloting it.. Caedktatss. INspeneetions will larerfabiy be sent within rnetyslgkl . hairs tilt.. the reeeipt .1 11.. .pplintlon.

Dispensation to Organize Waldo Grange No. 805

41

1)epallce In nnloring hlanke will Idnate gliao lho littler or iii, lilank wanllrl.

A

Rt~

National Crange Incorporated January, 1873.

DopnUce organi,h,g Ornngee are nrinreled In want a copy nr Ihle ahem In tlic.Sccrolery or thclr Slate Orange at the earn, time ' they ecnd hue eppllcntlmt and r o to Waahinglon.

Po JOHN fi RIMBhS, Secretary or National Orange, NI

►'

Z7PAQTOXSTOTCN, a.. O.r ' '

The undersigned have organised a Subordinate Grange in, Ike Thou of...............

`

lid-

... ..... . . ................ County of......

State of

.:....._.

and most respectfully ask for a Dispensation

and all necessary documents, a::,1 enclose the fee of Fifteen collars for tl:e same. we

AFFLIc.A1STm

o'

q orr.t ........... .7-/`.

_ .. .__. ....irk

%ar~Y`........:.

...... ~..

..

......... ............. .

...

.

C. C .... ...

... ........ . ó'........... ...................../1✓tct r...........f.1-

Goy ulster.

/hA

I'. O. Atldroee.

.. £~I. l'l~..~...secretary. ....../..I'./.. O.L/..

Addrose.

_.................~3 ~ u Nearest Express Ofce.... ...

Name of Grange,,,,_,_..

Organised a):

(~JYl

O i~.i°_.... ___..___County of.......

.. .. . ..Z.24614(

approved by............

(Date..... .. .. Cc-'r-....... ..s... ... . .. / (.

INS7'HUOTION8 TO DEPUTIES. The Orange orgenisod will roach, all noconsry dnenmonte with lllelr diepnneatlnn, end in the meantime eon be appointing their Oommhlcce, preparing their flail, and balloting for oaedldatee. Dlepeaeatlone will lnrariably be meet within rortyelght hone alter the receipt or the applicaUon.

Dispensation to Organize Stanford Grange No. 808

A A

Grange organized, the Millerton Grange, with only 13 charter members. It now n -mbers 17 members.

"On December 6th the work was again resumed.

The following week two meetings were held at Clinton and Pine Mains. Good work was accomplished at both places.

Upton Lake Grange was organized at Clinton with 15 charter members. It now numbers 18 members. Also Pine Plains Grange at Pine Plains with 14 charter members. This Grange now numbers 24 members. At this time, Brother Chamberlain was again called home as he wished to attend the Pomona Grange to be held in his own county and other matters which required his attention. During his absence the County Deputy arranged for more Grange meetings.

During the week, commencing January 14th, meetings were held at South Dover, Millbrook and Bangall. The result of this week's work was the organizing of a Grange at South Dover, Waldo Grange with 21 charter members. Also one at Bangall, called Stanford Grange, with 18 charter members. Various are the experiences of a deputy, but in all of our work, we met with no opposition particularly except at South Dover. There seemed to be an element that It was necessary to was greatly opposed to a Grange. return there three times before the organization was perfected. We have there now a good strong Grange of 23 members. For the work that has been accomplished the County Deputy feels that he can conscientiously take but little praise to himself, for besides the efficient service which has been given by the State Deputy Brother Chamberlain. I would also mention the services which has been rendered by different members of Amenia Grange, especially its Past Mastersrother Smith, who has, when convenient, rode with the County Deputy in such towns and communities

43

where he himself was not acquainted, introducing him to the farmers and speaking a good word for the order. Also the ladies who have responded so willingly to furnish music, etc. to interest and start the newly organized Granges.

"During the past year union meetings have been held consisting of three Granges in Litchfield County, Connecticut and the Amenia Grange, of Dutchess County.

The meetings have been very interesting and instructive. At the last meeting which was held at Amenia, Brother Chamberlain, of Otsego County, and Sister S.H. Judd, from St. Lawrence County, addressed the meeting.

"I think the benefits of the Grange are being realized by farmers in the county. So far the work which has been accomplished is only in the eastern portion. It is the desire that the work should be extended in other parts of the county another season. Thus I think that Dutchess County can and will be made one of the foremost counties in Grange work, and for the advancement of the interest of the Patrons of Husbandry."

By year-end 1896, still another Grange had been organized. Sylvan Grange No. 825 was organized in the Town of Beekman on December 21, 1896, with 19 charter members, by Deputy A.E. Hall. Also for some time at this point, Dutchess County had more than the required three Subordinate Granges to institute a Pomona Grange, and discussion was underway.

The twenty-fourth annual session of the New York State Grange was held at Rochester February 2 - 5, 1897, with Dutchess County having sufficient Grange membership

AA

()aptttla in nnlaring lilnnke will phaiee giro (ho loner of the Itlnnk wan(N1.

A t~

National Crange Incorporated January, 1873.

Dopatice nrgnnixing f(congan arc ragarointi in ennd n copy of tub aural Iii (hr Hoeraiery of (hair Rlnte ((conga at the eeme (line ((toy eentl (he appllcidlan and (he In W aehington.

To JOHN 'AIMBIiS, Secretary or National Orange, aet Y $T,tet,:T., WAee3f:X

TOST, a.

O.,

t .

The undersigned hrve organized a Subordinate Grange stt,llle TowJ& o(...._~ V ~l Slal of.,

J~.Cad/ •. r:4Aq•County of

i

~~,.<<;t,

/,".,...._1-

and most

respectfully ask for a 2isj ensalion r

and all necessary dreunrenls, and enclose 1118 fee of Fifteen dollars for the same.

27A]tT0

.1!C ~. (~.a_..,.. ,

~.~U.~cAt~..._1 /''

OT

(4o.

,c.J.. I. ... ) ..LG~^~-~-f..tl~......~. ,

.C.<, s t e I.....

Y`._ UL

p ..LJ..~.,...~~ ~_t..~...e.~.a.-..e~` /i(.

~j...1.1,.(

►

AYTZ,IOA2J2~

e.

..

cJ

.. l J

1L .(

e~.4..,t. e.

•It

,t .1 L.~....:.a..f :J'' u..~..t..tf;.,1....

as1cr.

Express Office. 'J h1..L ? . . lI

..tls.~a'ua~ --, ,1

J. ~ e",.......G(:s:>.•.y,..E:,.:.'...:.,.,-~,.. _[~,..s-r~y~`•t1.

P. U. Addroa.

A

Near

/

t-~i r.r.~c.,ce.C.... ~.,..._._.....•G.tE.e.r}-.

.l .

XGt t..d., . J d c .

..~`.:r. .C.~,.[r:.:...c:!:.1.. _J.4.t'(

L.r.•,9d

Lk.t.-`~,.. e e

...a

Secrelary.

P. U. Addrone..

___County(~r .. .:1 c+ 4L Le (l..

Name of Grange_.»1.........!!!~_`/Ix:..a;:x.-!:1?_._...__...... .

Organized and approved by.......... rDat8. oYl.liC;a . ../

f

q. 0. Address..

.. ....1.:1.:t. C.1.:vi /

•

...... ../.........~-•••./_/.'~

IN8TfUUT!ON8 TO DEPU47Jr8.

The Orange orgnnirod will rocalro nil necceeuy dncnmante witii ((talc dieponnntlnn, end in (ha ntan(lme one he appolntIng their Oommitleoe, preparing tltolr ((nil, moil balloting for Oendldetee. Dlepanotione will Inrnrinhiy he eont wl(hln forlyelght_ ; in honn after the receipt of the application.

Dispensation to Organize Sylvan Grange No. 825

45

DeImUoe In entering blank, will plmue give (he letter nr (he blank wanted.

R~iI

i

>t w

A

1

11!!

National Crange Incorporated January, 1873.

Depullcn ergenlning (lrnngiu ace regneelml le MUml a to py er lld, elicnt to the Rccrelnry ni their Rlale Orange at the name tleie (tiny acnd the application and ice to Waehingtnn.

fio JOHK 11RIMBLS1 Secretary of National Qranga, all

Y Iru'IIII•`I•. W.A.

wr00

reoU, a.

c.,

The urrdersigned have organised a Subordinate Grange in ehe Town of ...................., Stale of,,,,,,,,

,

.. .

+r :.,

~u C

Corurly of........

..I...Y,,............,. ,

........... _

--

' • ,,.,.,,..and nrosl respcctfnlly ask for a rDispensalion

;and all necessary docnnrcn(s, amt enclose the fee of Fifleen (Dollars for the sane. bTA7wcEm Or

.APPz.

ANT.

i jZG~yC

J .........C.....~`.. ............t..~~, ' f ~..x

7 .... .. ..........................

Master..

......

-..._........ w...

e .,~ir- ............. ......

...,_

,y ~.. ,,........

i'. O. Admay..

1'. O. Addrem.

....

.,. .

r

ry o).........

Nearest Express Office............ ~:._% rl:!~r l c: '(.'......._...._..._.___County ). , ,j) ✓ I ......................... t....................... .................r .. . .:~~....... ..................

N ame of Grange............._.. lcZ:::r.:.I'...l._! :'' r

Organized and approved by .......................

I

'1

INSTItUCT'IONS TO DEPU'T'IES. The Orange eeganiaal will receive nil eeceeeuy dncnmonte with their dlep vnenllnn, and In line menetime cnn be appninling their Commiticco, preparing their h ull, and balloting for IJoeuiblatou, bleponentlnne will ievarinbly be newt within tortyelgbt .IA:; . ¢own alter the receipt el the application. :t

Dispensation to Organize Pawling Grange No. 831

46

to send more than one delegate for the first time. Serving as delegates at this 1897 session were Amenia Grange's A.E. Hall and George Kinney.

The 1897 report of State Secretary Goff included words reaffirming Grange purpose and objectives which are worth repeating. He said that, "the year in our State has been one of marked interest and activity, magnifying its influence and popularity by its conservative, respectful, and intelligent and commendable position and action as manifested at its scores of public meetings and the hundreds of regular meetings of its members in nearly every county in the state, building up agriculture by broadening the understanding, spreading intelligence, fraternity, and liberalizing the farmers generally, thus adding renewed zeal and coverage to the farmer's life, happiness and home."

Brother Hall again reported for Dutchess County at this 1897 State Session. As he had done the previous year, his report was detailed and rather lengthy, but there could be no finer summary of the condition of Grange in Dutchess County. Brother Hall reported as follows: "Dutchess County. - Worthy Master and Patrons: It very gratifying, is at this time, to be able to report increased prosperity of the Order in Dutchess County. Not only has there been new Granges organized, but the membership of the others has been greatly increased. Many who formerly looked upon the Order as something of no great advantage to the farmer are now beginning to see and realize its benefits, and are uniting with us.

47

"The Amenia Grange No. 698, which is the oldest Grange in the County, has had in the past year a steady and healthy growth. New members have been added, its social and literary features have been very pleasant and instructive.

A new Grange Hall has been obtained and furnished with carpet and necessary furniture.

"The Waldo Grange No. 805 has doubled its membership the past year. A new hall has been repaired and furnished. They are taking great interest in the work "Stanford Grange No. 808 is in a very prosperous condition and its members have been largely increased.

Although they have held their meetings the past year in the homes of the members, they will avail themselves of a hall as soon as one can be procured.

"Upton Lake Grange No. 802 is also in a prosperous condition. The principal benefits which this Grange has received from the Order is in its purchasing of goods. Its social and literary features have been neglected, on account of the lack of interest of the sisters in the Order.

"Millerton Grange No. 796 has not had as prosperous a career. After a discouraging struggle of a few months the County Deputy received a communication from its Secretary that it was no longer able to maintain its meetings. The Deputy received instructions not to let any Grange go dormant, if in his power to prevent it. Two days were spent in canvassing the community, and twenty-four new names were added to its number. A new election of officers has been had, and the grange is now in prosperous condition. At the last regular meeting, four applications

48

were brought in, and we now expect good work from Millerton Grange.

"But this has not been the experience of the Pine Plains Grange No. 803. This Grange has made a rapid growth from its infancy. Organized a little more than a year ago with the least number possible to organize, it now numbers some fifty-six members, composing the best element in the community. Why this rapid increase? The members carry applications with them, and talk Grange in the shops and stores, and whenever they meet a neighbor invite him to join the Order. Thus, this Grange grows and prospers.

"There have been Union meetings, held quarterly, between the Sharon Valley Granges in Connecticut and the Dutchess County Granges the past year, but the most notable was one held at Millerton, NY., September 11th.

Brother J.H. Brigham, our National Master, State Master Brother Hale, together with Connecticut State Master and other officials, were present. There was a large attendance, and the meeting was a very profitable one to Patrons and others of the County who attended. It was largely through the influence of this meeting that the twenty-four new members were procured for Millerton Grange.

"Three other meetings were held in this County the following week at Poughquag, Fishkill and Millbrook.

These meetings were addressed by Brother Brigham, our National Master, and State Master Brother Hale.

"Largely through the influence of these meetings, a Grange has been organized at Beekman, composed of some

49

of the go.d farmers of Fishkill, and Poughquag, forming a good strong Grange, called Sylvan No. 825.

The [t eputy has held two meetings at Milan and Pawling. A Grange has been taken into consideration at Pawling, and the Deputy has been invited to come and organize in the near future.

"It has been voted upon the different Granges in the County, and has been unanimously voted to organize a Pomona Grange in the County.

The Grange as an organization, and its benefits, is something new to the farmers of Dutchess County. Thus, they are conservative and slow to adopt it, yet they feel that there never was a time when there was so much need of organizing as now, that it was time something was done for the interest and prosperity of their calling."

At the conclusion of the 1897 State Session, Brother Hall returned home and completed the organization work he had reported. Dutchess County Pomona Grange No. 32 was organized with 35 members on March 12, 1897, and Pawling Grange No. 831 was organized on March 17, 1897 with 16 charter members and B.F. Burr as first Master.

Deputy A.E. Hall continued his organization work in late 1897, and organized Pleasant Valley Grange No. 838 on November 4, 1897 with 13 charter members and Milo B. Barbour as first Master and Poughkeepsie Grange No. 839 on November 9, 1897 with 18 charter members and Alson teGarmo as first Master. Dutchess County was eligible to send three delegates to the 1898 State Session, including a

50

betmttrs in ►etaring bienke will please glra the letter at the blank wanted,

$J "A1 ,

A

J

National Crange Incorporated January, 1873. bepatles erganleing Oranges are rogimalnl to acnd a enj.y nr thin ahcet to Urn iterrntary at thnlr Rate Orange at the wma tin. they aced the applieat en suet IM in Wsehingtnn.

7o JOHN 'FRIM$LS, Nocrotary of Nattongl Orange, au s• rrrrtvcr, co-~aazsxrarort, a. c..

The unelersigrted have organised a Sulordinale Grange in the . ?ottm

o/~*~ e

Stale of...1

c

aJf

county of . and ntosl res/ieclfnlly ask for a Z)ispensalion

-_L

and all necessary docun 6.n/s, and cuclose the fee of Pifteen Pollar•s for the same.

l'1 .....

(fb►t-td lP VCIP P.O. Athlrew.

,'

~

(P4 del-

as..lçj r.~J~ /

ii

I'. U. Address.

.---county of.....;

Nearest Express Office .Name of Grange_I~.

Secrelar,

-....

~ -1

.__(...u.L

Organised and approved by___.__._._............

..............1/

.~4Z4 -h

INBT1tUOTIONB TO DarUTIE8.

The Orange nrgnnlne.l will reoeirn all nnantry uk emmnels with their ullefe,nae(inn, and In the meantime ran tie appointing halt, nue1 balloting Pen (Muelhlatn. 1)inpeeeatinne will Inrarlably he sent within thrty.etght their Onmmltlrrs, preparing their )testa site, the neeipt at the ap)4lotlon.

Dispensation to Organize Pleasant Valley Grange No. 838

51

1)epetlea la erderteg bitch, will plot., glee the letter or the bianh wetted, 0'

National Crange Incorporated January, 1873. .}~ Deprttlea erpnlydns Onngea are regeaeled to mild t rnpl nr thb epeel to the 8ecrelnry et their BtaU Onep at the came ttma they teml the applleallen and fee le Waahington.

To JOHN T1i1MBLB, Socrstary or III

r

Natlonal Grange, t?RM►.7;W.uxxiaoixo2S, a.

S,lt

I. O.e

The undersigned have organised a Subordinate Grange in the

. tl

. . ... . ... .. ..County

Tome of~..

oj.. .

d!~<%~zlas~r

....:.... . . .. ..............and most res/ectfully ask for a /Disfensatio

Stale of_.,

and all necessary documents, and enclose the fee of Fifteen /Dollars for the same. a7A]L~et

/ .

OP .APPLSOA27See,

, 1~

1.

,...; g ?si .54.

/

-~-=•b ,...'.%~:OZf/~•.

..

v.

................ ......... .........Master.

P.O. eaare.

P.O. A

.1

bounty

Nearest. Express Office Nhmi of Grange........

of

.21

?✓

Organised and approved by /Date

'

q'. 0. address.... _ ...-....

/ !.`" 1t IN8TRU0TI0IP8 TO Dll'PUTIE8. ,~ The Ortege ergenlred will receive all eoeeeeerl docemeeb with their dlepeeeetlon, cod to the meantlme eae be appotntlo their OommlUece, preparing their hall, and balloting br Otndldatm, Dlepenwtlone will te,arlably be peel wllhl• Ibrtl eight hairs ittir the recelpt of the appllcatloa. ~•; •t% '1'1'

Dispensation to Organize Poughkeepsie Grange No. 839

Delegate-at-Large. This 1898 State Session was held starting February 1 in Syracuse. Rev. T. Darlington Jester of Millerton served as Delegate-at-Large, accompanied by Mrs. A.E. Hall and E.J. Preston, both of Amenia. Rev. Jester gave the report for Dutchess County as follows: "There are ten Granges now in our County, two of them being new ones formed this year. Amenia, the oldest, has continued to enlist the prominent farmers in the cause.

"Millerton has put on new legs, having a room completely furnished and paid for. To aid the Lecturer, a card is printed with a subject for each month printed on it.

This idea was secured from the State Grange of New Jersey, where the Lecturer sends out a list of subjects for the year, as "Life," "Forestry," "Prosperity," etc.

"Pine Plains has grown to eighty-one members.

"Stanford has a new hall, and has added fifteen new members.

"Upton Lake Grange has no lady members, for some unexplainable reason.

"Waldo is prosperous, and uses all the paraphernalia as indicated in the Ritual, when intitiating candidates.

"Pawling has begun a substantial prosperity.

"Sylvan has made some growth.

53

"Deputy Hall, who is very energetic and wise in his work has started a Grange at Pleasant Valley and sne at Poughkeepsie, the County seat of Dutchess. °In some instances the Farmers' Alliance has disbanded and joined our •rder.

"The Pomona Grange was organized by Worthy Master O.H. Hale last March with thirty-five members and now numbers over one hundred. It held regular quarterly meetings, and the Fifth Degree has been conferred with all the paraphernalia of the Order.

"From the Pomona as a source, the Fire Relief Association has been organized, and is meeting with favor.

In some Granges it has been the most stimulating motive in adding new members.

Taking it altogether, the year has been prosperous, and very much of that is owing to our efficient Deputy A.E. Hall.

At this 1898 State Grange Session held February 1 4 at Syracuse, Dutchess County's Delgate-at-Large, Rev. T. Darlington Jester of Millerton became the first Dutchess County Granger to be elected to a State Office, as he was elected Chaplain of the New York State Grange.

Later in the year, Deputy A.E. Hall organized Freedom Plains Grange No. 857 on October 27, 1898 with 18 charter members and Edward Barmore as the First Master.

54

BDc ga-eIly* In nvO vleg hi eke win ,hwee Rive thw On4flae vt thy hienk wenrei. *, 1

Natlon

L

A .

r tngo inoorporatod January,

Depnllee ergenteleg tiran,pte ere requceleel In venal a enpy of thte ehret he the nveretary e their Rtata Uraange at the eaten time they eeml the apldlartirm lint) Ilse lb Weehiegtne.

'ro JOHN TRIMBI,H, Sacratary or National Oranpo, au r

rrt

ttY.eT,

a. a.,

do7iZNOT02S,

The undersigned !lave organised a Subordinale Grange in tli . ?crust of _.Z Slale of

_/111.. -t

, . ....

County uf_..,

L .. _ . ._.... .....

~~..._...._M._...

.._... arrrl trrnsl respectfully ask for a tDis/rertsalion

.._ . .. .:.,~~._._.. ,.._ .....

and all necessary rocunrents, aut! enclose the fee of Flftcelr. (Dollars for Ike same. xa.w.~a

.A?iI.iOff.WTO

or

,

yIn

~ic! r',1Llsirtil. .Y._ .. ..._.Jlfaster.

P. U. tidrow/~

/

Name of Grange

,/ — ~ZtiyYt'ki.i_

~~~' ,,. !h,•xcta

Organised and afij5roved by_...___ .I...' ...

Date

v~

County af.

'

Nearest Express Office.._r~ 'l

...!...

.

....

—._rn. 0. Address.

C

,lC

IN$TJlUCTIOIY$ TO DEPU77)SS. Tie Orange orgealeerl will receive all reentry drtowmenta with their i leponeetlnn, end In the meantime sera be appaetleg tilt Uommlltem, praaperleg their Mali, eta) balloting firr Uamlhlntae. Ulepoeeetlnne will lecarlably be Beat withla fatty-eight heirs attar the eeeelpt at the applagew. r .

;Ii

Dspensatoon to Organize Freedom Plains Grange No. 857

I

55

••a

U➢eyna6Bea;v Ova neelarinQ lrl.nkw will pianos Rlro the totter nr the 1rYnnk went~~~

Natk i

yM*•0'7~!•..

L1

©aange h ooPporated January, 1873.

®~ ~Mn wPRawlR9 y~ Q9rwnpr wre rorfned'.l to wm i w onpy nr thlw whrwd In thn &wr.lwry of lhwlr IItMo Omogrr of 1k. eons Umi 1h1'y eomt the 4gllrilc.ltnn wod !e. to W.ehtnrtlm. ' °

.

•

p ®, JOHN fiRIMBItN, $acrotary ®1 Nattonal Orange, r! ' ' . • °

CU

'

?!te uuttersignc

ZBI

:1'

;!t

T® 1. m. o.P

have organised a

Subordialale

Grange ire!hs

dt

Town ..

rCCCalrt•, w&

•Stale Lf..•_.....,~.».,,•f`''...»•..., .,...._....................................................... aal/l lund'aU ,ftecessary docttttlenl3 and `1t~~ t

l11t Ct :..1 Q:

' IiG"~(lr.~.r ,•

:~'` .

— .r*

9arust r est+rcf et!1'°

ask foa•

a

aj. ✓D is~ans •son. .l t~ „.o,.

the fee of Ttheett Dollars for Ilie same, .;.1}C, •1,,,• ''l T

elldos6

araacso ®r

.,.~',.11~St~

A?rLZOAMS~

"• .:

'L!

L~w...a.~+.....~..a~~..r........L+.r,:

—

~~1f rr..,...J +tr...~a'7..eL..Master.

P. D. iddr

P.O. Adlnr✓.. .

~_ County of.................

;Nearest Express Ojke.,__..

?(( ''

Name of Grange_...._.. .

Organised and aj proved by. ,4— ~' • Dale._.

.... (P. 0.Addres&......_,....

'' '.+ •.

IN8TIr uorxoz TO DaP UTI 2.

Tke (lrwnge nrs.wiowd will roost,. w11 noce.o rl dnenmewte with lholr dnpentwlton, wod I. the mewaltme eon be w~plilwlle` wilktw Qn1y.e1Rkt : t6etr Onmmtlteo., prepuing tholr 11.11, wnd bwlMUne the Oomlklohr. Dtepowwwtkmw will huwr(whll hi Isar. alter U.. teoetpt er the wppllcwtlow. . ,, .1 r

©ospensation to Organoze Chapel Corners Grange No. 872

56

•To JOHN 4RIHBLN, 8ecr.tary of National Orange, Uu Y Mrwhrrr, W.&S

X VGTO T. a. O.r

Tl.e uneiersignrd have organised a Subordivale Orange in the Tovn of_ _j

'

dt.- --.- .,A

4 ..

Stale eJ____,_,Y ./ 1.,

__._ County 551031 respectfully ask for a 'Distnsalion

a11ci

anti all necessary drelnnonls, alyd ,nrlrse ►he fee rf Fl/leen 41ollars for the same.

, 7

`

(o(

Iv,,

Get-- ,& y

t%h-*

€2J <j

(Zr ,t

()j(

)Ja42ei ~`~

'

Q!1 .

C/h,v'r~c

r.~•''!~•►. K

~.•u,.,, ~C ~i" «,lea-.

'o1- £(~.a4~..

(A

/r 1e J4-'.

Dispensation to Organize Chapel Corners Grange No. 872

Qa~h~rr

(9:Z

t)

Deputise la onlArint Id~tki irlll pietre glre the lelbr er the Llan~ Atnlyd. x ~

f

A

A 1

c•

l~• _

s

Q4f9

Nntlonnl C►ange Incorporated January, 1873• Dep,tta ergonlrl„g tlmngrw orn rrrl,iminl t.r o imi a wpr or nri. ohms h, tim Remolary of their KIM. llraogo of the Mm' Ila» tl,r7 oen,l tho oM lirolirm tort Or In Woahinghrn.

fio JOHN ' R1MBLB, Sacrotary of Notional Oranp, arr Y o'rri0: rr. W'A.oxr22JrT01e', a. e.r

The rrn,fersil;tsr,l li.rna organi-ad. a Subordinate Grange in lit.

7'olan o/._.._..._✓?-K.

1'tr

r•.i~

Gannly of........

rcr~~ '.........._.... .._

•. . and t»ost respectfully ask for a f/Jispensalion

Slate of

and all necessary documents, and endose the fee of Fifleen Dollars for the same. srwuso

- ,19___

or

J.rrL2o.A.27Te

w•~. Secrelary.

... ........Maslcr.

I'. 0. A

r

4C

Nearest Express Office.

Courtly of...............

.Name o/ Organised and approved by...

j:i<!i.

7'. 0. Address tlfsrltUOTIVNI3 To DIWUTrlss.

Tiro Orange organlrnrl will rreotre nil oocee+.try dmmnrenta with their dlepnnaatlon, and In thn mnnutime eaa he apprdnling thnlr Ommmiltoou, prepnring thou hail. and balloting for llonolWoioe. Dlrponratlono will Inrnrlably he seat wlthla rnrty.slgbl hunts utter the receipt of the application. l ii., .•

Dispensation to Organize Oak Grove Grange No. 873

SR

The twenty-sixth Annual Session of New York State Grange was held in Watertown beginning on February 7, 1899, with Welcome H. Lawson of Poughkeepsie Grange and Edwin Knickerbocker of Stanford Grange serving as delegates from Dutchess County. Among the resolutions presented was a resolution signed by Sisters Ambler and Washburn of Dutchess County, as well as the delegates from Dutchess and Brother A.E. Hall, Deputy, asking that the Annual Session of 1900 be held in the City of Poughkeepsie.

The Executive Committee later selected Herkimer for that 1900 Session.

Delegate-at-Large Welcome H. Lawson gave the following report at the 1899 State Session: "Our County Deputy A.E. Hall has increased the number of Granges in our County, and at the present time we have workers canvassing for three new ones.

'Some of our Granges have increased their membership one hundred percent in the last year.

"One Grange in the purchase of coal saved its members sixty-five dollars on a purchase of sixty tons.

"In one Grange they have organized magazine clubs, the Grange contributes three dollars from the Grange treasury to each club of four families and four magazines are subscribed for and are exchanged so that each family in the club has a new magazine each week of the month. The Lecturer is Chairman of the magazine committee and each club makes out its list of magazines and hands them back to him, he gets the best discount he can from a magazine

59

agency and the cost of the four magazines in excess of the three dollars contributed by the Grange is assessed in four equal parts upon the four families represented in the club.

The members have made excellent selections - the Review of Reviews being on each list, then the Forum, Harpers, Century, Cosmopolitan, etc., the Grange members believing this is a better plan to make the Grange attractive and instructive to new members than cutting down the initiation fees or quarterly dues.

"We are young but we give Chautaqua and Jefferson counties fair warning to look well to their laurels for we intend to bring old Dutchess into the front rank in members and efficiency.

"Our Fire Relief Association including Columbia and Dutchess, wrote in its first year of existence $738,000 of risks.

"At our last Pomona we had with us our Worthy Master E.O. Norris and Worthy State Secretary H.H. Goff, and an increase in the interest taken in our Grange work has been the result of their visit."

After the 1899 State Session concluded, Deputy A.E. Hall returned home and completed the organization work that was in progress. He organized Chapel Corners Grange No. 872 on April 6, 1899 with 37 charter members and Alson Sherwood as the first Master. The next day, April 7, 1899, Oak Grove Grange No. 873 was organized at the Oak Grove Schoolhouse with 18 charter members, and B.P. Wayne as the first Master.

60

After Deputy Hall organized Chapel Corners, actually located in the hamlet of East Park, and Oak Grove, located on the south side of Poughkeepsie, he continued his organization work and organized six more Granges prior to the 1900 Annual State Session just nine month later!

Deputy A.E. Hall's next six organizations were: * East Fishkill Grange No. 875, located in Gayhead or Stormville, on May 3, 1899, with 15 charter members and Storm Emans as first Master. * Wiccopee Grange No. 876, located in the hamlet of Wiccopee, on July 15, 1899, with 28 charter members and Orvis Haight as first Master. * Washington Grange No. 878, located in Millbrook, on September 8, 1899, with 17 charter members, and T.S. Barnes as first Master. * Fallkill Grange No. 882, located in Pleasant Plains, on October 20, 1899, with 23 charter members, and George S. VanVliet as first Master. *Whaley Pond Grange No. 885, located at Whaley Pond, on January 3, 1900, with 40 charter members, and Stephen L. Turner as first Master. * Union Vale Grange No. 887, located near Clove Valley, on January 23, 1900, with 24 charter members, and M.M. Vincent as First Master.

61

Dutchess County sent James H. Russell of Sylvan, Frank Boucher of Millerton, and Mrs. Frank Denton of Waldo Grange as the delgates to the twenty-seventh Annual Session of the New York State Grange, at Herkimer, beginning on February 6, 1900. This time, they went completely prepared and fully armed and certainly determined to bring the next annual session of the New York State Grange to Poughkeepsie.

The report given from Dutchess County gave a status of Grange and then referred to the invitation for a 1901 State Session in Poughkeepsie: "Dutchess County - Worthy Master and Patrons: Dutchess County, while on the extreme eastern border of our State and young in the Grange work, is glad to contribute to the State Grange our portion of the enthusiasm that is so necessary to the success of its work.

"Our warning to Jefferson and Chautauqua last year was not an idle one, and of twenty new Granges organized in the state, eight were organized in Dutchess and two in Ulster by one of our Dutchess County Grangers, so that ten or one-half of the work of organizing was done by Dutchess County Grangers.

"Our membership for the county was reported as 265 on October 1, 1898, but is now nearly 1,000 and a work going on that promises a still greater increase this coming year.

62

fopnthw In nalnrtng hinnkn will pinnea giro the toper nr the binnk wnntwl:

r •

1

National Crango Inoorporatod January, 1873.

Depollmt nrgnotnhtg ttreng,n ern n,Imytlt,I In w,•n,l w t,q.y nr Ihlw nhtrL t,t the F4rndnry or tI er Hlnte Itrnugn at the come time thay nnmt the eppltalten nn,t ( a lO 1Vnehhtglnn. r•

To JOHN TRIMBL6, Secretary of Rational Orange, nut r M'L•Ltv.I r. Wbeea2N6TON, n. C.

The tt~rrlersigtzed hove organised a Srtbordittale Grange in the Towtt of..._....

Stale

al........

(;tautly of... ..

/?/2f'

!f/GCA'~~

.._.................__ __

. . . au,! most res cctfully ask for a (Dispensation

and all rlecessaty doctumattts, and i aclose the fee of Fifteen rl)ollar•s for the sante.

Master.

.Sccrelary.

.. .

Aa lydre.

Jr

~

, 4

County of...

Nearest Express Office..!

Name of Grattge.,.,.„.,.

Organized attd aftfiroved by. gate........,..

'P. 0. Address.....

INSTft UCTIONS TO D HP UTIES. The Grnnge nrgnnlrod will rcoolro nil ntxxeitry docmmnnte with their dteponentlon, and In (tin monnlime'owe be nppnlntleg their Ornnmilleee, propnrteg tacit unit, ntnl tmtlnitng rnr Cnndklnloe. Dtepnnmttone wilt inrartnbly tin Sent wt(hln rorty.elgYt hone after the reeotpt or ttto eppltcattott.

Dispensation to Organize East Fishkill Grange No. 875

63

coin onloring hlnnkn will ptcoeo slvo tho Initrr nr the hinnk wcnlal.

A.

i

ii,

National Crange Incorporated January, 1873.

I)nprlllnn nrgnnlring lirnng~m lore n•.la.rt nl In ,tent n aq 5 Ii Itrin 010,1 I , lhn Nrcr. tnry ur thclr Htile lllongo nl the MIIIn Ilnln they ucnd it,,, loirydlcntlnll nail lte le \VnnIIIllgtnn.

'ro JOHN 'rRIMBLB, Socrotory or Natlonal Qrango, mu., F N'r tt t:, r.. W

&.ILIo

-

aez.

.

O.,

The rardersigned have organized a Subordinate Grange in the Torun of........

Stale of,,,,,...

,i,

ClUtttly if . . .. ... .

244I( t4,t

and all necessary dr'ranrenls, and ,•:,dose the fee of ST.A2.Sac

,. . .

...4

OF

,...

F'

s~-

.

415•

....

respectfully dsk for a Visjheusalion Fifteen )ollars far the sar)re

arrll nroat

...

f1FPz.IO

& n ra

.

,3 /fzOYLCoWL.../,~'viGO~S,P • ~•

........

y a' .

d6' ....... ~..

/ t~~

.....

..

,. ...............

~ .. .... qtr, ....~.., ....y .r.:~.........

..

..

Il'

'7'

:......Masler.

-.

..

..

.....secretary.~v

...............,. ......~'...'.................. ....

%w.

,Nerest a

'{r

P. O. Addroul.

I': O. Addr.

'Express

?.,,.Coun7y o/

Of/ice.. .....

.Name of Grange..,,,..

Organized and approved by.

'Dale..

)1 —

("

CCi~,

T. 0.Address ....... . .. .

INST'tl'UCTIONS TO DEPUTIES. The Itriege orgonlrod itlll receive ill noeca,lry ,loonntontn will, tlinir dlnlmnnntlon, ind In (lie mcnnlllno con tie eppolnting their O0 • Illoce, propnring their Itoll, and hallollng rue Uandi+lnlen. l)loponnntlene will Invnrinhly Iio'aont within rorlyolghl hours alter the receipt el the nppticnllon.

Dispensation to Organize Wiccopee Grange No. 876

64

ti

i

flnpeUe. M ordering blank. nHt plei.. at'. tk. Moir nr the hhtnk wanted.

A

National Orange Incorporated January, (673. flepnllee erg.nhtng tie,egn1 .m

wq.y er hilt ,hest h1 the tleerelery nr utnlr 81.1. ninnge at lb. ..m} tint. they .end the eppllc.tlen cod rce In Wceldngtnn.

.'1ptt.11ei 1111.11111 .

10 JbHN 'TAIMBItS, Secretary of National Qrange, nli V NTRY.,rr, WAtgZS7aTpS7, ze o.r

'Ikr. ruttlersigned have organized ?/Inn )

.

I qtr

4..1~............ . 0 '/Y1.4

Stale of

County of.. ... ........

Suborn nate Grange in lla

~a►

. anti most res~+ectfully ask for a 9)isfensalion

and all necoss.ury docuutenls, tuttJ tmt/lose the fee of Fifteert 4)olldrs fur 71(tt same. e

'4

za or

ArrX

C.A .Tt.

.........................»............:.::........:.s..v.,.i..r.......,n~- i..T..: h 1 1..

/ `j

Y J ,.. ......_t'N_.

~

c 1 ..,.4ó..

r

..~

ah+siN~ ..Muster.

l~rrH.wvt.!

~~

A at

Nearest Express Office

~Dale...»........o

>!t

......Secreti ry.

ra

r

;.

-

County oj......:......

s e ~Cr4... —'et.•.- ..

Name of Grange_,,, _ _ ..._..(,~1 ._s'.

Organized and approved by.

A

44

ren~

.... ........ ................................

C.a J

/}

r......_l/?t.....

...ffle... t.. .,

...s ...~ '/ -----

» rP. 0.A ddress .

IN8TIiUCTION8 TO DEPUTL & The (hinge nrgnnliotl will roeelrn ill nenenetry tlnenmenle with their tltelmnntinn, amt in the moentlmo cnn be cppnlnUng their Oelne,lttrc,, propering their 11.11, end hcilnting ter O.ntlkl.ta. Uliponnttinne will Inr.riebly be sent within toryd$b(' hoer. alter the receipt nt (lie.ppllciuon.

Dispensation to Organize Washington Grange No. 878

Ac

~1 m1

lw

0

f.1~~IN4~1

National Crange Incorporated January, 1873.

Doputieo orgnnicing On%ngm me rognceic i to toed it copy of thin nheot to the Boerotnry of their 8tntn Ornngo nt limo tome time. (tiny need the nppiicntimt and f„o to Wnnhington.

To JOHN fiRIMBLS, Socrotary or National Orango, •

nrm a rmruvt:r, wPAaxsixraxosr. a, o.e

Town of........_...._.-..r~/ .

........... ............... County of......_......t..

}, /f'.T.i~'~ ............... ..

Slate of State

'

/tame organized a Subordinate Grange in the' ' '

'The

........

^'t

and most res~cclfully ask for a cDisfiensation '

and all necessaty dom'umenls, au,l cnrlose the fee of Fifteen "Dollars fpr the saute.

2SAMSB

OF

APPLSOANSB

,s

u

..:4 (oz5 t .....:::.::.:..::.::.:.:................._.......................:....

.~...7"...(2r c~ S :._...............

. : .. .... .L 4- .es-

~...t

........1L! -....-- 4..................`~..v..(2m .- —...........

9

y ......Secretary.:

✓

.Master. f

P. U. Aml,l ce.

P. U. A4rcn,7

County of.............am9

Nearest Express 0,(Pica........~~..1.-r:Gc,1 /yT1.'.-r'j~? }} Name of Grange .,,,,,.,,,.,_.,.?'t

iu C

Organized and approved by.............................. ~Date..... ..

f..

~.fo..4Q~

P.O. .fddress

.;....,..

y''

~ ~~II (~// ~ f Y~ '

22

n

F (2%y

'?

/a old

-

i

Ct

Dispensation to Organize Failkill Grange No. 882

L ~C'r t

'

off

~ l

National Crange Incorporated January, 1873.

Deputies organising Oranges are requested to nand a copy of (hi. sheet to the Becretap of their Btate Orange at the aam. lima t they acnd the application and (coin Waahingten.

10 JOHN 'FRIMHLB, Secrotary or National Qranga, au Y MTRF.IT, WA/3l1NGTOS7',

Town ot.......

fl . O..

The undersigned have organized a Subordinate Grange in ihs

J . . .... . . ..

........ county of _._.._ . ......

. ...

_ .............._........._.............

State of ........ .....• ill ............... .. .. ..... r.' .....and most respectfully ask for a (Dispensation and all necessary do umenls, and enclose the fee of Fifteen 'Dollars for the same. .

NA?C29

APPLIOAN2aI

OF

y~~,....1O.........

-

=t....... - .........

7

.'lAJ ~C'►iz!z,C.~ ... .. .LC/G~%ytiG."./

..2....... n

q L'. .......

~la ~7~ì ..

%'da..f .~air,... — .1~t .Z14

77

-

-

r.....~-2 ay..~ ~

........... ... .... ..............l ,. ...

~.........

. .

-t0 ... . .

Qir~

... ... . ..... . . .. .

17,

cf~ (~ d~..' ..✓motl'-i.t~(l. . Master.

Y. O. Addreaa.

..... ...

1. ,./ ....2Aitn../"U44/.....:./.. ..... . .... ...

Y. O. Addrcaa.

Nearest Express Oice....jgq Name of Grange

County of........_.._._.._.~.,_.._... _.. ..~ ~c'

Organized and approved by.......,...._~.• Dale ---.CLGtiILa.._3..~

Secretary. ~~

_l ~P._P. o. Address

(,fi1e2!/yü

Dispensation to Organize Whaley Pond Grange No. 885

67

'

7

G

A

Depntlee in entering hienke wlll pioate Rln the letter or lime plank wanted.

ti .. J National Crange Incorporated January, 1873.

Doputla orgeoteing Ornegne ire rorincetal to cnod a copy nr life divot to tin Peerotnry nr their male (lrango it lid same time limp mnd time eppltcelion end too In Weetdngtnn.

To JOHN TRIMBLS, Seoretary.o1 National QranQo1 •

e1J e• NTttP.IT, WABTLZISOTOIS • a,

.Totvtt of.......21~ l .

O.e

,

The ulsdersiglteei have orgal:ised a Subordiudle Grange itt life n County of. ~. .. ....... .. ..U•~ V -C .. " __- and ntosl res~ieclfully ask for a Q)ispensation

State of ........... .......

and all :tecessa,y d11cttene,tls, alyd curlose the fee of Fifteen 'ollars for the same.

27'AMEs

OT

i) •/ /. .1/~Cl~/,rp~'w<.. .- -.. ij'y~/'1~. /'n/ ....V~...~c..YU.d:.... -

...)j V l~z`.'..

APPLZOA2SSe

.~....-~./~1'tl/~T.Q1 '..{f/.j/`.t/.«~//d.. . .. r.

?..._ .

....-: bC/.(J..

~~X~ ....... . . ..

V

.lr•~'.•..L.VGt

- _ .... ....... .....

...%

Secretary.

.........Master.

Add dd.

D

-

.........._ ___.County o/.

Nearesl Express Office.......ViL! Name of GrangeJ ',~,Y1AAfl.....1.'

Organized and approved by.. ................ .

..n. .L~..... .. .......-....... ,.... ..............................................

9 / h~~ r n rDate..... .(.t~YL~. 2.3.._.«....I ?11._...q', O. Address ........... .......... ... ....... ...... . .........~......7i.......ij...

IN81'IiUOTION$ TO DEPUTIES. e prganlzod will receive all nocceorey docmnonin with their dlnpnnoitloe, end lu the mnentlme cen .bo eppotntlns 'rbe Or their Oommittoce, prnpering their Ilall, end betiding tiff Cendidnta. Dlnpeneettone will lnrnrtat ly be sent within forty"eight hoer, after the receipt or the npplloatton.

Dispensation to Organize Union Vale Grange No. 887

68

"We want to do due credit our county deputy for his earnest, faithful and successful endeavors in behalf of our Grange work.

"Our Grange insurance has been a great success.

Organized in January 1898, we wrote the first year $734,000 of risks, and paid an assessment of sixty-f.ur cents per thousand. At the end of our last or second year we had risks amounting to $1,200,000 and an assessment of forty-three cents per thousand.

"In order to become a policy holder in our company an applicant must first be a Granger in good standing, and second, must keep up his dues in his Subordinate Grange or our local directory with the Secretary will be empowered to cancel his policy after due notice. We believe in this way we make our local Grangers loyal to our insurance company and our insurance an aid to our Subordinate Granges.

0 ur Pomona Grange is popular with our members and in full accord with the Subordinate Granges in their work. We have established the rule of changing the officers every year, giving each Grange a representative upon its staff of officers, and thereby impressing upon our whole membership that zeal for the Grange will earn for the zealous workers the reward that is their due. Our present representatives, having earned the position they now hold as delegates, because of individual work in their Subordinate Grange and our co-operative insurance company.

"Although convinced of the value of the grange and its work, still we feel that our portion of the State is not, as a whole, educated as it should be to the importance of the

69

organization and impressed with the fact that the Patrons of Husbandry is the one organization that is purely and wholly devoted to the interests of the farmers and deserves their hearty support. Knowing that it is important to convince them and, with that object in view, we of Dutchess County, desire to present to the farmers of the eastern section of the state an object lesson such as the session of the state grange gives, and believing that the State Grange officers, especially the Executive Committee, are as anxious as we are in increasing the membership and influence of our State Grange, they will recognize the justice of granting the request contained in the resolution submitted to the State Grange at Watertown last year, that its session in 1901 should be held at Poughkeepsie.

"And for this purpose we will present later a resolution backed by petitions that in the last three weeks have been signed by over one thousand Grangers, and invitations sent to the State Grange by the Common Council and Retail Merchants Association of that city whose population is not less than 30,000. °We can further pledge a class of 250 for the sixth degree as the result of only three weeks work, while we are positive we can double that number when we present it to the individual members of our Subordinate Granges."

New York State Grange was presented a written invitation from the Poughkeepsie Retail Merchants Association, signed by their President and Secretary, and then the following preamble and resolution adopted by the Poughkeepsie Common Council:

7n

"At a regular meeting of the Common Council of the city of Poughkeepsie, held in the council Chamber, in the City Hall in said City on Monday evening, January 15th 1900, a quorum being present: "On motion of Alderman Lavery, the following was adopted: "WHEREAS, Organization is a recognized factor promoting the welfare of mankind in the fraternal, financial or educational sense, and WHEREAS, the Grange as an organization has proven needful and beneficial to all agricultural communities wherever established, therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Aldermen of the city of Poughkeepsie, the county seat of Dutchess, respectfully invite the State Grange to hold its next annual convention in Poughkeepsie, affirming that a favorable acceptance of this invitation will be deemed an honor, which will oblige the city to warmly welcome and agreeably entertain the delegates.

RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded the Secretary of the State Grange.

ISAAC SHERILL, Mayor Grange members presented the following resolution:

71

"WHEREAS, the eastern counties of this State bordering on the Hudson River and the counties of Long Island have never been fully organized, and WHEREAS the field is ripe and ready for the harvest, and WHEREAS, We believe it to be the duty of the State Grange to strengthen its work by every means within its power, and WHEREAS, We believe this can be most effectively and efficiently done by holding the next session of the New York State Grange shall be held in the city of Poughkeepsie, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the next session of the New York State Grange shall be held in the City of Poughkeepsie, county of Dutchess and State of New York."

This Grange resolution was presented and signed by delegates from Dutchess, Putnam, Ulster, Westchester, Columbia, Schoharie, Delaware and Greene counties, along with a petition signed by hundreds of names of Grangers.

At a later and usual time the Executive Committee accepted the invitation, and scheduled the 1901 Annual Session for the City of Poughkeepsie.

During another part of the 1900 Annual State Grange Session, when memorials were offered, Brother Frank Tabor read the following tribute:

72

R.. . ..

fl ..

Depnlies In ordering hlanira will plenae give the letter td the blank wanted.

A

PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY..

National Orange Inoorporated January, 1873.

Depoliea organiring Oranaeo are regneoleti to vend a copy of lids sheet to the Secretary of their State Orange at the latter lira. they aend the application and f.e to \Vaohington..

To JOHN TRIMll1,E, Secretary of Nalior,nl,Grangc, 514 F Streit, Washington, D. G t 77u undcrsiQnrd have rca„1 e1 a .Subaralnafe Grasr a in lie Tnra,t al.

.t..~

. , county of .

'kul

Stale of ....

J c1€.

...

..... ._ _____._. .

_. . . _.. , and most rcrpecffnlly ask for a Dis1bensaNen

and all necessary documents, and c,ulose The fee of . feert'Dollars for The same.

NAMES OF APPLICANTS.

....~~.... ~,..............._................................................... .....~,~: ~,~, ,. ,~~~_~

..,?rte, _t~,. r'~~, .~~ . .~ .. _

..~~.r .:~✓~P. U.

, ~lfaslc,.

l

Ltd.

L.

, ~~~

Nearest Lxfiress Office ... . . •~ !~

l&.It::.

Name of Grange . /G.

4

/

Gras

_ , &crefery.

P.O. Addrer.

'

... .. ., Cu,u,ly rj...... . ....~-v

..

it

Q-~`'~ -~5/►~_~4

Organised and aj,brovI Fp. . ..

Dale...

to-~.~!~', . uJ-

_.M

. .

. . !r. O. Address.. .

Gtr

1

~— t

INSTRUCTIONS TO DBPUTIE8.

The Grenge orgnnlxeti will recelee all neceevery document, with their dlapenenline, anti In the tneantlnte can be eppolaIlo , their cotnmilleev, preparing their hnli, end balloting for eundhielea. Dlnpeneallona will invariobly he aenl within fortyelgltt hoera after the receipt of the application.

I , • . ..

Dispensation to Organize Rhinebeck Grange No. 896

73

U

diet

1; A

t

.elo~A(d4~.y1

National Rrange Incorporated January, 1873.

DepnUla orgnnleing (1renRoe ore raryerettyl hi oral n tiipy or Ill, ei n ttr the ttacrolnry or their flute (Image at Otto same Ume they Bead Olio oppllcetitet end roe in W onhinglon.

Yo JOHN TRIMBL6, Secretary of National Orange, nit

F N7'n Errr.

r.&c

rxNaTerr.•

.

C.t

The undersijned have organized a Subordinate Grange in,lhe Torun of......Vl.

County

Slate o/._. ~lto rr ... .. ...

t j........_

and most respccfully ask for a Dispensation

'..!......

and all necessary t ocmnen(s, and enclose the fee of Pifleen Dollars for lhrs sage. tr

)

o.c

a

or

APPS.ICANT.

h,.h. . . . ' .....-- s~'a•~, l,r t.~1' 1° 44d -....Qc y°

, v ...... ... . ,'i, .. ^ I

County

.Nearest Express Ofiice.....)CuLu._. flame of Grange_........._.............?71.

..

of...........

~t

......~

Organized and approved by...............................A..0.... ~Dale......Q.e t ......2.~t

.Secretary.

1'. 0. Adds.. / /Y

P. U. Addreae.

.........)_ii!0...Q

.~l9 b..l..... (P. 0..Address

'V'

r

INSTIlUUT'WNS TO J.h 'UTIES. The Grange ergnnizotl will reeolro ell neceeerry doentnenitt with their tllepcnentlott, end to thin meentinie can Ire appointing their Qtimmiltoee, preparing (hair lieu, end balloting ear Cendldetm. Dlepcneatlone will Invariably be awl within rorty.eighl hour$ slier the reooipt or the appilodlen.

Dispensation to Organize Mount Hope Grange No. 902

ld

1 desire to pay a tribute to the memory of a man, the Master of Sylvan Grange No. 825. He was a man respected and looked up to, not only by his neighbors and friends, but by all who ever clasped his hand or looked into his honest face. He was one who always had the interest of his own Grange and that of his county close to his heart, thinking no duty too hard, no service too severe if only done in the interest of that order. Not only has the Grange lost a valuable aid, but his own town and county feel his loss.

Brother Kinmalius Andrews was taken suddenly from us by falling from an apple tree on October 8, 1899."

Following the 1900 State Session, and to make an impression at the 1901 State Session to be held in Poughkeepsie, two more granges were organized in Dutchess County. These were Rhinebeck Grange No. 896, organized November 12, 1900, with 15 charter members and Charles R. Traver as first Master, and Mount Hope Grange No. 902, organized January 26, 1901 at New Hackensack, with 23 charter members and Frederick F. Loop as first Master.

It was with great pride that Dutchess County Granges hosted the twenty-eighth Annual Session of the New York State Grange February 5 - 8, 1901, in Poughkeepsie. The session was called to order by State Master Norris "on Tuesday morning, February 5th, 1901, at eleven o'clock, in the State Armory in Poughkeepsie."

Dutchess County delegates were Smith Knapp of Upton Lake Grange, Mrs. .1. F. Palen of Wiccopee Grange, and Fred Baright of Poughkeepsie Grange. There was no Dutchess County report recorded.

75

Shortly after the State Session closed in Poughkeepsie, Deputy A.E. Hall organized Jackson Corners Grange No. 905 on March 22, 1901, with 14 charter members and Henry C. Near as first master.

Starting in 1902, counties were required to submit an official notice of the election of delegates to State Grange. The Dutchess report read: "At a meeting of the Dutchess County Pomona Grange, held at Pine Plains on December 5th, 1901, the following were elected as delegates to the State Grange: John M. Ham, Mrs. Mulford Wheeler, George S. VanVliet, Mrs. Arthur Uhl."

in

The Dutchess County report at the 1902 State Session, by John M. Ham, Delegate-at-Large, read: "It is with pride and pleasure that we are able to report the most prosperous year in the history of the Grange Dutchess County. Our membership has increased during the year 1901 almost 50 percent. Every Grange has made an increase in membership and one Grange {Pleasant Valley} has made a gain of 65 during the year. Two new Granges have been organized during the year, making our total number of Granges 22. Our County Deputy expects to organize another at an early date, which will practically complete the organization of the county.

"The Dutchess County Pomona Grange is in a very thriving condition with an active membership of 493, being an increase of 128 members for the year. The interest of the Subordinate Granges in the Pomona is well maintained and we look for a still larger increase in membership in the fifth

76

D)epnlieo in orrlering Menke will pleeee give

eel the hind. wonted.

PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY. .

National Orange tnoorpbrated January, 1878. a-

-

Deputies org.nieiog Grangeo ere requested to Bend a copy of tide .heel to the 8ecretary of their 81.\u Orange at the Mme ltwN they aend thee.ppilalioe seed fee to W.ahinglon.

To JOHN T1t1MII1,Ir,

Secrelary of National Grange, 514 F Street, Waeftington, D. C.t The nndersicned have orQanire~da Subordinate Grange in the

~J 1'vtJ

Town of_... ..

Slate of. _ .__ ke 4q

. VL

. , County of....__.9), u2 hd4-

O- .h1

_ . .. _ ... , and urost respeclfi,lly ask for a Disftensntien

and all necessary dKu,nrnlr, and enclose the fee of l%l)?egn Dollars for the sane.

NAMES OF APPLICANTS.

............................................................. ....P~..' ' ............................................~ , /, ...._.........._...___..._...., ........................_....__ ................ ............ ./. ...........//~•/~'

.«.P.......)

J

w

1 1 A~~111

ZiQ

r , ~ !e

. ---._.._....

,., , ...h~,t) .

(Q~ Neal

6.

,I fasler.

P.O. Ada'rn.

-._, SccreMry.

,

Express Opce........

l

, c

Name of Grange ...:.............. .t''[.at!Qti • )'il•c•c, ! nn 1 ~, Organized and apfrove iy. . .. ... . . . A ...2, . o.t eL

71

nate......1'}i.pJV

.a. 2.

rty of..........TLLct~.

.... ............ .. ~

.. _.

. } _... _. .lib..

--/.9D/ .. ..: .. It O. Address. . .

It78TRUCTioN8 TO D6PUT1E8.

The Grange orgentzed will receive all necemery documents with their dispensation, and in (tie meantime con be uppoleting their committees, preparh,g their halt, and balloting for condidatea. Dispensation. will lnvadnbiy be tent wilida forty-eight hoses

after the receipt of the application.

Dispensation to Organize Jackson Corners Grange No. 905

77

PATRONS .OF 'HU

N DRY.

National Orange Inoorporated January, 1873.

I)spidlea orgonieing Crengeo me reineoled to ,eorl o copy or this sheet to the Secretory or their State Grange at the Mere (lion they send the sppllenllon and fee to Wosldugton.

To JOHN TR1MI3I,i, Srcrdo,y of National Grange, 514 F Street, Washington, D. GI 77cc undersigned have organised a Snbordinalc Grange in the Turn

of_.

_.

1&d.

State of__. ....

/ 74

9 "~ /

...

.

_ , County qj_.. __ )t

.

, and moot rccj ectfirlly ask for a Dis14cnsation

and all necessary datA tents, acid uulose the fee of Fijieeu Dollar Jr

Ike sane.

.tI.MES...O.FAPPLICANTS.

.

oe

_..... ........ _..

.................... ...

h!.0.X

...

LL'................

1,........._..........................,.... ,.. j LJ..........__.....---.. )flt.

.

7A

. ..........7 P.O. Addrnt.

, County if.... ... . ._N...U....

Nearest lsafress O,/lice . . 4D tLtVU> !-gy , p -4

I4

Nara of Grange ._........'. .... . . f 1 4.

Organized and affroved hy . .... ..

Date.............. .

... . .. a

/S".—'.. / 70 L

__, Secretary.

ti._ *...N.... .

,tfastcr.

2. (

Ci..... t

J.L.

........ . ... . ...... ...

. ..

R O. Address... _

n t

Lt~w-

INSTRUCTION8 TO DEPUTIES. The Orouge orgmdse<1 trill receive ill neceunry docooienls wlth (heir dispensation, and In (lie mesnlhne con be appolnling their eommittee,, preparing their loll, nod bnlloling for caidlds(es. t)Ispennsllmn will (nvirinbiy be sent withbo fortyelght hours sftsr,the receipt of the appllcniton.

t

Dispensation to Organize Red Hook Orange No. 918

°7Q

degree during the coming year than in the year just passed.

The Pomona has for the past three years held a basket picnic and outing day that has proved very popular with the members and their friends. The counted attendance of last season's picnic was 2,688.

"There has been no purchasing by the Executive Committee of the Pomona and not a very large amount by the Subordinate Granges, not to exceed $4,000 in the aggregate, but our members have quite generally availed themselves of the accounts offered by the different firms on the trade card plan arranged by the State Grange.

"The Patrons' Fire Relief of Dutchess County is combined with Columbia County and is in a very prosperous condition. The Secretary's report shows that 328 new policies were issued during the year and the amount of new business written was $714,250. The total insurance in force January 1st, 1902 was $2,226,135. The fire losses for the year cost 81 cents per thousand and the average for the last four years was 66 cents per thousand.

"Respectfully submitted, J.W. Ham." The 1902 Roster of Granges, showing officers elected in 1901, has a "first" for Dutchess County. Mrs. D. L. Davis was elected Master of Pleasant Valley Grange, and became the first lady Subordinate Master in Dutchess County.

On February 15, 1902, Deputy A.E. Hall organized ed Hook Grange No. 918, with 20 charter members, and

79

John P. Fulton as first Master, raising the total number of Granges to 23 in Dutchess County.

Dutchess County sent Edwin Knickerbocker of Stanford Grange as Delegate-at-Large to the 30th Annual Session of New York State Grange, held February 3 - 6, 1903 at Syracuse. Other delegates were E.R. Davis of Whaley Pond Grange, George H. Knickerbocker of Pine Plains Grange, Mrs. M.M. Vincent of Union Vale Grange, and Mrs. Charles Royce of Rhinebeck Grange.

Brother Knickerbocker, presented the following report:

as

Delegate-at-Large,

"Dutchess County. - Worthy Master and Patrons: It is with satisfaction and pleasure that we can again report a prosperous year for the Grange in Dutchess County, and we expect to have 2,000 members by next spring.

"The first Grange in this County was organized in 1890 with forty-three members, and for five years it was the only Grange east of the Hudson River. Within seven years twenty-two additional Granges have been organized, and all appear to be prospering.

"Pleasant Valley has 188 members, Pine Plains 126 members, Millerton has 158 members and is building a $10,000 hall, Whaley Pond has 126 members and own their own hall. Nearly all of the other Granges meet at regular periods in hired halls.

"The Patrons of Dutchess County are wide awake and enthusiastic, improving in grange work and also

Sn

enthusiastic, improving in Grange work and also improving the social and intellectual privileges that the Grange affords.

All that desire to, use the trade cards and trade house arrangements.

"An important and pleasant Grange event is the annual picnic held under the auspices of the Pomona. Last year it was largely attended as usual, and able speeches were made by W.T. Becker and others.

"The Pomona has 624 members, having added 86 members last year. It meets quarterly and is popular. It is these meetings that give the members of the different subordinate Granges an opportunity to become acquainted, to have a common understanding and to work alike and together.

"Some Granges in this county have a Cornell Reading Club. The lessons are sent out by that university for farmers, and a separate course for their wives, giving them practical and valuable matter for discussion and consideration.

"The Patron's Fire Relief Assocation is aiding the Order in this county, giving to it features of stability and permanancy. It draws into our Order property owners, giving them an insurance that is reduced to actual cost, leaving out high rents, large salaries and profits. Only members are insured, and all are so well satisfied with it that they wish to have it continued. The amount of insurance in force January 1, 1903 was $3,184,000. The whole number of policies in force was 1,327. New insurance taken last year was $1,060,000 on 456 new policies written. Total

Si

losses last year was $3,300 and the average annual assessment for the last five years was seventy-six cents per thousand.

"The prospects for the Grange in this county are bright. We can reasonably expect to see it increase in membership and influence, a boon and blessing to all of its members.

"Respectfully submitted, Edwin Knickerbocker" For the 1904 State Grange Session held February 2 5, 1904 at Cortland, Dutchess County sent as delegates: John P. Fulton of Red Hook, Mrs. Mattie Alley of Freedom Plains, Edgar A. Briggs of Poughkeepsie, Mrs. J. Ganse of Oak Grove, Seward T. Green of Pawling, and Mrs. T. S. Barnes of Rhinebeck. No report from Dutchess County was recorded in the Journal of Proceedings.

Following the 1904 State Session, Deputy A.E. Hall organized two more Granges. Silver Lake Grange No. 1009 was organized in Schultzville on February 29, 1904, with 28 charter members, and Cassius D. Hicks as first Master. Then Rock City Grange No. 1012 was organized in Rock City on March 14, 1904, with 15 charter members and F.A. Halborder as first Master.

For the 1905 State Session February 7 - 10, 1905, held in Ogdensburg, Dutchess County sent as delegates Edwin Knickerbocker, Mrs. A. Sherwood, E.R. Van Wagner, Mrs. G. W. Burhans, Frank C. Shaw and Mrs. Robert Welsh.

R7.

The undsrsignrd

a

HUSBANDRY, in..__. ____ _~~4~ 4rC

.._... ._..._ltet

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~,.._. ........yr... ud that they may 6e enrolled as CHARTER MEMBERS, have paid to...._._....~/.it.v. _....._ __:.

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.

Deputy, the sum of

—__dollars for each~man and

for each woman, which is to entitle them to a Dispensation, and all the Documents and Instructions necessary to work in all the Degrees of a Subordinate Grange.

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CONSTITUTION.—ARTICLE VII.—Fate roe MFMttttelttr.

The minimum fa for snemtxrahip It a babordlnate Gran{, shall be, for wee three tI llers, and for women ore duller for the feer deitreat l'roolded, That Stale Granges shall tare power tat eedea the fats wlthls their respeotlre Joriadletleen, to soy sees teal Ice. thee at,, dollar for set and Ally Crete for meet,.. _ ARTICI S IX, SECtION 1.—Csasrxs Mtustts.

Carla member are thee, peersom ritt~ whoa, aaiaa,r, epos the ipplleLrker, seal shoes fees were pald at the time of erganintlo.. Their nsmber shall eel bee lees than thlrteen, of whleh throe easel be at lent four of either see. teal/ roe h srrelw,t ate tlIne tiered ttteu the fee Jhelere .ttet {e jbeil h/era Dr'tttre Mt rlMe/ttlrate the mend s/tle rtttef, eerie. jenfu ft.

If ruler. peehe~e of Documents I, not received free the Secretary of the Natlonsl Gr.nge within s dqr, n,elff him of the fact.

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Dispensation to Organize Silver Lake Grange No. 1009

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Dispensation to Organize Silver Lake Grange No. 1009

84

Delegate-at-Large Edwin Knickerbocker gave the following report: "Dutchess County. Worthy Master and Patrons: Dutchess County has the noble Hudson on its western boundary, with its commercial advantages and beautiful scenery. It has a healthful climate and fertile soil. It is dotted with thriving villages and schools, and it has Poughkeepsie, the city of schools and colleges, and it is one of the counties which the nearby metropolis looks for dairy and horticultural products and fruits.

'It has twenty-four prosperous Granges, with a membership of about 2,200. Millerton Grange has about 200 members, Pleasant Valley has 190 and several have over 100 members and their own halls, and some have a savings bank deposit.

"A few counties in the Empire State have a larger Grange membership, but none surpass Dutchess in the zeal, enthusiasm, and intelligence of its members or in their love for, and devotion to the Order.

"The Grange will try to make the farmers' occupation profitable and popular, to persuade the boys and girls to join the Grange, to love the country and the farm and to remain upon it, and to assist in bringing to the farmer's home happiness and contentment, refinement and culture.

xs

"Dutchess has a strong Pomona with 780 members, 98 joined last year. It elects its officers for two years. Its

meetings are largely attended. It is the connecting link between the state and subordinate Grange and has a wide field for social, educational and financial advantages, and we expect to see the Dutchess County Pomona act up to its privileges and responsibilities. °BDutchess and Columbia have one of the strongest Patrons" Insurance companies in the state for its age.

December 31st, 1904, it carried $5,040,000 risks and 2,076 policies, and had $1,334.63 cash on hand. The average losses per year for seven years is $1.08 per thousand.

"Comparing actual cost with what it would have cost to insure the same amount in stock companies, it saved for its patrons over $12,000 last year. Our insurance pays, and we are also getting out of our order more than it costs in an educational aid social way."

"May the Grange live long and prosper well.

Edwin Knickerbocker, Delegate-at-Large" East Fishkill Grange No. 875 does not appear in the 1905 Roster of Granges, indicating that it closed sometime during 1904.

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Dutchess County delegates to the 1906 State 9, 1906 at Geneva were Edwin Session February 6 Knickerbocker, Delegate-at-Large, Stanford Grange; Mrs. J.C. Cookingham, Fallkill Grange; James C. Allen, Upton Lake Grange; Jennie S. Traver, Rhinebeck Grange; Henry C. Near, Jackson Corners Grange; Miss A.H. Lambert,

Rhinebeck Grange; and Harmon Boucher, Millerton Grange.

The 1906 Dutchess County report read as follows: Dutchess County. - Worthy Master and Patrons: Our county has twenty-four prosperous and substantial Granges, and our membership is largely composed of the representative men and women of our county, and they are true and tried members with unbound faith in the principles and possibilities of our order.

"Our order has the confidence and respect of the people and the press in our county appears to be in sympathy with our aims and work.

"More attention is being paid to the literary features of the order, and its members are availing themselves of its advantages. Our Pomona Lecturer has called quarterly conferences of the subordinate Lecturers of the county, which should inspire them to take up their work with energy and enthusiasm. Nearly all of our Granges meet at regular periods in halls that they own or hire, and they are furnished with musical instruments and the necessary appliances for social enjoyment and entertainment.

"Our Pomona has about 900 members and meets on the first Wednesday of April, June, September, and December.

"Our insurance company was organized eight years ago with $287,000 and, on January 1, 1906 it has $5,866,650 with 2,390 policies. It increased last year

87

$826,650. The average loss for eight years has been $1.18 per $1,000 annually.

"Our order met with a sad and serious loss in the death of our Pomona Master Frank Boucher, and Past Master Mulford Wheeler. Each performed an important part in establishing the Grange in our county and were tireless workers for it, but their labor is ended and we shall miss them.

"Our new Deputy, Brother Alson DeGarmo, will have the hearty support and co-operation of the patrons of Dutchess in performing the important duties of his office.

Fraternally submitted, Edwin Knickerbocker" Entering the new year 1907, Deputy Alson DeGarmo organized his first new Grange. Hyde Park Grange No. 1093 was organized January 30, 1907 in Hyde Park with 24 charter members and W.C. Brooks as first Master.

Dutchess delegates to the 1907 State Session held February 5-8, 1907 in Binghamton were James C. Allen, Delegate-at-Large, Upton Lake Grange, Mrs. F.E. Cole, Pawling Grange; S. Brush Winans, Amenia Grange; Mrs. G.F. Davis, Pleasant Valley Grange; G.H. Knickerbocker, Pine Plains Grange; Mrs. J.H. Wood, Mount Hope Grange and A.J. Link, Red Hook Grange.

Dutchess County's 1907 report was as follows: "Dutchess County. - Worthy Master and Patrons: I am glad to report that the Grange in Dutchess County has

00

IMpn 60ea In wvcl®,ana 0Aan4a aIII pleaoa alra fl he BcOlw wf Aha 9,Iank rao0cd.

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PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY l NailenaV Grange Incorporated January, 0®73.

ODepa60m orgoala lag llvoA¢or aro raamoaao~ ao aarnvB a aapT wf eale e6aee 6n 0he /9aorata rT of theta aLfle tBeenae at 6M saasa© 60 a~o,0hop aea.6 Ohs opplaoa60wn a,W Pea Ar $tppsaaawe OIOT. ®kb..

TO C. M. FREEMAN, ,Secretary of r'ilionai Grange, Ttppecanoc Cllr, Ohio.

7'he, undersigned knee organised a Srlbordlnale Grange !n the

Torun of _..yJ!.

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. Connitl of and most respeclfnlly as. for a Dispensation and

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all neceugry docrments, and enclose the fee of Xifleen Dollars for the came.

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INSTRUCTIONS TO DEPUTIES. The Omni. .meats., wlll real,. all aaeew.arT .laassaaate wtih their itapsaeatlea, aaae Is the s'asnnaa eaa ho appstsitsll their esmallttae, preparlaa their hall, aa.I haitoUalf fer aasihtatea. biapesaattaaa will Iarartahly N eat wlthle iwry-atshl Mein alter the rea.lptofthe'pllsanea. win. Wttteaal arses as hook.

Dispensation to Organize Rock City Grange No. 1012

89

liepntle. In nrd.ring blank. will ple..a gUt. lb. Intl.? U.? Iha blank w.ntr.l.

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PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY. National Grange Incorporated January, 1873.

D.pntla. er(aalaing O..nr. or. trqu..led to rend n .npr of 11.1, oh.nl b lb. linnl.rr of Ibelr 01.1. Oran...► 1k. .am. tlm. tb.y . ..d lb. applleall.n, and f.. M Tlpia,e.no. Oily. Ohio.

To C. M. FREEMAN, Secretary of Xalional Grange, ;Tippecanoe City, Ohio.

The undersigned have organized a Subordinate Grange in the Town of.-q/

County of~

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State of.. . .. .. G .. . , and most respectfully ask for a Dispensation and Kll necessary document• and enclose tin fee of Fifteen Dollars for the same.

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INSTRUCTIONS TO DEPUTIES Tb. Onnp nrganl?ed will reeelr. nil nnne.oarr dnooment, with lhelr dl.pon.ntlnn, nod In the Ineantlm. COO b. nppolntin■ tb.lr tolnmllten, prep.rl th.lr loll. and balloth,[ loo candidate.. Ol.paa.atlonu will lonarlably b. not within forty-nliht boon altar lb. r.o.lpt of tb..ppllntlon. Writs additional ......no book.

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Dispensation to Organize Hyde Park Grange No. 1093

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3,

more than maintained its record of progression during the past year.

"The territory is fairly well covered and though there are many estimable farmers who do not yet belong to our order we can say that the Grange in old Dutchess is composed of its very best representative citizens and its good influence is certainly being felt in that community, making better citizens and better politics.

"The Grange produced for us last fall one Assemblyman, a County Superintendent, a County Clerk, a Sheriff, and Lieutenant Governor Chandler is a candidate for initiation at the next meeting of Red Hook Grange No. 918.

"We are using our influence toward better literary and educational advantages by introducing libraries and reading courses in our Granges and the study of agriculture and nature study in our public schools, and our condition generally is most encouraging.

"We have twenty-four subordinate Granges, with a total membership of 2,600, with another Grange in process of organization.

"Our Pomona having nearly 1,000 members, holds its meetings at places most easy of access in the county, and is largely attended, the members showing a very active interest in public affairs and matters pertaining to the order.

"Worthy Lecturer R.N. Lewis is very active in his department and has infused the Subordinate Lecturers with

91

his enthusiasm by calling them together in quarterly conference, which in some cases has greatly increased the interest and usefulness of the Lecturer's Hour.

"The Dutchess and Columbia Patrons Fire Relief Association is a boon to our patrons, carrying risks to the amount of $6,350,600. It was organized nine years ago and is now the strongest co-operative insurance company in the state for its age, the average yearly assessment having been $1.37 per $1,000. The farmers of Dutchess and Columbia Counties are getting insured at cost and are in a position of independence so far as insurance is concerned.

"We feel that we can report general prosperity in all branches of Grange work.

Fraternally submitted, James C. Allen" Dutchess delegates to the 1908 State Session held February 4 - 7, 1908 in Hornell were T. S. Barnes, Mrs. Arthur Holmes, Frank De Garmo, Mrs. A.D. Whitney, E.C. Simmons, Mrs. Claude Abel and F.A. Denton. There was no report made for Dutchess County.

Dutchess Delegates to the 1909 State Session were Edwin Knickerbocker, Mrs. Susan Pulver, Henry C. Near, Mrs. S.H. Brown, Samuel Miller, Mrs. G.E. Phelps, and John S. Warren.

Dutchess farmers and their involvement in the apple orchards was evident when Dutchess presented the following resolution at the 1909 session:

92

"WHEREAS, We find that the standard apple barrel 17 - 18 inch head is too heavy to handle with convenience and does not economize space in conveyance to market and is also more liable to slack pack in transportation, we ask that the present law may be repealed and 16 1/2 inch head be made the standard, and '"WHEREAS, all barrels under the provisions of the present law smaller than the standard size must be branded "short barrel" in three places on each one, the manufacturers object to this on account of the extra work and instead in the future to make only standard barrels, therefore be it "RESOLVED that the Dutchess County Pomona Grange use its influence with the Legislative Committee of the New York State Grange for the repeal of the present law."

The Legislative Committee reported unfavorably and the resolution was lost.

Dutchess County Delegate-at-Large, Knickerbocker, gave the following summary report:

Edwin

"Dutchess County. - Worthy Master and Patrons: "I am not able to report a great increase of membership, but great progress has been made in increasing the efficiency and usefulness of the organization.

"Nearly all of our Granges are making great efforts to make their Lecturer's hour so entertaining and instructive that members can hardly afford to stay at home. A years

93

lecture work is planned in advance and printed programs furnished all members.

"Grange organization in Dutchess County is practically finished. We have 25 Granges that cover about all of the county.

"The Grange has gained and fairly won the confidence and good will of the whole people and the organization is treated with courtesy and respect.

"Our annual picnic in a central location affords an occasion for sociability and the reunion of a large number of Patrons. Commissioner Pearson was the orator of the day at the last meeting.

"Our Dutchess County Pomona has a membership of 1,056. It meets quarterly and is very popular. The attendance is usually from 300 to 500.

"A new Grange hall for Mount Hope Grange was dedicated November 24, 1908.

"Nearly all of our subordinate granges report a surplus in their treasury and some have quite a savings bank deposit.

"The Dutchess and Columbia Patrons Fire Insurance Co. was organized January 12, 1898 with $287,000 insurance. It now has $6,705,750. The affairs of the company are carefully and conservatively managed, giving its patrons cheap and safe protection.

Losses are satisfactorily adjusted and promptly paid.

94

"Fraternally submitted, Edwin Knickerbocker."

The thirty-seventh annual session of New York State Grange was held February 1 - 4, 1910, at Watertown, with Dutchess delegates Frank De Garmo, Mrs. George Pultz, F.A. Holbroder, Mrs. Thomas Smith, H. Read Hawley, Mrs. Harmon Boucher, J.B. Moore and Mrs. A.E. Hall.

The Dutchess report was as follows: "Dutchess County. - Worthy Master and Patrons: "Since the last annual report for Dutchess County was made, there have been no new Granges organized in this county.

"There are 25 granges in the county, which covers the territory most thoroughly.

The membership has increased materially, as we now have over 2,600 members.

The attendance is good and the granges are doing good work.

"Our Pomona meets quarterly and has over 1,000 members, and new ones are initiated at each meeting. The Lecturer always has an interesting and instructive program for lecturer hour.

"The Dutchess and Columbia Patrons Fire Insurance Company has $6,802,000 insured property. Losses are satisfactorily adjusted and promptly paid, making it the ideal insurance for grange members.

95

"Fraternally submitted, Frank De Garmo."

The 1911 delegates were Edwin Knickerbocker, Lila N. Ackert, Arthur Holmes, Mrs. W. H. Tompkins, Welcome H. Lawson, Mrs. S.B. Winans, and William A. Silvernail.

Dutchess County gave the following report: "Dutchess County. - Worthy Master and Patrons: "It is with pleasure that I report that the 25 Granges of Dutchess County are prosperous and quietly doing their work, infusing into every community a spirit of progress and improvement that will give us good schools, happy homes, and better farmers.

"Nearly all of our Granges have regular meetings in halls that they rent or own. Sylvan Grange has just dedicated their new hall and raised $1,000 at a fair that was held to raise funds to furnish it with - an example of what united and energetic Grange effort can do. Our Pomona has a large membership and holds quarterly meetings that are usually well attended and interesting.

"Our Insurance Company is prosperous. It was organized 13 years ago with $287,000 of risks and now has about $7,000,000. It has paid out $106,000 in losses and has never had any litigation in awarding claims or collecting assessments, which speaks well for the management of the company and the honor of its members.

Fraternally submitted, Edwin Knickerbocker."

96

Delegates to the 1912 Annual State Grange Session were James C. Allen, Delegate-at~Large, Mrs. Lida M. Ackert, Morgan L. Vail, Mrs. V.A. Cookingham, Frank C. Shaw, Mrs. V. Haviland, and John A. Cole.

Dutchess County's report for 1912 was: "Dutchess County. - Worthy Master and Patrons: "Again Dutchess County is enabled to report to you progress and prosperity in Grange work, though the membership has not largely increased during the past year.

The interest seems to be unabated and the general benefits derived from the Grange are apparent throughout the county. Though there have been some delinquencies, I am now able to report readjustment of arrears, and what difficulties there have been in that direction have been caused by individual neglect rather than lack of general interest. Another Grange hail is in process of erection. Our Grange Insurance Company, which has been such a boon to the farmers of Dutchess, continues to increase in membership and risks. At the suggestions of the Dutchess County Pomona, the poor now receive treatment at the Tuberculosis Hospital.

Fraternally submitted, James C. Allen."

Dutchess delegates to the 1913 State Grange Session were John M. Ham, Delegate-at-Large, Mrs. C.E. Traver, Fred N. Barker, Mrs. Whitfield Irish, Charles J. Hulst, Mrs. E. Pultz, Marshall E. Knapp and Mrs. J.N.

97

Ganse. There was no report by the Dutchess County delegation.

The Committee on Good of the Order reported that they had received invitations to hold the next annual session of the New York State Grange at Malone, Oswego, I >inghamton, Albany, Poughkeepsie, Syracuse and I'Z ochester. The invitations were referred to the Executive Committee, who then visited Poughkeepsie on the following May 13, Syracuse, May 14, and Oswego, May 15. They reported: "The committee was cordially received in each place, and the claims and advantages .f each were ably presented by representative citizens and patrons. After a careful consideration of all of the facts and circumstances, the committee concluded to hold the coming Session in Poughkeepsie, believing that it would promote and serve the order best by holding the Session in the eastern part of the State."

The forty-first Annual Session of New York State Grange was held February 3 - 6, 1914, at Poughkeepsie, convening in the Columbus Institute.

Dutchess County delegates were John M. Ham, Delegate-at-Large, Mrs. I . .E. Aldrich, Etta B. Halstead, Mrs. F.E. Benedict, Carrie K. Barton, Thomas E. Cross, and Morgan L. Vail. There was no Dutchess County report.

The 1915 Dutchess delegates to State Session were James C. Allen, Delegate-At-Large, Mrs. Charles Hulst,

o~

Deputies In ordering blanks will please give the lettbr of lb. blank wanted

PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY. National, Orange Incorporated Jannary, 1873.

Deputies Organising Oranges are ftogeeeted to Send a Copy of this Sheet to the Secretary of the Stats Orange .t the Sam. Time They Send the Application and Fee to Tippeeano. City, Ohio.

44 '

To C. M. Flu EMAN, Secrelary o/ Nafiona! Grange, Tippecanoe City, Ohio.

The nnde,stgne have orga:rimd a snbordina/e Grange in the 7 st',th!p of S(alro/

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9 Number Charter Members [ ] INS UCTIONS TO DEPUTIES The Orange organised will receive all neeeeeary docemente with their dlspenestlon,end in the meantime can be appointing their committees, preparing their hall and balloting fur candidate.. Dlepensat.on will invariably be sent within furtyelrht hours after the receipt of the application. Write additional names on back. The dispensation and outfits will be sent to the Muter of the New Orsnge unless atherwlee instructed.

I Fill out the shoes and writs Charter names and write nothing alas on these blanks.

Dispensation to Organize Arthursburg Grange No. 1395

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Dispensation to Organize Arthursburg Grange No. 1395

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Union Vale Grange Hall (193; Photo)

rirst sylvan Grange Han (1938 Photo)

Fallkill Grange Hall (1938 Photo)

Chapel Corners Grange Hall (1938 Photo)

102

Miss Laura Mygatt, Mrs. George Brown, I.A. Budd, Mrs. George E. Kay, and Joseph A. Tompkins. The following Dutchess County report was given: "Dutchess County. - Worthy Master and Patrons: "The Grange in Dutchess County, though apparently having made no growth in numbers during the past year, remains the same strong organization. The misfortune of having one subordinate grange fail to report in time deprived us of a full complement of delegates to the State Grange.

The report of the Secretary perhaps gives a wrong impression of our progress. The progressive changes among farmers in Dutchess brought about through the influence of the Grange are very marked. The Dutchess and Columbia Patrons Fire Relief Association still remains as strong and beneficial as ever, with decreased losses during the past year.

"Fraternally submitted, James C. Allen."

The 1916 Dutchess delegates to State Session were Charles L. Cole, Delegate-at-Large, Mrs. James Rymph, John Cotter, Mrs. G. S. Halstead, Horatio Neilson, Frank Teats, Mrs. Thomas Smith, and Mrs. Martha Meade.

A short Dutchess County report was given: "Dutchess County. - Worthy Master and Patrons: "Dutchess County Pomona Grange is in a thriving condition, with Marshall Knapp Master, Elmer Simmons of Millerton our county Deputy, is the Lecturer, and we

103

always look forward to the lecture hour, which is always made interesting. We have about twenty-five hundred members and about fifty dollars in the treasury.

Fraternally submitted, Charles L. Cole."

Later in the year, Deputy Elmer W. Simmons organized Arthursburg Grange No. 1395 on June 9, 1916, with 91 charter members and A.E. Monfort as first Master.

This completed the organization work and concluded a time period of organizing 26 Granges in as many years, with a membership of approximately 2,600 Grangers.

This was followed by a time period of membership increase, and a significant increase in legislative work as well. It could be called the growth years.

104

PART III

THE GROWTH YEARS

1917 - 1941

105

106

PART III - THE GROWTH YEARS (1917 - 1941)

Entering 1917, there were 26 active Granges in Dutchess County with a total of approximately 2,600 members. Nearly every hamlet and village had a Grange, and it would be more than twenty years before another Grange would be organized. The Grange emphasis from this point on would be on increasing membership, legislative action, and services. Thus it is designated as the growth years, because for most of the Granges, membership doubled and even tripled for some.

In 1917, Dutchess County sent Welcome H. Lawson, Mrs. Theodore Kegg, F.I. Bower, Mrs. William T. Wing, D.V. Knapp, Mrs. Constance Tellier, and Benjamin H. Haviland as delegates to the State Grange session in Oneonta.

Pine Plains Grange sent the following resolution to State Grange, and it was reported favorable: "At the regular meeting of the Pine Plains Grange No. 803 held on January 17, 1917, it was voted to send the following resolutions to the State Grange as expressing our attitude toward certain matters likely to come before the State legislature.

"First - Concerning the Department of Food and Markets, we are well pleased with the work of this

107

department and desire that it be maintained as now organized.

"Second - We believe the Dairymen's League to be a just organization necessary for the welfare of the dairying industry, and desire that such laws covering co-operation be passed as will insure its legality."

There was no summary report recorded for Dutchess County at the 1917 State Session.

The 1918 delegates to State Session in Syracuse were Elmer W. Simmons, Fred Pulling, E.E. Enderlin, Oscar Shafer, Mrs. Charles Ten Broeck, Mrs. Boyce Pink, Mrs. J.P. Fulton, and Mrs. Conies Badgley.

It was now the time of the United States involvement in World War I, and Dutchess County forwarded the following resolution to the State Grange session: "At the last meeting of the Dutchess County Pomona held December 5th, the following resolution was adopted: "Whereas, Owing to the labor conditions brought on by the war, the farm labor situation during the past year was very acute and very discouraging, therefore be it "Resolved, That this Pomona Grange go on record as recommending and requesting that the rules regarding the draft be so changed as to give the exemption boards certain discretionary powers as may seem necessary to them in

108

regard to the exemption of farm labor, and that a copy of these resolutions be presented to the State Grange at its next meeting."

Later in the Annual Session, Delegate-at-Large Elmer W. Simmons gave the following summary report for Dutchess County: "Dutchess County - Worthy Master and Patrons: "For Dutchess County I am glad to report that her 26 subordinate Granges are in a prosperous and healthy condition, with the possible exception of one Grange. Our membership numbers more than 2,600 and the true fraternal Grange spirit is strong throughout the county. We have a live and progressive Pomona which holds large and enthusiastic meetings once in three months, and these meetings are always crowded to the limit with good things.

Our Patrons Fire Relief Association is most prosperous and is proving its worth to the farmers with each succeeding year. We have a Farm Bureau of which we are proud, and behind which our Pomona stands firm, and which has proved of great value to our farmers. With our 26 Granges carefully looked after by T. S. Barnes, our most effecient Deputy, and with the good work we may expect from our 1918 officers just installed, our outlook for the year is bright."

The 1919 delegates were Marshall E. Knapp, Miss Ethel Coon, James Yates, Mrs. Chris Rossway, Charles Halstead, Mrs. T.E. Cross, and Frank Denton.

Delegate-at-Large Marshall E. Knapp gave a brief report:

109

"Dutchess County - Worthy Master and Patrons: "It gives me pleasure to report for Dutchess County continued prosperity for her 26 subordinate Granges.

"Our Pomona is in a flourishing condition. The meetings are held quarterly, are well attended, the members showing great interest and good fellowship prevails. °We have a good live Farm Bureau behind which our Pomona stands firm.

Our Patrons Fire Relief Association is proving itself more and more indispensable.

"The outlook for grange work in our county for the coming year is very encouraging."

Dutchess delegates to the 1920 Session were George S. Halstead, Mrs. Susie Hickman, W.A. Plog, Mrs. Ralph Vincent, O.W. Sheldon, Morgan Vail, Mrs. Eugene Daley, and Mrs. Mary Benedict. The following report was given: "Dutchess County - Worthy Master and Patrons: "Dutchess County is well organized for Grange work. There are twenty-five Granges in the county, with a total membership of 2,800. Thirteen Granges own their halls, all of which are well furnished and thoroughly equipped for Grange work. Nine hire halls and hold regular meetings there. Only three still continue to hold their meetings at the homes of members. It has a well organized

110

Mount Hope Grange Hall (1938 Photo)

r-wsl canrora grange mail (1938 Photo) 11 1

Poughkeepsoe Grange Hall (193* photo)

Freedom Plains Grange Hall ~1Y38 Photo) 112

Early Oak Grove Grange Hall (193: Photo)

Millerton Grange Hall (1938 Photo)

113

Upton Lake Grange Hall (1945 Photo)

Peasant V Iley Grange HaH (1!38 Photo) pLi

Pomona of over 400 members and holds regular quarterly sessions. It has a Co-Operative Insurance Company in union with Columbia County, which has over seven million in issued policies. Some of the Granges do a considerable cooperative buying."

The 1921 State Session was held February 1-4, 1921 in Utica, and Dutchess County delegates were Marshall E. Knapp, Palmer Hart, Mrs. Charles Baker, Martin E. Thew, Mrs. F.A. Halbroder, Charles Ten Broeck, Mrs. Brush Winans, and Charles H. Deuel. Delegate-at-Large Marshall E. Knapp reported: "Dutchess County - Worthy Master and Patrons: "In submitting the annual report for Dutchess County it gives me pleasure to say that generally speaking our twenty-six granges are in a prosperous and healthy condition, with a total membership of about twenty-eight hundred.

"Our Pomona is doing good active work, well attended and good interest shown.

"We are looking forward to the best Grange year we have ever had."

Dutchess County delegates to the 1922 New York State Grange Session February 7-10 in Binghamton were Theodore S. Barnes, Henry C. Near, Chris Rossway, Ernest Emans, J.T. Bennett, Mrs. E.A. Brush, Mrs. Zilphia Flagler, and Mrs. George Halstead. Delegate-at-Large Barnes presented the following report:

115

"Dutchess County - Worthy Master and Patrons: "The growth of the Grange in Dutchess County, from the organization of the first Grange within its borders, to the present time, has been slow but uniform and healthful.

"There has been no great burst of enthusiasm, neither has there been periods of depression. Every Grange that has been organized is still alive and active.

"There are twenty-five Granges in the county which covers well its territory. The combined membership is about three thousand. Twelve of them own the halls in which they meet. The meetings of the Pomona are well attended. The county has also a very active and efficient Farm Bureau of a thousand members.

"Within the past few years many city people have bought farms in the county. A portion of these find their way into the Grange and become useful members."

For whatever reason, the Delegate-at-Large reported on "the twenty-five Granges" in the county, as did a previous Delegate-at-Large a few years prior, when there was in fact twenty-six Granges in the county throughout this time period.

The 1923 State Session was held February 6-9 in Syracuse. Dutchess delegates were Theodore S. Barnes, H.B. Smith, Mrs. T.V. Budd, Lee Huber, Mrs. Clara Curtis, Fred M. Coffin, Mrs. W.D. Tallman, John Ham, and Mrs. Edward Irving.

1 16

At this 1923 State Session, the following resolution was presented: "Resolved, That Pomona Grange of Dutchess County goes on record in favor of the New York State highway bridge proposed to be built by the State, operated free of toll, and erected across the Hudson River at Poughkeepsie, such location being the most useful and practical center of highway traffic in the Hudson Valley, serving people from all points of travel of State and county to the greatest advantage. Further "Resolved, that the Dutchess County delegates be instructed to introduce this resolution for endorsement by the State Grange."

The resolution was reported favorably and adopted.

At the 1923 Annual State Grange Session, many hours were taken up discussing a bill in the State Legislature known as the "Rural School Bill of 1923", which called for the consolidation of rural schools. The Committee on Common Schools reported receiving thirty-nine resolutions on the subject, and working seventeen hours to present a report. The resolutions were eight in favor, and thirty-one opposed to the bill. The Committee on Common Schools reported as follows: "It is evident that the Grange members of the State are opposed to the provisions of the present proposed school bill as drafted, but after careful consideration of the resolutions and the public hearings on the bill, the committee wish to report a strong sentiment in favor of

117

improvement in the condition of our rural schools and that several of the resolutions which were in many other ways adverse to the bill, favored a larger unit of taxation and a larger amount of State aid for rural schools, the committee, therefore, wish to make the following recommendations: 1. That because of the great difference of valuation of property in our present school districts, due to the greater amount of taxable franchise in one district than in another and in order that the tax on the public utilities shall benefit other than the immediate district in which they happen to be located, we would respectfully recommend a larger unit of taxation than we now have.

2. That in order to further equalize the expense of maintaining rural schools we recommend a greater amount of State aid based on the valuation of the district and the number of teachers employed.

3. That we recommend the repeal of Section 129 of the present school law, which gives the district school superintendent the power to consolidate schools without the consent of the districts affected, and further recommend that no legislation be enacted in the future that annul or consolidate in any way any school district except on specific vote of a majority of the voters of the districts affected".

As a result of the thirty-one resolutions opposed and eight in favor of the Rural Schools 1:3111 of 1923, the committee recommended a position of opposition, and it was adopted. The committee's report, including the three recommendations, was also adopted. Dutchess County

1 19

Pomona Grange's resolution was one of the few in favor of the Rural Schools Bill of 1923. It read: "Whereas, Dutchess County Pomona Grange on December 5, 1923 passed a resolution in favor of the proposed rural schools bill, and "Whereas, It believes it to be the basis of better education for the rural children of the State, especially as regards high school education, and "Whereas, It proposes a new fair and equitable basis for rural school taxation in this State, therefore be it "Resolved, That we earnestly request the support of the New York State Grange to secure the passage of such legislation as contained in the Senate Bill No. 492 of the 1923 session of the New York State Legislature."

Later in that 1923 Session, Delegate-at-Large Theodore S. Barnes presented the report for Dutchess County: "Dutchess County - Worthy Master and Patrons: "In submitting the report for Dutchess County I am pleased to state that during the past year we have helped to increase the number enrolled as Patrons of Husbandry.

"I believe the Order in our county is doing commendable work in bringing the people together for self-improvement, social recreation, and material benefit.

119

"Dutchess County has a membership of over three thousand and a large and prosperous Pomona.

"Additional Grange halls have been built during the last year and a large number of the subordinate Granges now own their place of meeting.

"Last fall five Granges made exhibits for prizes at our county fair and many of them are co-operating in buying of our Grange League Federation with satisfactory results."

Although Juvenile Granges, later called Junior Granges, were started in New York State some twenty years earlier, it was not until 1923 that Dutchess County organized its first Juvenile Grange. Open to children between the ages of five and fourteen, Red Hook Juvenile Grange No. 41 became the first such organization in Dutchess County, organized December. 17, 1923.

Delegates representing Dutchess County at the 1924 State Session February 5-8 in Buffalo were Willard H. Tompkins, Samuel Matthews, Edith Pulver, Thomas Owens, Mrs. Harry Fraleigh, John Warren, Cora Lovelace, Wilford Judson, and Mrs. Fred Pulling. Delegate-at-Large Tompkins gave the following report: "Dutchess County - Worthy Master and Patrons: "Another year has passed and while a regrettable loss of Grange membership has been sustained by the State as a whole, Dutchess County has made progress by increasing its numbers by nearly three hundred, and I am

1 7 (1

Wiccopee Grange Hall (1938 Photo)

Washington Grange Hall (1938 Photo)

121

AIYMI '' d' h•w

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AWHr♦rwc..a~

~~• ': 4 s bti 3.f%:

3Y

Rhonebeck Grange HaDD (194® photo)

Eahy Red Hook Grange Haii (193 photo)

177

Rock City Grange Hail (1938 Photo)

A,'thursburg Grange Ha II (1938 Photo)

123

{J

.•

^ ~ `fiµ

y:.

Pine Plains Grange Hau (194® Photo)

Whaley Pond Gar i ae Hall V.y/8 Photo} 124

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5.1

glad to report that the Grange in the county is functioning in a fairly satisfactory manner.

"A deeper appreciation of the Grange and its objects appear to exist and a greater effort toward community work and usefulness prevails. Two Granges are preparing to enlarge their halls.

One purchased a building to be converted into a hall and two have purchased land on which to build. Seven Granges are preparing to enlarge their halls.

Seven Granges put on exhibits at the county fair. Several held fairs of their own and two took the initiative of holding very successful community day celebrations.

"The county being well covered, there is no occasion or place for organizing any new Granges. Meetings have been as regularly held as weather would permit and attendance has been good."

In 1925, membership in Dutchess County Granges went over 3,500 and entitled the county to ten delegates to Membership continued to increase, State Session. authorizing more delegates for many years to come.

Therefore, delegates will no longer be listed in this work, but are available in both Dutchess County Pomona Grange records and New York State Grange records.

At the 1925 State Session, the report for Dutchess County was as follows: "Dutchess County has twenty-six Granges in good working order, with a membership of three thousand one hundred and seventy three. It has sixteen Grange halls and two more in process of construction. Most of the Granges

125

are well attended and have very instructive and enjoyable programs. The county Deputy, Brother James Allen, has been faithful in the performance of his duties and makes frequent visits to the different Granges in his district.

"Brother Claude Abel of Union Vale Grange is Master at present and Brother Fred B. Pulling is Overseer.

"The Pomona Grange always has a good program and is well attended.

T.E. Cross, Delegate-at-Large" Claude Abel of Union Vale Grange served as Delegate-at-Large to the 1926 State Session, and gave the following summary: "It is my pleasure to report to the State Grange at Watertown that Dutchess County is in a prosperous condition, having gained over 400 in membership during the past year. We have twenty-six subordinate granges, eighteen owning halls, two of which are under construction.

The Dutchess and Columbia Fire Insurance Company does a large and satisfactory business.

"There was about sixty thousand dollars of business through done the G.L.F. Exchange during the past year and the service rendered by this co-operative association is appreciated by many of the farmers.

"Our Deputy, J.C. Allen, calls a conference of masters and overseers annually to exemplify the unwritten work of the Order. These conferences have been very

1,c

beneficial and have raised the standard of grange work throughout the county.

"A County Home Economics Committee visited each subordinate grange during the past year and offered prizes of $5, $3 and $2 to the grange getting the highest score for home economics work.

"There is one Juvenile Grange in the county.

"Four granges have degree teams who visit other granges.

"In some instances, granges are uniting in making up classes.

"Several of our granges have special field days and fairs, and there were ten grange exhibits at the Dutchess County Fair this year, all of which were commendable.

"Several of our local granges contributed to the Revolving Scholarship Fund and to the grange who lost their hall by fire.

"Our Pomona Grange has always held day meetings until the past year, when evening sessions were held at the two summer meetings to put on the fifth degree in full form.

"Our 5th degree team has created interest and large classes have added to the membership.

"Following the fifth degree at the June meeting the Home Economics Committee served cream and wafers,

I

127

adding to the social hour. At the September meeting the government film, "Touring with the Grangers", was shown after the fifth degree work.

"The Grange, in co-operation with the Farm Bureau and Poughkeepsie Chamber of Commerce, entertained the Michigan tourists for two nights and joined them in a boat excursion on the Hudson to New York City, which was held in place of our regular picnic.

"Fraternally submitted, CLAUDE ABEL Dutchess County's 1927 report was brief "Dutchess County has to report the usual spirit of progress. During the year of 1926 a very satisfactory increase in membership has been made. Two new Grange halls have been dedicated. Two Granges have enlarged their halls and two more are preparing to do the same.

Much interest is taken by nearly all Granges in community affairs which is very beneficial to the organization and the County at large. Several Granges hold annual fairs and community days. The Farm Bureau and Junior Project Work is strongly supported and a spirit of cooperation is apparent in all work of progress and uplift. The work of Home Economics is well organized and much benefit is being derived from that source.

"Fraternally submitted, JOSEPH TOMPKINS There was no Dutchess County report given at the 1928 Annual State Session, as Dutchess County again hosted New York State Grange. This Fifty-fifth annual

128

session was held February 7-10, 1928 4 the Armory in Poughkeepsie. The Executive Committee reported that they had visited Poughkeepsie the previous May 23-25, in addition to Albany and Amsterdam, and "after due consideration, Poughkeepsie was designated as the meeting place for the 1928 session and the Hotel Nelson as headquarters." After hosting this 1928 session, it would be more than 60 years, not until 1990, that Dutchess County would again host the Annual State Session.

Also in 1928, a second Juvenile Grange, Pine Plains No. 100, was organized on October 10, 1928.

The Delegate-at-Large described it as the first one in the county in his 1929 report, indicating that Red Hook Juvenile Grange No. 41, organized five years prior, must now be closed and forgotten.

The Dutchess County report of 1929 was as follows: "Grange work in Dutchess County is in good condition.

"Pomona meetings are held quarterly with good attendance. The summer meetings have evening sessions when the Fifth Degree Team puts on the degree. At our June meeting, we were favored with a visit by our Worthy State Master, Fred J. Freestone. At this occasion, he dedicated the new hall of Oak Grove Grange, a hall built to replace their hall burned the previous year.

"Pomona Grange held a special meeting at one of the Subordinate Grange Halls last fall at which time the four

129

degrees were exemplified in full by four different subordinate Grange degree teams of the County.

"Pomona Degree Team visited Ulster County Pomona in June at St.ne Ridge, putting on the fifth degree at their afternoon session.

"Pomona Grange held a picnic in cooperation with the Dutchess County Farm Bureau. They also subscribed $50.00 to the State Grange Revolving Scholarship Fund.

"Every Subordinate Grange in the County has an active Home Economics Committee. 85% of them reported at the end of the year to the Pomona Home Economics Committee. These reported having sent $70.00 to the Revolving Scholarship Fund. Many of them had done very good work during the past year for their Grange and Community.

"Of the twenty-six Subordinate Granges in the County, nineteen own their halls; one was rebuilt and two enlarged during the year. Ten Granges have degree teams that put on the work at their own hall as well as visiting other Granges to give the work. Twelve Granges put on very creditable exhibits at the County Fair; some of the Granges also had Fairs at their own halls.

"There are two students in the County taking advantage of funds from the State Grange Revolving Scholarship Fund.

1 )(\

"Pine Plains Grange has organized a Juvenile Grange, the first one in the County. They report good progress.

"As reported at the December Pomona meeting, fifty~two members attended the National Grange Session at Washington, DC, most all of whom joined the Seventh Degree at that time.

"Pomona Grange has a membership of 1,246, a gain of 191 for the year. Subordinate Granges in the County have a membership of 3,981, a gain of 114.

"Dutchess County feels favored in having had the State Grange meeting the past year, knowing that it has helped to further the good of the Order in the County.

"Fraternally submitted, GEORGE D. HALSTEAD At the end of 1929, the Grange League Federation (G.L.F.), formed in 1920 by the New York State Grange, the Dairymen's League, and the Farm 1:3ureau Federation, had grown by leaps and bounds. The G.L.F. report at the New York State Grange Session showed a total business volume of $15,000,000 for the first six months of 1929.

It might be interesting to note that the name G.L.F. for Grange League Federation was formed by using the last word in each of the participants in the formation, the New York State GRANGE, the Dairyman's LEAGUE, and the Farm Bureau FEDERATION.

Delegate®at-Large F. B. Pulling's report in 1930 showed the determination of Grangers, as Wiccopee Grange dedicated their new hall just nine months after the previous hall was destroyed by fire. His report: °1n February 1929, Wiccopee Grange lost their hall fire. by On December 11th Worthy Master Fred Freestone dedicated their new hail, one of the largest in the County.

We are certainly proud of Wiccopee Grange. At the June meeting of Pomona held with Red Hook Grange, Worthy National Lecturer James C. Farmer was in attendance all day and addressed the Grange bsth afterno.n and evening. utchess County Pomona has a very active school committee which promotes education in our county.

"While we have lost in membership in 1929, we feel sure that a gain will be reported for 1930. Our 26 Granges are working together for better roads and better schools so the children in the rural sections may receive the advantages enjoyed by the children of the city. °1 have just been advised that Jackson Corners Grange have broken ground for a hall to be built next spring.

"Fraternally submitted, F.B. Pulling" The Juvenile Grange took a major step forward during 1930, as fsur Juvenile Granges were organized that year. They were Rock City No. 129 organized February 5, 1930, Silver Lake No. 156 organized May 26, 1930, Sylvan No. 158 organized August 13, 1930, and Wiccopee No.159 organized September 15, 1930.

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Dutchess County's summary report for the 1931 Annual State Session was as follows: "We have 26 Granges with a membership of 4,143, a gain of more than 200 I believe. Nineteen Granges own their halls at a value of $125,000.

"We have five Juvenile Granges, four having been organized during the past year.

"Pomona has several committees, all doing good work.

"Eight Granges exhibited at the County Fair, and one, Rhinebeck, exhibited at the State Fair and received first place.

"The Home Economics Committee conducted the "Little Country Theatre" with four one-act plays - the winner entering the Inter-County Contest. Red Hook Grange, having won, will now enter the final contest at Ithaca, Farmer's Week.

"We were glad to be of assistance to you, Worthy Master, in the Singing Contest. Two numbers were heard at the State Fair and one judged the winner for the day.

"It also afforded us much pleasure to assist in the work of the Sixth Degree at the special session of the State Grange held at Rhinebeck last September.

133

"Dutchess and Columbia Patron's Fire Relief Association has in force 3,109 policies with risk amounting to $10,030,288.

"Old Dutchess surely is proud of the work accomplished by the State H.me Economics Committee of which Sister Ruth Halstead is chairman.

"Death has removed from our midst Brother Edwin Knickerbocker and his good wife. Brother Knickerbocker was a past member of the State Executive Committee.

"Fraternally submitted, EUGENE D. DALEY During the year 1931, two more Juvenile Granges were organized. Oak Grove No. 175 was organized February 27, 1931, and Upton Lake No. 188 was organized May 16, 1931. Then Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt visited his own Chapel Corners Grange, accompanied by Eleanor, who joined Chapel Corners Grange later in the year.

Dutchess County's summary report to New York State Grange for 1931, given in February 1932, was as follows: "It is my privilege to submit the following report in behalf of the Patrons of Dutchess County.

"The twenty-six Subordinate Granges have a total membership of 4,331, a gain of 188 in the year. We have six active Juvenile Granges in the County. Thirteen of the

134

Granges exhibited at the County Fair, all with beautiful exhibits. One Juvenile also put on an instructive exhibit.

"The Pomona Home Economics Committee conducted the "Little Country Theater" at the County Fair with six one-act plays. Oak Grove Grange, the winners, entered the Inter-County Contest at Ballston Spa, Saratoga County.

"The Inter-County Song Contest was held in our County. Two numbers went to the State Fair, one winning for the day. A successful Spelling Contest was also held under the supervision of Pomona Lecturer Eugene Daley.

"During the year, the County was favored with two visits from our State Master, both at Chapel Corners Grange Hall, one being the installation of their own officers and the other the installation of the Pomona officers. At this time, we were also honored with the presence of Governor and Mrs. Roosevelt. She later in the year joined the Chapel Corners Grange.

"Pomona Grange has had active quarterly meetings with a large attendance. They held a successful picnic with the Farm Bureau in August. This coming year, they are planning to put on a Washington birthday celebration and have also taken action to have trees planted along the State Highways.

"Dutchess and Columbia Patrons Fire Relief Association has in force 3,460 policies with risks amounting to $10,584,036. They were very fortunate the past year in

135

not haling many large losses so that the assessment rate was lower than it had been in five years.

"During December, the Magic Gavel was in our County. Through the splendid work of our County Deputy with the assistance of the Pomona officers, the Pomona Home Economics Committee and the Home Economics Committee of the Subordinate Granges, all of the Subordinate Granges, also four Juveniles and the Pomona Grange, contributed to the Revolving Scholarship Fund.

Our Deputy had the pleasure of sending on to Brother Stanley $1,050 for that fund as one result of the Magic Gavel being in Dutchess. When the Gavel was taken to Claverack, Columbia County, on December 23, two hundred twenty-five Dutchess County Patrons accompanied it. Our Worthy State Lecturer was with us on this occasion.

We all felt that the Magic Gavel brought renewed interest and activity and aroused a great deal of Grange enthusiasm in all of the Subordinate Granges.

"Fraternally submitted, GEORGE D. HALSTEAD" For tutchess County Grangers, the year 1932 produced two major events. On August 11, 1932, over 500 Grangers from the County put on their George Washington Bi-Centennial Pageant at the Rhinebeck Fairgrounds, with an audience of over 5,000 viewers. Then in November, Brother Franklin }elano Roosevelt, a member of Chapel Corners Grange No. 872 and Dutchess County Pomona Grange, was elected President of the United States. These items were included in the report of George [P. Halstead, Delegate-at-Large, to the 1933 State Session of New York State Grange:

136

"Dutchess County Patrons of Husbandry are again pleased to report progress for the year 1932, having made a net gain of 157 new members, thus making a Subordinate membership of 4,488. We have six active Juvenile Granges with an average membership of over twenty. Five of them put on very creditable exhibits at our County Fair.

"A delegation of our Pomona members attended the large Pomona Grange neighbors' night meeting of the Excelsior Pomona Grange at Bethlehem, Connecticut, where we were greeted by Pomona members from nearly all of the Pomona Granges in that State. We also witnessed the Fifth Degree put on in a very beautiful manner. Our Pomona officers took charge of two Subordinate Grange neighbor's nights meetings. Also, there were many neighbor's nights observed by most all of the Subordinate Granges throughout the County. The Pomona Master and Lecturer have attended one or more meetings of each of the twenty-six Granges in the county, also many meetings in adjoining counties.

"We held a large and interesting conference with our Worthy State Master, State Lecturer and National Juvenile Superintendent, which was greatly enjoyed. At our June Pomona meeting at Freedom Plains Grange Hall, we were favored in having with us our Worthy High Priest of Demeter, Brother Charles M. Gardner and Sister Gardner.

All present appreciated the splendid talk which he gave in the afternoon and regretted that they could not stay for the evening. At that time, our new Pomona Degree Team, under the direction of our Worthy Pomona Chaplain, Brother Ethan A. Coon, exemplified the Fifth Degree in a

137

very beautiful and impressive manner.

Our Pomona members are very proud of our team with their splendid work. This team put on the degree at Carmel on October 13th for the Putnam, Westchester and Rockland Counties Pomona Grange.

"The Lecturer and Flora of Pomona Grange arranged a floral basket contest between the Subordinate Granges. This furnished the June meeting with a beautiful floral display.

The Pomona Service and Hospitality Committee conducted the "Little Country Theater" at the County Fair with four plays. Red Hook Grange, the winners, entered the Inter-County Contest at Red Hook.

They won there also and expect to go to Ithaca to enter the State Contest held there during Farmer's Week. It will be Ten their second experience in the State Contest.

Subordinate Granges exhibited at the County Fair with splendid displays of County farm produce. These exhibits draw a great deal of attention and praise.

"Dutchess County Pomona and Chapel Corners Grange No. 872 feel highly honored in having one of our members soon to fill the highest position in our Government, Brother Franklin D. Roosevelt.

"Pomona Grange feels that its most noteworthy effort this past year was given in putting on a large George Washington Bi-Centennial Pageant at the Rhinebeck Fair Grounds on August 11th. It was the most extensive celebration put on in Dutchess County with over five hundred Grangers taking part. Each epoch of Washington's life was portrayed by floats and pageants by the Subordinate Granges of the County. We were favored with perfect

138

Dutchess County Pomona I.

ICENTENNIAL CE&,E II TI s'

H

q.~

A George Washington

'-

`Pageant

PRESENTED AT RHINEBECK DUTCHESS COUNTY; NEW YORK

eAugust

11,

1932

Wasbingt n Bi-Centennoal Celebration Progr m

L)

GEORGE WASHINGTON BICENTENNIAL PAGEANT

HERALD FIRST EPISODE-WASHINGTON THE BOY FLOAT I—Washington and his Father - Hyde Park Grange FLOAT II—Washington and his Mother, Whaley Pond Grange PAGEANT—Washington and his Playmates, Rock City Juvenile Grange SECOND EPISODEWASHINGTON THE YOUNG MAN FLOAT I—Washington and Martha Custis, Millerton Grange FLOAT II—Washington Receiving His Commission to Go Amenia Grange to Fort Duquesne PAGEANT—Washington and Young Fairfax Surveying, Union Vale Grange THIRD EPISODE-WASHINGTON THE SOLDIER FLOAT I—Spirit of '76 - Pine Plains Grange PAGEANT—Taking Command of the Troops at Cambridge, Upton Lake, Washington and Pleasant Valley Granges FLOAT II—Washington and Betsy Ross

-

Stanford Grange

FLOAT III—Washington Crossing the Delaware, Falikill Grange FLOAT IV—Washington at Valley Forge

- Pawling Grange

PAGEANT-Surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, Wiccopee, Mount Hope and Sylvan Granges

Washington Bi-Centennial Celebration Program

140

4

FOURTH EPISODE-WASHINGTON THE PRESIDENT FLOAT I—Washington Bidding His Mother Farewell, Silver Lake Grange PAGEANT—Washington Welcomed at Trenton on His Way to be Inaugurated, Red Hook, Rhinebeck and Rock City Granges FLOAT II—Washington Inaugurated

-

Waldo Grange

FIFTH EPISODE-WASHINGTON THE FARMER PAGEANT—Washington on His Farm, Freedom Plains Grange FLOAT I—Washington Invents a New Plough, Arthursburg Grange FLOAT II—Washington Selects His Grain Seed, Jackson Corners Grange •

SIXTH

PISODE-

WASHINGTON THE SOCIAL MAN PAGEANT—Washington Entertains on the Bowling Green at Mount Vernon, Chapel Corners, Oak Grove, and Poughkeepsie Granges FINAL TABLEAU "AMERICA" Sung by All (First two verses)

Thanks are here extended to the Dutchess County Agricultural Association for use of the Fair Grounds, to the American Legion of Millbrook for the guns used in the Cambridge Pageant, to Homer Gray of Greenvale Farm, Poughkeepsie, for horses, to the Rhinebeck Boy Scouts who acted as ushers on the Grand Stand, to the State Police for their assistance, to the Rhinebeck Grange who arranged the setting, and to all who have helped to put this celebration on.

Washington Bi-Centennial Celebration Program

141

COMMITTEES DUTCHESS

COUNTY POMONA GRANGE GEORGE WASHINGTON

COMMITTEE —George D. Halstead, B. Pulling, Eugene Daley, Artemus Coffin, Fraleigh, Mrs. T. V. D. Budd, Mrs. Herbert

BICENTENNIAL

Chairman; Fred Mrs. Curtis

Allen, Ruth Halstead, Secretary.

PUBLICITY COMMITTEE-Arthur

L.

Shepherd.

COMMITTEE ON GROUNDS—John Houghton, Edmund

Wyck, MUSIC 1

Claude

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Abel.

COMMITTEE—Fred

B.

Pulling, Mrs.

T. V. D.

Budd.

PAGEANT CAPTAIN—Eugene Daley.

TICKETS AND GRAND STAND COMMITTEE—Henry Sherwood, Chairman.

The music for the day is furnished by the RHINEBECK BAND. The REFRESHMENT BOOTH is in charge of the RHINEBECK

Vash'ngton

tai

LUTHERAN CHURCH.

-Centennial Cetehration Program

142

weather. And a large crowd, estimated at five thousand, enjoyed the colorful and educational celebration. It helped to bring the Granges of the County together and showed what could be accomplished by good Grange co-operation.

It also brought to the attention of those without the Order what the Grange stands for.

"Fraternally submitted, GEORGE D. HALSTEAD" The calendar year 1934 became the year of two State Grange Sessions. The usual annual session was held in February, which reported and recorded the Grange activity of 1933. At that session, it was voted to move the annual State Session back to December, so a second annual State Grange Session was held in December of 1934. Brother Henry D. Sherwood served as Delegate-at-Large to the February session, and reported on Dutchess County's 1933 activity as follows: "Once again we can report a successful year of Grange activity in Dutchess County. Nearly all of the Subordinate Granges have made a substantial gain in membership with a total gain for the County of 175 members. Also over 200 Patrons have been added to our Pomona membership at the last three quarterly Pomona meetings.

"Three times during the past twelve months we have been honored by the presence of our Worthy State Master, once at the Installation of Pomona Officers at Pleasant Valley in March again in June when he brought to our County the Dean Vivian slides, and last in dedicating Pine

143

Plains Grange Hall on January 24, 1934. At each meeting the members turned out to fill the halls to capacity.

"We have organized during the past year an Officers' Association which meets four times a year, one month before the Pomona session.

To this meeting each Subordinate and Pomona officer is invited. The evening is spent in discussing officers' problems and by properly opening and closing a Grange in full form, the stations being filled by officers of different Subordinate Granges.

"Our Pomona Tax Committee has been of great assistance to our work in the County and the resolutions passed have caused much comment in the local press. We realize now that it is one of our really important committees.

"In October, we held a Grange Vesper service under the direction of our Worthy Pomona Chaplain, Brother Raymond Kelley. Brother Charles M. Gardner, High Priest of Demeter, was the speaker. Over 400 Patrons attended and we are planning to make this Vesper Service an annual event.

"Eleven Subordinate and three Juvenile Granges exhibited at the County Fair and made very commendable exhibits. President Roosevelt attended the County Fair and spent considerable time in the Grange tent, enjoying the work of our County Patrons.

"The Service and Hospitality Committee have rendered valuable assistance to our Grange and the 25 Subordinate units have completed several community

144

projects and have raised a total of over $3,000. They also conducted bread baking contests, rock garden contests, and fruit, flower, and grain exhibits at our Pomona meetings.

"Fraternally submitted, HENRY D. SHERWOOD During the 1934 year, more Juvenile Granges were organized in the County. These were Waldo No. 306 on January 25, 1934, Millerton No. 316 on May 21, 1934, Arthursburg No. 317 on July 5, 1934, and Washington No. 321 on August 24, 1934.

Later, in December 1934, Henry D. Sherwood was again Delegate-at-Large to the New York State Grange Annual Session, and gave the following report: "It is a pleasure to again report progress in every branch of Grange work in Dutchess County. Subordinates and Pomona alike have made rapid strides ahead during the past year. More Granges have organized Degree Teams and those that already have teams are making their Degree work more impressive.

"We have a total membership in our 25 Subordinates of 4,863 and our Pomona numbers nearly 2,000. At the June Pomona Session, we initiated 126 in the Fifth Degree.

"Our County Service and Hospitality Committee have rendered excellent work during the past year and the Subordinate Committees working under their instructions have aided many Grange projects and have raised nearly $2,000. Also a total of $303 from these committees has been given to the Revolving Scholarship Fund.

145

"Pomona Lecturer Daley, who is President of the New York State Lecturers Association, has been responsible for many instructive and valuable Lecturers Programs.

He is happy to report that one of his Subordinate Lecturers, Sister Clara Rymph of Chapel Corners Grange, has the honor of winning the New York State "Booster Night" program contest.

"In October, a special session of the State Grange was held in our County and 260 candidates were initiated.

Also more than 200 took the Seventh Degree at Hartford.

"We are pleased with the spirit of fraternity that prevails in our county and look forward toward a still better year in 1935 under the leadership of our Worthy Deputy, F. B. Pulling.

"Fraternally submitted, HENRY D. SHERWOOD" During the year 1935, Pine Plains Juvenile Grange No. 100 was reorganized.

Dutchess County's report at the December 1935 State Session was again given by Delegate-at-Large Henry D. Sherwood: "Dutchess County has just completed a successful year in Grange work. Since 1934 we made a gain of 48 members in our Subordinates and have added many new Pomona members.

146

"Our Worthy Deputy Master visited every Grange in the early spring for the purpose of instructing the newly elected officers in their work. These visits have been of real value to the Subordinate officers.

"On August 3, we held a county Officers Meeting at which time each Pomona officer invited his corresponding Subordinate officer. This proved to be an interesting and helpful session. On August 8, our Granges had a joint picnic with the County Farm Bureau with Hon. Peter G. Ten Eyck as guest speaker.

"We are especially proud of the work done by our Pomona Service and Hospitality Committee. Their advice and encouragement has helped many of our Subordinate Committees.

"Pomona is working with other County organizations on local rural electrification. We feel we are rendering a real service to our rural people in promoting this work.

"At this writing 21 of our 25 Granges have their own homes, Millerton Grange having the newest hall in our County, a splendid building built by a progressive Grange.

"Dutchess County Patrons are looking forward to another prosperous Grange year in 1936.

"Fraternally submitted, HENRY D. SHERWOOD" In 1936, Chapel Corners Juvenile Grange No. 353 was organized on February 2, 1936, and Rhinebeck Juvenile Grange No. 376 was organized on August 20, 1936, adding

147

to the growing list of Juvenile Granges in Dutchess County, making a total of twelve active Juvenile Granges in the county under the excellent leadership of Juvenile Deputy Sister Dorothy Judson of Waldo Grange.

Dutchess County Delegate-at-Large Ralph J. Warren presented the following report at the December 1936 Annual State Session: "It is with pleasure that I am able to report to the New York State Grange that Dutchess County has twenty-five Subordinate Granges and twelve Juvenile Granges and the work of nearly all these Granges is outstanding.

"Much credit for this excellent Grange work can be attributed to the untiring efforts of Brother Fred B. Pulling, our retiring Deputy Master, who has served us so faithfully for the last six years. However, we know that Grange work in our County will continue to be of high standard under the guidance of Brother Ethan Coon, our newly appointed Deputy Master.

"Sister Dorothy Judson, our Juvenile Deputy, has organized one new Juvenile Grange in the past year and through her excellent leadership Juvenile Grange work is making rapid progress.

"The Patrons of Dutchess County are proud that the New York State Grange chose from our membership at the session at Oneonta last year, Brother Henry D. Sherwood as New York State Steward. We can assure you that Brother

148

Sherwood will render to the State Grange the same effecient service he has given to his home county.

"Eleven Subordinate Granges exhibited at the Dutchess County Fair and the exhibits were of the same high quality that has characterized these exhibits for so many years.

"Much credit is due Brother Eugene Daley, our Pomona Lecturer, for the wonderful fraternal spirit and good fellowship that was created by the joining of the links of the Fraternal Chain in the Granges throughout the county.

Every Grange participated in this program.

"The Annual Pomona Grange Vesper Service was conducted by Worthy Chaplain Kelley and was well attended.

"The Service and Hospitality Committees of the Subordinate Granges are very active and it was due to their efforts, under the guidance of Sister Battenfeld, Chairman of the County Committee, that Dutchess County contributed a larger amount to the Revolving Scholarship Fund than any other county in the state.

"The Granges in our county have enjoyed a very prosperous year and we anticipate even better work in the year 1937.

"Fraternally submitted, RALPH J. WARREN" After the December 1936 session of New York State Grange, summary reports of county activity by the

149

Delegates-at-Large were no longer required. From this point on, this writing highlights grange activity based on entries taken from the minutes of meetings of the Dutchess County Pomona Grange, and from records of the New York State Grange.

The "History of New York State Grange" saw fit to mention Ethan A. Coon, of Rhinebeck Grange, who served Grange so devotedly for so many years in Dutchess County.

Brother Coon was known as the "Violet King of the World", for his expertise in growing violets, and was recognized for his "liberal assistance in decorating Pomona's and Flora's courts, especially at Ogdensburg in 1937, with an outstandingly beautiful court". He had an unusual knowledge of Grange ritualism and procedure, and was widely called upon for advice and council. He served as Deputy State Master from 1938 to 1946 for Dutchess County.

During the year 1938, Stone Church Grange No. 1561 was organized in Dover Plains on June 17, 1938 with 46 charter members, by Deputy Ethan A. Coon. Lawrence E. Benson was the first Master. Also during the year, Stanford Juvenile Grange No. 414 was organized in Stanfordville on February 26, 1938.

It is always interesting to note the cost of materials and products at different times in our past. At the December, 1938 Pomona meeting, the Pomona Secretary reported purchasing 500 sheets of letterhead paper and 400 three-cent stamped envelopes for a total of $21.12, and another bill was for $1.35 for a bushel of apples for the Fifth Degree.

150

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HARRY A. CATON, Secretary of National Grange, Coshocton, Ohio The undersigned have organized tz -c--1/

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'FILL OUT THE BLANKS, WRITE CHARTER NAMES AND WRITE NOTHING ELSE ON THESE BLANKS.

ARTICLE IX, SECTION 4—CHARTER MEMBERS $

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Brother Henry Sherwood, Chairman of the Fair Committee, reported the committees recommendation to erect a Grange building on the 1)utchess County Fair grounds, at an approximate cost of $2,500. Six months later, he reported that an existing building on the Fairgrounds was purchased for $2,500.

It was also announced that June 28, 1939 would be designated Dutchess County Day at the 1939 New York Worlds Fair.

In early 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was presented with his Silver Star Certificate for 25 years of continuous Grange membership at his home Grange in Hyde Park. It was a memorable occasion for Chapel Corners Grange No. 872. Several news articles appeared locally, discussing his membership, and the events of the recognition that evening at Chapel Corners.

The name of Franklin D. Roosevelt was proposed for membership in Chapel Corners Grange No. 872 on January 26, 1914, and he received his four degrees on the evening of February 3 of that year. On December 28, 1931, occurred the initiation of Mrs. Roosevelt, whose husband was then Governor of the state of New York. Several times during his membership, Mr. Roosevelt had attended meetings of Chapel Corners Grange and had spoken during the Lecturer's Hour program, previously to his election to the Presidency.

On Monday evening, June 26, 1939, in the Chapel Corners Grange Hall, the members welcomed President

153

Franklin D. Roosevelt and Mrs. Roosevelt, for the presentation of a Silver Star certificate to the Chief Executive, indicating his completion of twenty-five years of continuous membership in the Grange. Mr. Roosevelt had also taken the sixth degree at a session of the New York State Grange and had been invested with the honors of the Seventh Degree at the Rochester session of the National Grange in November 1930.

The news that the President and his wife were to be at Chapel Corners Grange resulted in Patrons coming from a wide area, the honored guests having announced that everything else would be put aside for the evening, and that they anticipated a pleasant social time, in the opportunity not only to receive official recognition from the National Grange, but to greet their neighbors and friends from Hyde Park and the surrounding vicinity.

The presentation of the Silver Star certificate to the President was made by Ethan A. Coon, deputy for Dutchess County.

In his presentation remarks, Deputy Coon expressed appreciation of what the administration of President Roosevelt had contributed to the welfare of the American farmer; calling for a happy response from Mr. Roosevelt, in which he paid impressive tribute to the long continued service of Grange, which he designated as one of the most effective patriotic forces in the nation.

Mr. Roosevelt has been quoted as saying: "For many years, I have been a member of the Grange. I have felt at home in it because it embodies the fine flavor of rural living which I myself have known and

154

155

Qmono i Grange HaU (1979 Photo)

Stanford Grange Hall (1979 Photo)

156

loved. Beyond this, it has been an instrument for expressing in useful activity the highest sentiments and deepest loyalties of Americans."

Mrs. Roosevelt also responded in a happy vein, referring to the fact that, although she did not herself affiliate with the Grange at as early a date as her husband, she eventually joined Chapel Corners Grange and was very proud of her membership therein.

The Chapel Corners presentation event evoked this comment from Mrs. Roosevelt in her syndicated newspaper article, "My Day", shortly afterwards: "On Monday evening the President and I attended our Chapel Corners Grange meeting, and together with two ladies he was given his Silver Star certificate for twenty-five years membership. When the President joined the Grange twenty-five years ago, it was not a period of my life when I joined much of anything. For some years I spent most of my time looking after a family of children who were fairly near the same age.

"Later on, I also joined the Grange, so I was allowed to be at this meeting on Monday night, but only as a much more recent member. There were representatives from many other Granges in the county, and even one or two from other counties. Everybody seemed to have a good time seeing everybody else, and my husband met a number of people he hadn't seen for a long time."

After such a major occurence in the Grange activity in Dutchess County, all other events seemed to get lost in

157

the background, but it was also significant that the State Grange Session in the fall of 1939 saw the election of Brother Henry D. Sherwood to the office of Overseer of the New York State Grange.

The year 1940 brought the National Grange Session to Syracuse, and New York made special preparations for it, with special Sixth Degree conferrals throughout the state.

A special Sixth Degree conferral on October 9, at Pine Plains Grange Hall, initiated 346 members. The regular session of the New York State Grange was held December 10-13, 1940 at the Municipal Auditorium in Kingston. By the time of the National Grange session, 5,094 members in New York State were conferred with the Sixth Degree.

Two new Juvenile Granges were organized in 1940.

They were Pawling Juvenile Grange No. 480 organized June 28, 1940, and Silver- Lake Juvenile Grange No. 488 organized November 25, 1940. Early the following year, Fallkill Juvenile Grange No. 490 was organized on April 1, 1941, and Freedom Plains Juvenile Grange No. 494 on May 10, 1941.

The year 1941 could be viewed as the virtual completion of the Grange structure in Dutchess County.

Nearly every town had a Grange unit, with some towns having more than one. Nearly half of the Granges had a Juvenile unit for children.

Grange membership had stabilized at more than 4,600 members in the county.

Dutchess County Pomona Grange met on December 3, 1941, just four days before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Guest speaker for that meeting was Dutchess

158

County Sheriff C. Fred Close. His subject was "National Defense", describing various ways and serious results of sabotage that might confront us in case of war. He described conditions in foreign countries and communist activities in our country. He closed by urging all citizens to be loyal workers and supporters of our country and its government.

Everyone was shocked by the news of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Delegates from Dutchess County heard the news as they participated at the New York State Grange Session. World War II was about to change everyone's life. For Grangers, there would be a renewed dedication to help and support whenever and wherever it was needed. Restricted travel and recreation would focus new importance on the local Grange hall for activity. Even more people would join the Grange, to work for common good, to find recreation and entertainment, and to just be together in difficult times. For Grange, the peak years lie just ahead.

159

1,Zn

PART IV

THE PEAK YEARS

1942 - 1968

161

162

PART IV - THE PEAK YEARS (1942-1968)

The outbreak of World War II brought renewed emphasis on Grange work. Many Grange members were farmers and exempted from the draft, but many of those, and other members, too, went into service for their country.

Grange hall walls had framed rolls of names of those members who served, and those lists still hang in some Grange halls today.

The attack on Pearl Harbor came during the annual State Grange session in early December. The following year, the session was held December 8-11, 1942. Dutchess County's Henry D. Sherwood was serving as Overseer of the New York State Grange. His report at that 1942 session reflected the thoughts of Grangers everywhere: "Worthy Master, Associate Officers and Delegates: "At the beginning of our State Session one year ago at Rochester, we were shocked with the news of the Japanese attack upon our Navy and installations at Pearl Harbor. It was a foregone conclusion then as to what action our government would take. In a comparatively few

163

hours, we were at war with the Axis nations. Many of us wondered at that time what effect the war would have on our business and on the activities in ,.cur Granges. Today, after a year has passed, we know the answer. °'Changes have taken place rapidly. Thousands of our Farm ;.>ys have gone into service. Farm labor has become a serious problem and practically every phase of .ur living has been changed. It therefore becomes our problem as Grange folks tcs meet these new conditions. Never before in our memory has there been the need of a united Agriculture more than there is today. This is not the time for a let-down in Grange activities, as some would suggest, but rather the time for keener thought and a greater interest in our Grange work and the problems that confront our Farm pe.ple. For the entire duration and during the reconstruction period that will follow this conflict, our Grange must maintain its leadership in the many important affairs of State and Nation, pertaining to Agriculture, to Economic and Social welfare. It is my hope that Patrons everywhere will go forward with that determination to win, that desire to accomplish more, and that willingness to serve our country, our community and .ur Grange."

That desire to accomplish more was certainly demonstrated by Mrs. Lee Husted of Red Hook Grange, who served as Chairman of the New York State Grange Service and Hsspitality Committee. She was a busy lady, serving as Chairman, but she also attended the W.men's Joint Legislative Forum in Albany weekly during the Legislative session, and participated in the "Women and Industry" luncheon conference in New York City.

164

Throughout 1942, the activity at Dutchess County Pomona Grange meetings reflected the impact of the war. A resolution was adopted "that all Pomona members who enter the armed forces of our country receive paid-up dues cards upon their discharge from the Army or Navy service". At the September meeting, Sister Winans of Pine Plains Grange was recognized as the first Gold Star Grange Mother (a son lost in service) in Dutchess County. At the December meeting, Brother David Cunningham announced that it would be impossible for him to fill the office of Gatekeeper due to his induction into the Army. Then, at the March 1943 meeting, Deputy Ethan A. Coon announced that Grange meetings are allowed under gas rationing regulations.

The Annual State Session of 1943 was held in Syracuse December 14-17, and Brother Henry D. Sherwood was elected Master of the New York State Grange. Brother Sherwood joined Millerton Grange No. 796, transferred to Jackson Corners Grange No. 905, and then joined Pine Plains Grange No. 803 in 1921, which his wife Thelma joined. A reception was held in February to celebrate his election.

Attorney Benson R. Frost, who acted as toastmaster, characterized Brother Sherwood as "An ideal man to head our great State organization in these trying times. He has the heritage of a fine American family. He is honest, sincere, slow to anger, a true friend, and enjoys the respect of his community and State."

Brother Harold M. Stanley, long time State Grange Secretary, was a close friend of Brother Sherwood's for many years. Brother Stanley said: "Our State Master is certainly an early bird If you have ever had the good

165

fortune to travel with him, you will not need to worry about oversleeping, for he will get you up in time to milk, and you will never miss that early train!"

During the years of World War II, Dutchess County Grangers served in many ways to help in the war effort.

Large gardens were very popular to help with the food supply. "Spotter Shacks" were manned by Grangers, looking for any chance that a plane overhead might be an enemy bomber. In 1944, Mrs. Anna Davis, Secretary of Whaley Pond Grange No. 885, had sold a total of $32,881 in bonds. The efforts of these Grangers everywhere are particularly notable because most were farmers and worked many long hard hours due to the shortage of farm labor.

Dutchess County Grangers were concerned about the use of Social Security funds in 1944. A resolution was adopted by Pomona Grange and then by New York State Grange as follows: "WHEREAS, The Federal Government is collecting three percent of all wages, except certain classifications, for social security and this amounts to hundreds of millions annually and this money is used for current expenses, so that it will have to be raised again by taxation when needed, be it "RESOLVED, That we protest this action and we recommend that this money be placed in a special fund to be used for the benefit of retired wage earners."

Also in 1944, Dutchess County Pomona Grange adopted a resolution supporting the formation of a Soil Conservation District in Dutchess County.

166

Henry D. Shen®od

167

Waldo Grange Hail (1978 Photo)

Sylvan Grange Hall (1978 Photo) 168

In 1945, the legislative attention turned to highway safety. The following resolution was passed by Dutchess County Pomona Grange, and then adopted by New York State Grange: "WHEREAS, Many accidents are caused by trucks stopping on concrete or macadam highways for repairs, or from drivers being fatigued from long hours of driving, be it "RESOLVED, That the New York State Grange recommend that a law be enacted requiring the State and County highway departments to provide places on state and county highways where trucks and cars can pull off the traffic lanes."

Also in 1945, Guest Speaker Philip Dean of the New York Telephone Company reported that fifty percent of the farmers in New York State now have telephones. Farm Bureau representative Arthur Shepherd reported that there are 1,212 farms in Dutchess County.

Other 1945 resolutions included supporting standard time now that the war is over, favoring Hyde Park as the site for the United Nations, and placing a $2.00 bounty on foxes.

Late in 1945, Henry D. Sherwood Grange No. 1584 was organized by Deputy Ethan A. Coon on November 27, 1945, with 29 charter members and Frank Rojeski as the first Master. The Grange was located in Tivoli, and met at the Polish-American Club there. This Grange only lasted for eight years, and closed November 20, 1953.

169

It was reported at the June 1946 Pomona Grange meeting that a county-wide card party had been held recently, resulting in 49 tables of players, and raising $230.62 for Fifth Degree work. The September meeting shows the first recorded results of a food booth at the Dutchess County Fair.

The Service and Hospitality Committee reported receipts of $842.11 and expenses of $478.04, for a Food Booth net of $372.22. (That's right - it does not compute!) Lastly, at the December meeting, plans were announced for the 50th Anniversary of Dutchess County Pomona Grange, to be held March 31, 1947, at the Roosevelt High School in Hyde Park.

Dutchess County Pomona Grange continued its attention on the highways. ! esolutions in 1947, both approved and adopted by New York State Grange, were: "WHEREAS, present State Parkway regulations read that no ambulance may use any State Parkway in transporting a patient to or from a hospital, and "WHEREAS, much time is lost on the other highways leading to cities where a life may be saved by using the Parkw,.ys, therefore be it RESOLVED, that New York State Grange in regular session request this regulation be amended so as to permit an ambulance to use any parkway in transporting a patient to or from a hospital or on emergency calls involving a sick or injured person."

The second resolution was as follows:

170

Deputise in ordering blanks will pleat• give the letter of the blank wanted. A

PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY National Grange, Incorporated January, 1873.

Deputies Organizing Oranges are Requested to Send a Copy of this Sheet to the Secretary of the State

sb7

Grange at the •Same Time .They Send. the. Application and Fee to Coshocton, Ohio

HARR$ A.•. CAT0N,, Secretary of National Grange, _• _•,..

Coshocton, Ohio The updersigned have organiz d a subordinate Grange in the Township of r ~ State of / ZI.GII the necessary docume

County of and enclose the fee of

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and most respectfully ask for Dispensation and Fifteen Dollars for the same.

INSTRUCTIONS TO DEPUTIES The Grange organised will receive all necessary documents with their dispensation, and in the meantime can b. appointing their committees, preparing their ball and balloting for'ctndidates. Dispensation will igvariably be east within .forty"eight boure after the receipt of the application. The diapensation and outSts will be sent to the Master of the New Grange unless otherwise lnat ucted.

I

FILL OUT THE BLANKS, WRITE CHARTER NAMES AND WRITE NOTHING ELSE ON THESE BLANK.

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Dispensation to Organize Henry D. Sherwood Grange No. 1584

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"WHEREAS, there has been a notable increase in the number of and seriousness of automobile accidents involving motorists 18 to 25 years of age, and "WHEREAS, the value of a Driver's Training Course given in high school has been demonstrated, therefore be it "RESOLVED, that New York State Grange go on record as favoring the inclusion of a driver training course in the high school curricula of New York State."

Later in 1947, Pomona Grange adopted a resolution commending Arlington High School for establishing a Driver Training Course.

Throughout the 1940's, Juvenile Granges were busy. Sylvan Juvenile Grange No. 158 was declared dormant June 30, 1939, and re-organized August 10, 1945.

Wiccopee Juvenile Grange No. 159 was declared dormant June 30, 1945, and re-organized May 14, 1949. Upton Lake Juvenile Grange No. 188 was declared dormant June 30, 1943, and re-organized in July 1945. Fallkill Juvenile Grange No. 490 was declared dormant September 23, 1942, and re-organized September 16, 1947. Mount Hope Juvenile Grange No. 574 was organized as a new unit on September 27, 1947.

The 200th quarterly meeting of Dutchess County Pomona Grange was held March 5, 1947 at Poughkeepsie Grange Hall. A resolution was adopted favoring a bridge between Kingston and Rhinecliff, and the Lecturer was

17~

given full charge of plans for conducting a °°Rural Life Sunday". in September, Pomona Master Paul O. Bahret was presented with a new Pomona Grange banner, as a gift from the Service and Hospitality Committee.

At the March 1948 meeting, it was announced that "Neighbor Nights" will start April 6, 1948 with the theme "United Neighbors". Radio broadcasts of Grange activity will also continue over WKIP in Poughkeepsie, by the Pomona I'Zadio Committee.

The summer of 1948 brought attention to Pawling Grange No. 831. Governor Thomas E. Dewey, a member of Pawling Grange, called farm paper editors into conference on July 24, 1948. The day's events included a tour of the Dewey farm on Quaker Hill, a three hour conference in the Grange Hall, and a delicious Grange lunch. National Grange Chaplain Joseph Fichter, of Ohio; Paul Sanders, Master of Virginia State Grange and Editor of the "Souther; Planter"; William A. Ayers, Managing Editor of the National Grange Monthly; Harry Graham, Editor of the Indiana Grange News; Fred Bailey, Editor of the Washington Farm Reporter; Senator George Aiken of Vermont, and 9" epresentative Clifford Hope of Kansas were among the guests. The many editors present at the conference represented 16,000,000 rural subscribers.

Also in 1948, the National Grange session was held in the State of Maine. In preparation, several special sixth degree conferrals were held during the year in the eastern part of the state. A special sixth degree session in Poughkeepsie initiated 666 candidates.

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In December 1948, the Executive Committee reported securing a safe for Pomona Grange, and the Service and Hospitality Committee presented Pomona Grange with a new set of station and altar scarves.

In 1949, Dutchess County Pomona Grange's attention turned to school buses, as the following Dutchess County resolution was adopted by New York State Grange: "WIEREAS, Small omnibuses are not now required to display flasher lights and signs required as larger buses used in the transportation of school children, and "WHEREAS, This situation constitutes a constant danger upon the life not only of children using such conveyances, but also the lives of car drivers, be it RESOLVED, That the New York State Grange urge the Motor Vehicle Bureau to amend the law so that all public carriers of school children be required to be clearly marked and to display red flasher lights at front and back."

In September 1949, Pomona Grange presented a pageant in the evening at Red Hook Central School under the direction of Lecturer Margaret Sutherland. Entitled "America For Me", one individual represented each state in the Union, appropriately costumed. A brief history, chief products, and a few lines from an identifiable song were given for each state. It was a "very impressive" pageant, with 475 in attendance.

The year 1950 brought two new subjects before the public in newspaper articles and other media, and Dutchess

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County Pomona Grange was quick to pass resolutions on the subjects, both resolutions sent to the annual State Grange session and adopted there. The resolutions were: "WHEREAS, American agriculture recognizes a joint responsibility with American medicine in maintaining the incentive and free enterprise system which has made this country strong and great, and compulsory health "WHEREAS, insurance, wherever tried, has not only caused a decline in health and standards of medical care, but has caused socialization of professions, business and industries, followed by the destruction of individual initiative of the people, and "WHEREAS, farm organizations recognize that the standards of medical care of rural people in America are the finest in the world, and are constantly being improved, with the expansion of voluntary insurance systems which enable farm people to have prepaid budget-basis medical care, therefore be it "RESOLVED, that the New York State Grange go on record against any form of compulsory health insurance or any system of socialized medicine."

The second resolution controversial subject of the time:

addressed

a

very

"WHEREAS, the City of New York in an endeavor to improve its water supply has entered upon a program of so-called rain-making, and

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"WHEREAS, such programs may be detrimental to the interests of agriculture in the areas affected by such rainfall, therefore be it "RESOLVED, that the New York State Grange continue its influence to the end that there be no modification in the legal responsibility of the city for any damage caused by such rainfall in the efforts of the City of New York to induce rainfall . " Dutchess County Grangers rallied quickly in 1950 when seven-year-old David Berry, son of the Union Vale Grange Secretary, was lost overnight in the mountainous Clove Valley area in zero weather. Grange members searched all night. The Grange furnished 50 pounds of coffee, 30 pounds of sugar, 60 loaves of bread, and many pounds of cold cuts, which Grange members distributed to the searchers before the boy was found.

The year 1950 also brought the organization of two more Juvenile Granges. Union Vale Juvenile Grange No. 617 was organized on June 5, 1950, and Henry D. Sherwood Juvenile Grange No. 622 was organized on November 8, 1950. Also, Oak Grove Juvenile Grange No. 175 was re-organized on June 10, 1950 and Chapel Corners Juvenile Grange No. 353 was re-organized on April 29, 1950.

In 1951, Mrs. Herbert Thomsen of Poughkeepsie Grange served as New York State Grange Service and Hospitality Committee Chairman, and was recognized as that committee, under her direction, raised $15,560 for community health work, and $4,774.79 for better education.

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Membership in Dutchess County Granges peaked in 1951 at 5,723 members. Much of the reason for this peak in membership was due to the social climate following World War II. Families were back together, and people enjoyed being with each other in a fraternal and fellowship environment, not only to share common concerns, but to seek recreation and entertainment as well, which the Grange provided. Due credit must also be given to State Master Henry Sherwood, whose programs and services enhanced the advantages of Grange membership.

At the 1951 State Grange Session, Brother Sherwood stepped down as State Master after eight years in that office, but continued on as a member of the Executive Committee, and as Overseer of the National Grange. In his State Master's Address, he concluded by saying: "On Friday, someone else will be installed to the I office now hold. I have served long enough. By no means do I mean that our work is completed - it never is. New problems in agriculture arise constantly. These problems must be faced. New leadership will meet these problems and strive to protect your interests and the interests of rural people.

"I feel that the experiences of the last few years have given me something I could not have received anywhere else. It has been an education that could not be secured out of books or within the four walls of a college. It has been a wonderful experience.

'Your support back home has been appreciated more than I have words to express, and my one wish today

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is that you will give to my successor the same fine cooperation and support that you have given to me. May we all face tomorrow working together for the best interests of the Grange and rural America."

"Fraternally submitted, HENRY D. SHERWOOD, Master."

In 1952, Dutchess County Grangers turned their attention to Federal Income Tax, with the following resolution: WHEREAS, the personal exemptions allowed by the Federal Income Tax Department are so small that they are ridiculous in the light of present-day cost of living, therefore be it RESOLVED, that New York State Grange at its next session use its influence to raise the said exemptions to a realistic level, and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that we consider the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) to be more nearly in keeping with present conditions and this amount to be doubled at the age of sixty-five (65) years, as with the present exemption.

This resolution was forwarded to New York State Grange, where it was also adopted.

The first mention of a "Youth Committee" appeared in March 1953, with a report by Margaret Sutherland.

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In June 1953, a resolution was adopted which "favors a blacktop road to the Parkway known as Bulls Head Road".

Another 1953 resolution concerns about trailer parks:

addressed

Grangers'

WHEREAS, the year around use of trailer homes has increased greatly in the past few years and new trailer "camps" or "Parks" are being opened in almost every locality where these trailer homes can be and are set up for year around occupancy, and WHEREAS, these trailer homes are being used as permanent residences to such an extent as to present a serious problem to the authorities of the various municipalities of the State in the matter of land and especially school taxes, therefore be it RESOLVED, that Dutchess County Pomona Grange go on record as favoring Legislation to the end that these trailer homes carry their fair share of the tax burden, especially school taxes.

This resolution was forwarded to New York State Grange, where it was also adopted.

The early 1950's saw considerable activity among the Juvenile Granges of the county. Wiccopee Juvenile Grange No. 159 was declared dormant on June 30, 1951, and Washington Juvenile Grange No. 321 was reorganized on May 25, 1951. Henry D. Sherwood Juvenile Grange

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No. 622 was declared dormant on May 16, 1952, Mount Hope Juvenile Grange No. 574 was declared dormant on October 21, 1952, and Millerton Juvenile Grange No. 316 was reorganized March 21, 1952. Union Vale Juvenile Grange No. 617 was declared dormant on October 7, 1953.

Stanford Juvenile Grange No. 414 was reorganized May 22, 1953, and Freedom Plains Juvenile Grange No. 494 was reorganized on April 10, 1953. Jackson Corners Juvenile Grange No. 653 was organized as a new unit on June 6, 1953. Then in 1954, Chapel Corners Juvenile Grange No. 353 was declared dormant on October 21, 1954, and Silver Lake Juvenile Grange No. 488 was reorganized on December 17, 1954.

For a number of years, the Deputy State Master for Dutchess County organized a County level Community Service project. This appeared in 1954 , when all Granges in the county contributed toward the purchase of an air conditioning unit for the Polio room at Vassar Hospital.

It was announced at the June 1954 meeting of Pomona Grange that there will be a Town and Country Day on June 29 and 30, 1954. The rural people are to meet at the Poughkeepsie Grange Hall on June 29 at 10 o'clock, where buses will be in waiting to take them around the city to various places of interest, and on June 30 at 10 o'clock the city people will meet at the Grange Hall and be taken by buses to see farms in the country. At six in the evening at Baird Park, there will be a chicken barbeque for all. Tickets are $2.50 each for rural people and $5.00 each for city people, including transportation and the barbeque.

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A final report was given at the September 1954 meeting on the "Mittens for Korea" project. A total of 368 pairs of mittens were contributed, with 115 pairs made by Mrs. Estelle Paine of Millerton Grange.

Resolutions for 1954 included: WHEREAS, there is no shortage of steel at present that would necessitate the use of only one license plate for motor vehicles, and WHEREAS, the use of two (2) license plates, one in front and one on the rear of the vehicle would aid in the location of persons travelling, when necessary in case of sickness or death in the family or other emergencies, and also in the apprehension of criminals and traffic violators, therefore be it RESOLVED, that Dutchess County Pomona Grange urge the New York State Grange to use its influence to have legislation enacted which would require the use of two (2) license plates after January 1st, 1956.

This resolution was also adopted by New York State Grange at their annual session.

A second resolution addressed the milk market: WHEREAS, it is necessary to increase the sale of fluid milk in order to obtain a better price for the producer and as the spread between the Producer and Consumer continues to increase so that the price to the Consumer is so high that he cannot afford to buy more milk, therefore be it

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RESOLVED, that the size of containers for fluid milk be increased to half-gallon and one gallon sizes, along with the regular pint and quart containers, so as to reduce the price to the consumer.

In 1955, Dutchess County Pomona Grange turned its attention to the Dutchess County Society for Mental Health: WHEREAS, the work of a Mental Health Clinic has been carried on in the County by the Dutchess County Society for Mental Health on what may be called an "experimental" basis and with the use of privately secured funds and volunteer personnel, and WHEREAS, it has been forcefully demonstrated that such a clinic is of great value to the well-being and continued economic value to the County of a depressingly large number of our people, therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Dutchess County Pomona Grange hereby urges the Board of Supervisors to set up the necessary County Mental Health Board in order that the work of the above mentioned clinic may be continued on a county wide basis.

Other records of the day included a discussion by Deputy State Master Henry Pitcher on the hardships suffered in Dutchess County during the summer of 1955, including the heat, rain, hurricane, flood, and fire. The Community Service Project was Pomona Grange completed, and $355.00 was collected for the Audiometer

1st

for the Cerebral Palsy Clinic. Sister Lula Daley, Chairman of the Service and Hospitality Committee, also reported that the Food Booth at the County Fair had cleared $912.04.

March 1956 brought a resolution on gasoline tax: BE IT RESOLVED, that we of Dutchess County Pomona Grange strongly oppose any further increase in the tax on gasoline for any purpose whatsoever, until revenues from the present tax have been set aside for the maintenance and improvement of roads under a carefully devised and supervised plan.

September 1956 brought the following resolution: WHEREAS, the New York State Legislature at its 1956 Session enacted and the Governor approved a temporary amendment to the S.cial Welfare Law enabling local public welfare officials to require employable persons in receipt of Home Relief to perform work, and WHEREAS, in enacting the amendment, the Legislature declared that it "recognizes that a number of persons receiving Home elief are able to perform some work but cannot obtain employment, and that it would be advantageous to the public welfare that local authorities be authorized to utilize such work", and WHEREAS, experience has demonstrated that enforcement of the authorization has acted as a deterrent to persons who would otherwise apply for Home Relief and has resulted in the removal of employable persons from Home Relief rolls, and

1 S4

WHEREAS, such action results in (1) creation of a of sense responsibility within individuals and engenders an incentive for self-support to the advantage of the entire community, and (2) a reduction in the financial burden on taxpayers, and WHEREAS, the amendment as adopted by the Legislature which made these advantages possible is effective only until July 1, 1957, therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Dutchess County Pomona Grange recommends that the New York State Legislature at its 1957 Session take such action as necessary to make the provision of the amendment a permanent provision of law.

During 1955 and 1956, Jackson Corners Juvenile Grange No. 653 was declared dormant on April 15, 1955, and Silver Lake Juvenile Grange No. 488 was declared dormant on November 16, 1956.

The year 1956 ended with plans to present a Silver Star Certificate for 25 years of membership to Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt at Chapel Corners Grange on January 14, 1957.

This event was later postponed until May 27, 1957.

At the 1957 Session of the New York State Grange, Dutchess County Pomona Master Lawrence E. Benson was elected State Gatekeeper. Also at that session, Dutchess County had invited New York State Grange to hold their Annual 1958 Session in Poughkeepsie. There was also an invitation from Saratoga County, and the Executive

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1 rother Bens n, as Committee selected Saratoga.

Gatekeeper, included in his 1958 report: "We of Dutchess County were quite disappointed that we were not selected as the Host County for the State Grange this year, but still have hopes that we will have this pleasure in the near future".

Dutchess County again invited the New York State Grange to hold the Annual Session in Dutchess for 1959.

Another invitation was received from Elmira, and Elmira was selected for 1959.

In June of 1958, it was announced at the Pomona Meeting that the Dutchess County Agricultural Society wishes to purchase our Fair wilding for $2,500. It was voted to decline the offer at this time.

At the September meeting, Pomona Grange's Community Service project was completed and provided a television set and record player for the children's ward at the Northern Dutchess Health Center.

Sylvan Grange provided the following resolution: RESOLVED, that the members of Sylvan Grange No. 825, Stormville, N.Y., at their meeting of June 26, 1958 voted that all buses used for the transportation of school children be painted yellow.

This resolution was also adopted by Pomona Grange.

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In June of 1959, it was announced that the float had been completed for the Hudson-Champlain Celebration parade on June 7, 1959. Sisters Janet Thorpe, Cathy Petrak, and Patricia Hennessey will be portraying the Graces on the float. Other notes at the meeting included a Fair Food Booth net profit of $983.42, and a report that the County Community Service Project had been completed, with three wheelchairs delivered to St. Francis Hospital.

The late 1950's saw a rapid decline in Juvenile Grange activity. Seven Juvenile Granges were declared dormant in a three-year time span. They were Washington No. 321 and Sylvan No. 158 in 1957; then Rock City No. 129, Oak Grove No.175, Fallkill No. 490, and Freedom Plains No. 494 in 1958; and Pine Plains No. 100 in 1959.

Only the new organization of Pleasant Valley No. 690 on October 1, 1958, and the reorganization of Oak Grove No. 175 on June 12, 1959 offset this loss.

The loss of Juvenile Granges was symbolic of a much greater problem. The late 1950's saw a serious decline in membership. From the peak of 5,723 members in 1953, Dutchess County Granges lost an average of 300 members per year, with the 1959 membership dropping below 4,000.

This trend was alarming to the Grange leadership, but they were unable to stop it.

The serious loss in membership has been attributed to many factors, some Grange-related and some not. Many changes were taking place in our communities and our society at that time, and for that matter, ever since.

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Competition for the volunteer had much t. do with the loss. Many organizations were flourishing, and people were devoting themselves to those organizations which were of the most importance to them. Parents were turning their attention and their help to the organizations which interested their children, such as 4-H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Little League, etc. The parents, and others, were also asked to give their time to other popular organizations, such as the Volunteer Firemen, the escue Squad, the Historical Society, etc.

There was also competition for an individual's need for recreation and entertainment. Bowling was enjoying a new high level .f popularity with bowling leagues everywhere. Of course, the main factor for entertainment was the new home appliance in the living room - the Television set. There was no longer a need to go anywhere to relax and be entertained.

Within Grange itself, there was a significant loss of farms and active farmers in many areas, especially in rapidly developing areas such as Dutchess County. Many Grange leaders were lamenting that the loss of farms and farmers caused the loss in membership possibilities. Successful Granges recognized a need, and started diversifying their various activities to appeal to the non-farm community in their area.

At about this same time, new New York State insurance laws hurt the cooperative insurance companies of the time. The law required a new high level of reserve which was either difficult or undesirable for the cooperative to come up with, and the law essentially outlawed

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member-only policies, which dictated opening the doors to anyone who wanted to buy a policy. This made the cooperative actually just another insurance company with no particular advantages in premium. This caused a loss of many insurance members. These members were important for membership numbers, but contributed little to the on-going operation of the local Grange, where attendance is important, as well as the acceptance of an office in that local Grange.

Although the loss in membership continued, the regular meetings, and the regularly attending members, continued to demonstrate a high level of normal Grange activity. In September of 1960, the following resolution was presented and adopted: WHEREAS, the legal age at which intoxicating beverages can now be sold to individuals is age 18 years, and WHEREAS, it is felt that this contributes much to juvenile delinquency, and WHEREAS, it is a menace to surrounding states where the legal age is 21 years, therefore be it RESOLVED, that the legal age at which intoxicating beverages may be sold to individuals in New York State be raised to age 21 years.

In 1961, all the Dutchess County Pomona Grange officers were invited to come to Red Hook, as Red Hook Grange dedicated their new Grange hall on June 9, 1961.

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In 1962, attention turned to Social Security and medical coverage for the aged, with the following resolution adopted by Dutchess County P.mona Grange June 6, 1962: WHEREAS, the administration proposal in Congress to increase the Social Security Tax to pay for socialized medicine for over 14 million aged persons under the compulsory social security system has been estimated to cost over one billion dollars a year initially, and WHEREAS, the maximum social security tax in 1937 was sixty dollars per year, split evenly between employees and employers, with no tax on the self-employed, and WHEREAS, the tax in 1962 goes up to a maximum of $300 per year, split evenly between employees and employers, with up to $225 a year for the self-employed, and WHEREAS, under the existing law the tax is scheduled to go up to a maximum of $444 per year for employee and employer situations and up to $333 per year for the self-employed by 1969 without expanded benefits, and WHEREAS, the administration proposal would increase the tax by $37 per year for employee and employer situations and by $28 per year for the self-employed beginning with 1963, and

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WHEREAS, the proposed increase would be reflected in the rates already scheduled for 1969, and WHEREAS, a federal program for medical care for the aged was adopted in 1960 and is now in operation in many states incl l ding New York, and WHEREAS, the program is designed to take care of the medical needs of all aged persons for whom it would be an economic hardship to pay the bill, and WHEREAS, the proposal to expand the federal social security program is just one of the several ways in which certain pressure groups hope to drive an ever larger wedge of government controls between each working man and his earned income on the grounds that government experts know better how to spend his money than he does, and WHEREAS, the social security tax already represents a sizable chunk of the total federal, state and local government tax burden bearing down on the backs of the American people, therefore be it RESOLVED, that Millerton Grange go on record opposed to any increase in the Social Security tax and opposed to placing the federal medical care for the aged program under the compulsory social security system.

Adopted by Pomona Grange June 6, 1962.

Later in 1962, the necessary papers were prepared for signatures and filing with the Dutchess County Clerk's Office to incorporate Dutchess County Pomona Grange.

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Mount Hope Grange prepared a resolution in 1963, which was brought to Dutchess County Pomona Grange where it was adopted, and sent on to New York State Grange, where it was also adopted, on a local landmark: WHEREAS, the State of contemplating a science center, and

New

York

is

WHEREAS, there is now located in the Towns of Fishkill and Wappinger, the Verplank Stony Kill Farm which since 1942 has been used as a practice farm for the agricultural students of the State University Agricultural Institute of Farmingdale, N.Y. and, WHEREAS, in 1942 J. ' .R Verplank and Delaney Verplank sold to the State of New York said Stony Kill Farm recorded in Dutchess County Clerk's s-ffice, Liber 602, Page 292, to be used for agricultural education in accordance with Chapter 25 of the laws of New York State, therefore be it RESOLVED, that it is our wish and desire to hereby respectfully urge that the State of New York establish said science center at the said Stony Kill Farm in conjunction with said practice farm for the agricultural students.

In late 1963, local Grangers joined Americans everywhere, still in a state of shock and disbelief, as the Pomona Grange charter was draped at the December meeting in loving memory of John F. Kennedy, President of the United States, victim of an assassin's bullet just last month.

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At the June 1964 Pomona meeting, a letter was read from the U.S. Army, stating that the Oak Grove Grange hall had been accepted as a potential Community Center and shelter for Dutchess County Civil Defense.

Announcements in the fall of 1964 brought name changes for two areas of Grange activity. It was announced that GLF (Grange League Federation) would merge with Eastern States Cooperative in eleven states, become a new independent company, and be known as Agway. Also, because of the increasing publicity and negative tone of juvenile delinquency, Juvenile Grange will now be known as the Junior Grange.

In March of 1965, Grange attention went toward the Veterans Hospital at Castle Point, with the following resolution from Oak Grove Grange adopted by Pomona Grange: WHEREAS, Dutchess County residents have long benefitted from the services and facilities of the Veterans Hospital at Castle Point, and WHEREAS, the closing of this institution along with others across the country would necessitate the transfer of many patients to locations far from their homes, and WHEREAS, it seems evident that these closings exemplify a false economy in the light of planned additions and expansions at other locations, and WHEREAS, the Grange should feel obligated to uphold the best interests of the people, therefore be it RESOLVED, that this resolution be forwarded to Congressman Resnick and Governor Rockefeller to show our opposition to the Veterans Hospitals closings.

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Another resolution from Oak Grove Grange in June 1965 of was adopted by tutchess County Pomona Grange, addressing a different subject: WHEREAS, the cost of providing yearly or semi-yearly license plates is becoming increasingly prohibitive, and WHEREAS, the present license plates rapidly deteriorate thereby necessitating their replacement, and WHEREAS, New York State Grange favors a permanent form of license plate, therefore be it RESOLVED, that New York State adopt permanent type license plates of non-rusting metal coated with a luminous type of paint and that license plates be designed to receive inserts designating the current year.

At the September 1965 Pomona Grange meeting, both Upton Lake Grange and Stanford Grange announced that they were sponsoring Community Days in their local hamlets of Clinton Corners and Stanfordville. These two community day celebrations continue to this day, more than thirty years later. The sponsorship of Clinton Community Day has been shared with other organizations, while Stanford Grange continues to be the sponsor of Stanford Community Day. The matter of drinking age was a Grange concern long before the law was changed. Dutchess County Pomona Grange adopted a resolution, which in turn was adopted by New York State Grange in October 1965, as follows: WHEREAS teenage drinking is becoming a great social problem in our state, and

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WHEREAS in our state public drinking is allowed at the age of 18, while in many of our bordering states the legal age is 21, and WHEREAS, to protect our youth from this evil until they at least reach their maturity and to cooperate with our neighboring states who feel that our present law allows their youth to enter our state for drinking purposes, therefore be it RESOLVED that New York State Grange goes on record as in favor of raising the legal drinking age in our state from 18 to 21 years of age.

At the September 1966 Pomona meeting, it was announced that Arthursburg Grange had closed, reducing Dutchess County to 25 Subordinate Granges.

The following resolution was presented by Pleasant Valley Grange at the December 1966 Pomona Grange meeting and adopted: WHEREAS many stores are in the practice of opening on National holidays, and WHEREAS this practice, besides being disrespectful in itself, lessens the respect of the public for these great days, and WHEREAS such respect is necessary for patriotism and love of country, therefore be it RESOLVED that all Patrons of Husbandry refrain from doing business with these stores, except drug stores, on National holidays, and that legislation be introduced which would prevent these stores from opening on official holidays.

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At this point in time, it had been over ten years since the 1955 flood in the area, but debate over possible solutions and preventative measures had continued on. The Wappingers Creek at Pleasant Valley was a prime subject, as presented in this resolution from Pleasant Valley Grange, which was supp.rted and adopted by Dutchess County Pomona Grange at the March 1967 meeting: WHEREAS the water situation is a vital issue in our nation, and especially so in the Town of Pleasant Valley, where it is proposed by the Army Corps of Engineers to create a huge reservoir, destroying much valuable farmland and individual homes, with many such properties owned by retired aged people who came to the town seeking a quiet peaceful atmosphere for the remaining years .f life, and WHEREAS the building of such a project would create many hazards in the community and as the federal law dictates that the recreational facilities created by such a dam °°must be open to all" only to create a park for New Y.rk City and other metropolitan centers, and WHEREAS several years ago the Army Engineers insisted that a retaining wall be constructed and the Valley Dam be lowered to a height of two feet to prevent further floods in the village, and WHEREAS after much pro and con with local, county, and state officials, the specifications of the Army Engineers were accepted under threat of losing federal aid, and WHEREAS the lowering of the dam devalued tt. some extent many parcels bordering the Wappingers Creek, as well as destroying boating, fishing, swimming, and winter sports to a large degree, and

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WHEREAS it has been stated by many private and construction engineers that the lowering of the dam below four-and-a-half to five feet was unnecessary, and WHEREAS years ago there were many small dams and lakes in the county, considered beautiful spots, that no longer exist, and no reconstruction is being done for these lakes and dams as watersheds and recreation spots, and WHEREAS the main interest of these engineers is to build this huge dam covering approximately 4,000 acres, costing millions of taxpayer dollars, and without any consideration for the citizens of the town, therefore be it RESOLVED that Pleasant valley Grange No. 838 strongly disapproves of the construction of the dam on the Wappingers Creek.

Several local events took place in 1967, both in and out of the Grange, but where Grange was interested or involved.

Junior Deputy June Sherow announced the Junior Grange Mystery Ride for June 27th. This became an annual event where the Junior Grange children visited a park or historical site, but only the parents knew the destination.

She later reported that 257 Dutchess County Junior Grangers went to the Roosevelt Estate, and then to Norrie State Park for a picnic.

Brother Roscoe Williams, chairman of the Pomona Grange Education Committee, announced that Occupational Education had rented space for temporary quarters on Brickyard Hill in Arlington, and BOCES will need a county-wide vote on a bond issue to build a permanent facility.

The Centennial Committee reported on events to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Grange 1867-1967.

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Most Granges had window displays, and they will become an annual event.

There will be a jamboree at the fairgrounds on July 9th. A Centennial Ball will be held at Oak Grove Grange on September 30, and bus trips are being planned to visit National Grange Headquarters in Washington, DC. It was later reported that 86 County Grangers made the trip to National Grange Headquarters.

Two different subjects were addressed by resolutions in 1968. The first was a subject for many years, still is to this day, and may always be!

WHEREAS the results of the voting on public housing amendments and subsidizing public transportation at the last election clearly indicate that the citizens of New York City have problems, needs and desires which do not concern the remainder of the state, therefore be it RESOLVED that the state legislators representing Dutchess County be requested to initiate legislation authorizing studies to be made which could result in the separation of the City of New York from the State of New York.

A second resolution, presented by Waldo Grange No. 805 and adopted by Pomona Grange, addressed a local issue: WHEREAS the Dutchess County Highway Department has imposed a four-ton limit on West Dover Road which lies between Wingdale and Pawling, and WHEREAS this limit prevents a farmer from receiving bulk shipments of grain, fertilizer, machinery, and molasses, or from sending bulk shipments of milk or produce to market, therefore be it

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RESOLVED that Waldo Grange requests the prompt repair of the road to bring it to a normal load working capacity in order to eliminate the four-ton limit.

In June of 1968, it was announced at the Pomona Grange meeting that all incorporation papers had been signed. Later in the year, two of our busiest Grange ladies made the news: The annual baking contests were always popular, and with 25 Granges to compete, they were also very competitive. It certainly is worth noting that in 1968 Sister Mildred Beasimer of Sylvan Grange won both the doughnut contest and the chocolate cake contest!

The second Grange lady is Sister Phyllis Andrews of Union Vale Grange. Sister Andrews completed her first year in the office of Pomona of New York State Grange, and gave us all words to live by, as she closed her report at State Session in Fredonia with the words "One can never pay in gratitude; one can only pay 'in kind' somewhere else in life".

These Grange ladies, and dozens of hard-working Grangers all across Dutchess County, and their attention to the affairs of the Dutchess County Pomona Grange, would take us into the recent years, with a determination that Grange will remain a viable force for the good of the rural community and all who live there.

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PART V

THE RECENT YEARS

1969-1996

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PART V - THE RECENT YEARS (1969-1996)

The year 1969 was a good example of what Grangers everywhere might expect in years to come, as far as the continued success of their organization was concerned. It brought a positive new high in Junior Grange activity and accomplishment, while at the same time, brought together the many social attitude changes which would make it more difficult for any volunteer or benevolent organization to maintain a high level of membership and activity.

Sister June Sherow completed her third year as the Junior Deputy for Dutchess County, responsible for the Junior Grange activity in the County. During those three years, she reorganized seven Junior Granges (Pine Plains, Sylvan, Oak Grove, Waldo, Millerton, Freedom Plains, and Mount Hope) and was named the top Junior Deputy in New York State for 1969.

This accomplishment was so typical of the energy and dedication of Sister Sherow. She stepped down as Junior Deputy and was named Junior Grange Superintendent for New York State Grange. Brother William Benson of Union Vale Grange was named to replace her, and he became the first Grange Brother to be a Junior Deputy.

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Building on the great base established by Sister Sherow, Brother Benson reorganized Freedom Plains Junior Grange in 1970, and Amenia Junior Grange in 1971. The year 1970 saw 10 Junior Grange exhibits at the Dutchess County Fair, 17 County candidates for Junior Prince and Princess, and 37 campers for Junior Grange camp. Brother Benson also organized Clinton Hollow Junior Grange in 1973, which met in his home. Sister Connie Smith of Mount Hope Grange then became Junior Deputy for Dutchess County, and Dutchess County enjoyed several years of peak Junior Grange activity until the natural aging of the children caused a gradual closing of some of the Junior Grange units.

Also in 1969, John and Peggy Greiner of Waldo Grange were selected as New York State Grange Young Couple and competed at the National Grange session in Florida. The young couples from Waldo Grange were instrumental in organizing the Dutchess County Young Patrons, which was a successful and hardworking youth group for several years.

Through the latter part of the 1960's, the social attitudes were changing, and these would have a significant effect on the future of volunteer organizations. Young people everywhere were talking about "doing your own thing" and "watching out for number one". In other words, it was time to spend more time worrying about yourself and what you want, and not so much about your neighbors, or even your community. Volunteerism took a sharp drop.

Other social changes added to the situation. It was a time 0 f economic change, and suddenly many more mothers were also working to help make ends meet. That meant that

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the evenings would be taken up with time for the children, or getting that housework done that used to be done during the day by the stay-at-home mothers. It was also a more common decision to move away from home, to go where the work would take you, or where you could find work for your career choice. The relocation of families meant that there was less connection to the "home town", and maybe a decision to not get very involved in local organizations, because there might be another move in the not-to-distant future. All of these factors caused some rethinking on the part of organizations as to how they might change to face the future. The decline in volunteerism was most evident as signboards were placed in front of firehouses asking for volunteers, and spots were run on television stations for leaders in both the 4H and Scout groups.

All of this change, or potential change, can best be summarized by saying that Grange did quite well and continues to do well where the extra effort is put forth, but did not do well when too much was expected to happen rather automatically as it had in the past. Some changes would have to be made as far as meeting nights, times, etc., since the Grange would also be competing with many other local organizations for volunteers. In December of 1969, Dutchess County Pomona Grange changed its meeting dates to the first Saturday of March, June, September, and December, and with the meetings to be held at all Granges by date of organization, and not by invitation only.

The social attitude to "do your own thing" seems to have culminated in late 1969 with the music festival at Woodstock. Held just across the Hudson River from here, the area certainly felt the impact, as thousands of young

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people far above the crowd expectations flocked to the concert. The safety, sanitation, food, and many other considerations were just overwhelmed by the unexpected size of the crowd, and instigated the following resolution, which was adopted by Dutchess County Pomona Grange and then by New York State Grange: WHEREAS the recent performance of a so-called Music Festival at White Lake led to conditions most undesirable for the general welfare and the specific welfare of people in the immediate neighborhood because of the congregation of a huge mass of people for whom adequate facilities, food supplies and housing were not available, and WHEREAS the mass of people was far beyond the capacity of available police for proper security controls to the point where crime was committed openly and freely in the presence of the police without restraint, therefore be it RESOLVED, that legislation be enacted which will permit the governor or delegated authority to declare a state of emergency and take such action as is necessary to prevent the recurrence of massive assemblages beyond the capacity of the available facilities for sanitary purposes, food and housing and beyond the capacity of the police authorities to control criminal activities.

During 1970, the June meeting contained a report that Silver Lake Grange had turned in their charter. Also in 1970, Brother William Benson reported that he and his family had represented New York State in the National Grange Family Music competition at the National Grange session in Boise, Idaho, and won first place.

Early in 1971, Pomona Grange attention turned to the Dutchess County Fair. A heavy winter snow had

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collapsed the Grange Building on the fairgrounds. The Dutchess County Agricultural Society, administrators of the Dutchess County Fair, offered a solution. The Grange building had been the only structure on the fairgrounds which was not owned by the Fair. They offered to take the building, for it to be demolished, and then build a new building for Grange exhibits. In addition, they would double premium awards paid for winning and participating exhibits, allow the food concession at no charge, and work on a ten-year lease basis. On April 7, 1971 at a special meeting, Dutchess County Pomona Grange accepted the offer and approved the agreement.

The December 1971 meeting of Pomona Grange saw the announcement that Sister Connie Smith, Junior Leader of Mount Hope Junior Grange, was named the top Junior Grange leader in New York State. Also at that meeting, it was announced that Brother William Benson's crocheted afghan had taken first place at National Grange, resulting in a $1000 award, plus an additional $500 for his Union Vale Grange.

This December 1971 meeting of Pomona Grange was also the recognition of the passing of Brother Herbert J. Thomsen, who had served as Information Director for New York State Grange. A resolution of respect and sorrow was adopted as follows: "Dutchess County Pomona Grange extends its sincere regrets to the family and friends of Herbert J. Thomsen, with the thought that he, through untiring efforts, advanced the Grange movement in Dutchess County and New York State through his chosen profession of

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journalism, above and beyond that expected of most dedicated individuals.

"Accordingly, we ackn.wledge his contributions to Grange work and to agriculture in general by permanently recording this expression of feeling in the Dutchess County Pomona Grange record."

The 75th Anniversary of Dutchess County Pomona Grange was celebrated in 1972 with several events. At the actual 75th Anniversary meeting in March of 1972, the officers dressed in period costume, with gowns and suits representative of 75 years ago. Plans were announced for the Anniversary Dinner to be held at the Roy C. Ketchum High School at a cost of $4.50 per ticket for Roast ` eef, and that commemorative plates would be ready soon. Fair exhibits would also have a common anniversary theme, but also commemorate the coincident 75th anniversary of the Rural Letter Carriers, since Grange was responsible for the passage of legislation which brought about Rural Free Delivery.

The 75th Anniversary celebration day on April 15, 1972 started with a Rural Dutchess luncheon at Oak Grove Grange, served by Pomona's Service and H.spitality Committee, Sallyann Benson, Chairman. Guests included New York State Grange Master Robert Drake, guest speaker James Ingwerson, National Grange Executive Committee Chairman, and Dutchess County Executive William H. Bartles. The evening program was held in the cafeteria of the R.y C. Ketcham High School in Wappingers Falls, with 315 dinner guests. The program consisted of Pomona Grange history and a speech by Brother Ingwerson. F.11owing the program, the Dutchess

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County Young Patrons hosted a reception for Pomona officers and guests at the Camelot Inn for 70 attendees.

In September of 1972, it was decided by Pomona Grange that the Service and Hospitality Committee had enough to do without trying to take the responsibility of the Fair Food Concession year after year. This heavy responsibility also was making it difficult to find people who were willing to serve on the Service and Hospitality Committee. Therefore, Pomona Grange voted to have a manager for the Food Concession at the Fair. At the December 1972 meeting, Sister Catherine Hall of Rhinebeck Grange accepted that position. To this day, Sister Hall has continued to serve in that position, her 24th year at the Fair in 1996, and her 25th year as Fair Food Concession manager to come in 1997.

The New York State Grange Headquarters Building in Cortland was dedicated on October 21, 1973.

Dutchess County had been involved in fund raising for Headquarters since the first plans for the building, and it was announced at the September 1973 Pomona meeting that Dutchess County Granges had donated $7,600 to the building fund up to this time. Many other special activities were organized to raise money for our Headquarters Building. These included special dinners, senior citizen dinners, walkathons, and other special fund raising events.

For several years, walkathons were popular fund raisers.

These would start in the morning at one Grange Hall, walk to a second Grange Hall for lunch, and then to a third Grange Hall for a supper. The total distance walked on that day would be approximately 17 miles. In most years that this walkathon was conducted, more than $1,000 was

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raised each time. The Headquarters was paid of, both mortgage and bonds, well ahead of schedule in the mid-1980's. Dutchess County Granges were proud of their accomplishment as the top donating county in New York State, providing State Grange Headquarters with donations of more than $40,000.

A special testimonial dinner was held for Lula K. Daley at the Farm and Home Center in Millbrook on October 14, 1973, recognizing all of her work as Service and Hospitality Chairman at the Dutchess County and New York State levels, and her seven years as Deputy State Master for Dutchess County. At the State Grange session that same month, it was announced that the Service and Hospitality Committee would now be known as the Committee on Women°s Activities.

At the March 1974 Pomona meeting, it was reported that a fire on January 26, 1974 had totally destroyed the Fallkill Grange Hall.

A special testimonial dinner was held on March 31, 1974, in recognition of June Sherow, for all her Grange work, including her term as New York State Grange Junior Superintendent from 1969 to 1974.

In June of 1974, it was obvious that even the best laid plans can go astray sometimes. As something different, the June Pomona meeting was planned to be conducted as an outdoor meeting, with Rock City Grange hosting the meeting at the Milan Wilcox Memorial Town Hall, and Grangers came prepared to "work in the field". A cold breeze and rain the night before prompted everyone to

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quickly agree to "seek shelter within" for the meeting! It was recorded as a nice idea, and °°maybe another time' !

Later in 1974, Pomona Grange's attention returned to problems in the area, with a resolution calling for a traffic light at the intersection of Route 9G and Dorsey Lane, and the following resolution which was also adopted

by New York State Grange at their annual session: WHEREAS, fire trucks returning from a serious fire o Msnday February 11, 1974 each paid a bridge toll on the Beacon-Newburgh Bridge, therefore be it RESOLVED, that New York State Grange urges the necessary governmental action to exempt emergency vehicles from bridge and highway tolls during the performance of their emergency functions.

At the December 1974 Pomona meeting, it was announced that Sister Patricia Robar of Oak Grove was named the top Junior Grange Leader in New York State, and then at National Grange session, the top Junior Grange Leader in the Nation. A resolution was adopted at the Pomona meeting recognizing their achievements.

In June and September 1975 Pomona meetings, details were reported indicating the typical fundraising amounts and activities for the New York State Grange Headquarters Building Fund.

Pomona Grange was credited with $3,714.44, the Subordinate Granges with $7,853.69, and the Junior Granges with $230.00, for a total to-date of $11,798.13. The Bi-Centennial Walkathon on July 26 for the Headquarters fund began at Freedom Plains Grange, with lunch at Pleasant Valley Grange, and supper at Stanford Grange, for a total walking distance of

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18 miles, the total distance completed by 21 Grange members.

The late 1970's saw the closing of three more Granges in the county. Jackson Corners Grange closed on September 30, 1975. Wiccopee Grange closed on June 30, 1977, and Waldo Grange closed on June 30, 1978.

Members from these Granges transferred to neighboring Granges as they found their decreasing membership unable to sustain their own Grange unit.

The Demeter Club, formed of Seventh Degree members but welcoming all Fourth Degree members to its functions, met for their 10th Anniversary Christmas Dinner at Mike Cady's Restaurant in Pleasant Valley on December 9, 1978.

Pomona Grange adopted the following resolution at their regular meeting on March 3, 1979: WHEREAS there is an increasing shortage .f agricultural and open land in many rural sections and areas, and WHEREAS the increasing assessments on agricultural land has worsened the conditions, and WHEREAS there must be action soon to at least stabilize and limit such assessment increases, if not ban increases altogether, therefore be it RESOLVED that the Grange urge the New York State Legislature to take necessary action to pass legislation which will limit these assessments and thus preserve our open land.

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On May 12, 1979, a bus of 40 Grangers went to Riverhead, Long Island, to visit Suffolk County Grangers.

The 3rd and 4th Degrees were conferred by the Dutchess County All-Ladies Degree Team at Sound Avenue Grange.

In Pomona Lecturer Oliver Orton's words of thanks to them: "Thank you for being such delightful hosts. Our dinner there was just beyond words. Most of us ate so well that we slept all the way home!"

The energy crisis resulted in considerable attention being paid to the potential of gasohol as a fuel alternative. A resolution from Stanford Grange, adopted by Dutchess County Pomona Grange, read as follows: WHEREAS gasohol, a generic term for a motor fuel blend of 90% gasoline and 10% alcohol, has a potential of relieving America's energy problems, and WHEREAS the alcohol in gasohol is produced by fermenting and distilling agricultural crops such as corn, wheat, timber, sugar cane, as well as many others, and WHEREAS the American farmer, in general, would benefit by having his agricultural produce converted into a motor fuel energy, therefore be it RESOLVED that the New York State Grange and the National Grange develop a gasohol policy which will in turn aid both the American farmer and the current energy crisis.

This resolution was adopted September 8, 1979, and later also adopted by New York State Grange and National Grange.

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At the annual State Grange convention in October 1979, held at Buffalo, Dutchess County Pomona Grange Lecturer Oliver irton was named Pomona Lecturer of the Year for New York State. He was quick to give credit to his Assistant Lecturer, Sister Isabel Benward, who attended State Session in Buffalo to accept the recognition on the Lecturer's behalf The March 1, 1980 Pomona Grange reports included an update that Dutchess County Granges had now donated a total of $34,875 to the Building Fund for State Grange Headquarters in Cortland.

On December 14, 1980, an Open House at Stanford Grange Hall recognized and honored Stanford Junior Grange as Junior Grange of the Nation, awarded by National Grange at their National Session in November, naming Stanford Junior Grange as the top Junior Grange in the country.

The activities of 1981 included some sad notes in the stability of Grange, as Washington Grange in Millbrook consolidated with Pleasant Valley, and it was announced that Whaley Pond was in the process of surrendering their charter to close as well. There were still some offsetting positive notes, though, with the 3rd Annual Pomona Square Dance on October 3 at Stanford Grange, and the Demeter Club meeting at Amenia Grange on October 10. For the Demeter Club meeting, attendees were required to dress like a hobo and bring a "covered dish" for supper in a paper bag or a tin can! Then the December Pomona meeting

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brought a specially decorated cake for refreshments, as everyone recognized Brother Oliver Orton's election to the office of Overseer of the New York State Grange.

On April 24, 1982, a special 85th Anniversary Program for Dutchess County Pomona Grange was held in conjunction with the dedication of the new Oak Grove Grange Hall on Route 9, or South Road. This was the third Grange Hall for Oak Grove over the years, and little did they realize at the time that they were sitting at the future entrance to the Poughkeepsie Galleria Mall, and soon would be offered a substantial price for their Hall and start to work on Grange Hall number four over by the Dutchess County Airport!

In 1983, special meetings were held throughout the state as everyone celebrated the burning of the mortgage on the New York State Grange Headquarters. The 20-year mortgage was paid in less than thirteen years, and donations were continuing to pay off bonds which were sold to also finance that Headquarters building. The actual mortgage burning ceremony took place at Headquarters on April 30.

Dutchess Pomona held a special program on April 23, at Millerton Grange. When all the fund-raising was completed, Dutchess County Granges would have donated more than $40,000 to the fund, more than any other county in New York State.

In June of 1983, it was announced that Whaley Pond Grange had sold its Hall and surrendered its Charter.

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Resslutions were adopted in 1983 to call for closing taverns at 2 a.m. universally in New York State, and that all legislation that is worked upon shall have no unrelated riders attached to it.

At the September 1984 meeting of Pomona Grange, it was announced that David Tetor, Extension Agent, had received the New York State Award for Excellence in Extension work, and a National Award for Excellence, the only Agent in New York State to receive both Awards. A special recognition dinner was conducted at the March 2, 1985 Pomona Meeting, where Dave Tetor was presented with the Pomona Grange Community Citizen Award.

The December 1985 Pomona Grange Meeting was held at the Stone Church Grange in Dover "lains. In the evening, Brother Lawrence Benson was recognized for his many years of service to the Grange. He was the Charter Master of Stone Church Grange when it was organized, he was Pomona Master 1951=1958, New York State Grange Gatekeeper in 1958-1959, and now at the age of 85, a Grange member for 58 years. A special plaque was presented, and a special cake served to mark the .ccasion.

On April 19, 1986, a special program was conducted at the Pleasant Plains Presbyterian Church to honor Frances Mark and present her with the Pomona Grange Award for Public Service. The Mark family, and County Executive Lucille Pattison were present for the occasion. Legislative Chairman Harry Schroeder commented, as did others, on the dedication of Mrs. Mark in her work. She will always be known for her efforts to get the `•3ulls Head Road

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overpass in place over the Taconic Parkway. Fran said: "I know the Grange is a group of caring people, with beliefs in the love of God, church, family, community and country.

We know that family life is our most important treasure, and we teach our children to reach out and help others."

For years, Dutchess County Pomona Grange was the sponsor of the Soil and Water Conservation Essay Contest in the county. Each September, at the Pomona Grange meeting's evening program, the winners were invited to attend and read their winning essays. These essays were written as a result of their sixth grade field trip to a farm, which for many years, was the Don Marshall farm in Verbank.

In March of 1987, it was announced that "People, Pride, and Progress" would be the theme of the City of Poughkeepsie tri-Centennial parade, etc., to be held on June 7, 1987. Float spaces are available, and Mount Hope, Fallkill, and Dutchess County Pomona Granges will participate with floats. On the day of the parade, these Granges marched with their floats for a total of 2.7 miles in the City of Poughkeepsie.

On the evening of March 7, 1987, as the evening program after the Pomona Grange meeting, the Pomona Grange Award for Public Service was presented to Mrs. Earline Patrice, for her many years of work in supplying special Holiday dinners to the homeless and needy of Poughkeepsie. Attending to help recognize Mrs. Patrice were Assemblywoman Eileen Hickey, Mayor Thomas The Aposporous, and Alderman Columbus Stanley.

program was held at the Arlington Reformed Church, with Poughkeepsie Grange as the Host.

On April 25, 1987, a special "Oliver Orton Day" was held to recognize the years of hard work and dedication Brother Orton has given the Grange over the years. He was presented with an "apple pie", but it's filling was money instead of apples! He expressed his appreciation, and asked each member present to get him a very special gift on this occasion.. .. a new member.

A special meeting was held at Freedom Plains Grange on May 19, 1987 to welcome National Grange officers and Committee chairmen, for a meeting on leadership development. Present were National Master Edward Andersen, National Lecturer Robert Barrow, National Grange Legislative Director Robert Frederick, and National Grange Membership Director Harry Massey.

At the September 1987 Pomona meeting, resolutions adopted included a call for legislation to address the abuse of the elderly, another to reaffirm support of capital punishment for causing the death of a person under certain circumstances, and one to increase fines for alcohol abuse, specifically underage drinking and DWI convictions.

The evening program at that September 1987 meeting included the 90th Anniversary program for Dutchess County Pomona Grange. Margaret Harvey, Pomona Historian, had written some Pomona history in 1914, and some of this was read as part of the program.

She had written of Ebenezer Preston, first Pomona Master.

He was from Dover, a graduate of Cornell, a member of

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Amenia Grange, a seller of tobacco, and was an assistant Commissioner of Agriculture.

At the December 1987 Pomona meeting, it was announced that William Benson had been elected Overseer of the New York State Grange, and a motion was carried to invite the New York State Grange to hold its annual convention in Poughkeepsie in 1990, with Dutchess County as host. Since the State Grange convention will cost much more in the Mid-Hudson Valley, Dutchess County Pomona Grange will support the session with $20,000 to lower the cost for New York State Grange and the delegates.

At the June 1988 Pomona meeting, resolutions adopted included supporting smoking restrictions in public places, supporting the 55 mph speed limit on all highways, and calling for alcohol free seating areas at sporting events.

The evening program was a recognition of the 100th Anniversary of Junior Grange, with performances by Junior Grangers, and recognition and thoughts from past and present Junior Leaders and Junior Deputies.

In September 1988, a resolution was adopted to support a Health Bill on Lyme disease, including a program coordinator and more research. December's Pomona meeting was held on December 3, 1988, in the beautiful new Oak Grove Grange Hall at St. Nicholas Road near the entrance to the Dutchess County Airport, with an appropriate dedication ceremony.

In 1989, Dutchess County Pomona Grange gave New York State Grange a donation of $5,000 toward the Visioning Program. This program, conducted at Granges all

across the state, called for the local Subordinate Grange to assess its future in relationship to the needs of its members and its community, and make plans t. fulfill those needs.

At the December Pomona Grange meeting, it was announced that William Denson had been elected Master of the New York State Grange. A special Recognition Dinner was held at the Red Hook Masonic Lodge on Sunday January 21, 1990 with a total attendance of 95 on a very snowy night.

A resolution passed at the December 1989 read as follows: WHEREAS, State Senator John R. Kuhl (Steuben County), Chairman of the N. Y. S. Senate Agriculture Committee, has introduced legislation entitled the Family Farm Preservation Act, and WHEREAS, this proposed legislation would create a property tax refund for farmers, reclassify farmland as residential property under the Homestead Act, promote farmland protection programs, and smooth potential conflicts between farms and neighboring residential communities, and WHEREAS, a Dutchess County organization known as IDEA. (Information and Dialogue Exchange on Agriculture) composed of farm, conservation, economic development, land preservation, planning and government representatives has given their general support to this proposed act, therefore be it RESOLVED that I~utchess County Pomona Grange No. 32 request the New York State Grange Standing Committee on Agriculture to review said proposed legislation, along with suggested changes recommended by

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IDEA, and forward their recommendation to the New York State Grange Executive Committee and Legislative Director for immediate action.

On March 3, 1990, the Pomona Grange Award for Public Service was presented to Addie Goebel, a member of Sylvan Grange, for her many years of volunteer work at Castle Point for the VFW, and other community service work. Attending the meeting to honor Sister Goebel was Congressman Hamilton Fish, Jr. The 1990 State Grange Session was held at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Poughkeepsie with Dutchess County Granges as host. Delegates were presented with a special Grange pin to commemorate the occasion, and Sister Sophia Allen of Union Vale Grange was selected to receive the New York State Grange Eastman Award.

At the March 1991 Pomona Grange meeting, it was announced that Poughkeepsie Grange had merged with Freedom Plains Grange.

Resolutions were presented as follows: WHEREAS inmates in the New York State prison system receive annual benefits including approximately $3,000,000 in free postage, $30,000,000 in free college education, and an inmate payroll of $29,000,000 along with the required amenities, and WHEREAS Governor Cuomo's proposed budget includes a reduction in the number of Correction Officer positions in the State prison system by 3,000 and as a result

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of this reduction it is estimated that 18,000 convicted felons will be released, therefore be it RESOLVED that the New York State Senate and Assembly seek a method other than reducing the number of correction officers and the subsequent prisoner release proposal to effect a reduction in the budget, i.e. review the prisoner benefit programs, which provide benefits not enjoyed by the law-abiding citizenry.

WHEREAS, legislation has been drafted which would amend the New York State Finance Law, the General Municipal Law and the Legislative Law which would require the state to provide full funding for any net additional costs that local governments will incur in complying with any new or expanding state mandated programs, and WHEREAS, state mandates are, to a large extent, responsible for the acute fiscal difficulties that most local governments are experiencing, and WHEREAS, prior to imposing new or expanded service requirements upon local governments, the Governor and the State Legislature should be aware of the fiscal burden these mandates will place upon local municipalities and, further, should be prepared to fund the additional costs of these mandates, therefore be it RESOLVED that Dutchess County Pomona Grange No. 32 does hereby urge the Governor and the State Legislature to enact the proposed "State Mandate Reimbursement Act" so as to remove the burden of new or expanded state mandated programs from the shoulders of local government taxpayers.

WHEREAS the 1991 New York State budget will be $51.9 billion along with an approximate $6 billion deficit, and WHEREAS the State Legislature is required to pass said budget each year by April 1st, and WHEREAS delays in not meeting this deadline cause fiscal hardships and increased tax burdens upon the taxpayers of the State, therefore be it RESOLVED that the New York State Legislature meet the April 1st deadline without being persuaded by various pressure groups which tend to delay the budget process.

Dutchess County Pomona Grange continued its usual participation in the Dutchess County Town and Country Day by providing lunches when the tour is in the country on alternating years. In 1991, the Committee on Women's Activities prepared 300 box lunches, which were served to the people on tour, at the Millerton Grange Hall.

It was announced later in 1991 that, at the New York State Grange Session in October, Janet Parliman of Pine Plains Grange was elected to the office of Ceres of New York State Grange. In November, 33 Dutchess County members went by bus to the National Grange Session in Burlington, Vermont, where 26 of those members received the Seventh Degree.

At the Pomona meeting in March of 1992, it was announced that Oliver Orton, New York State Grange Junior Director, has been appointed to the National Grange Junior Grange Advisory Committee.

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The following resolution was adopted in March: WHEREAS, Social Services spending makes up one-third (1/3) of the New York State budget with these costs growing at an approximate rate of 27% annually, and WHEREAS, other areas of the State budget, including education, have suffered major cutbacks at the same time, therefore be it RESOLVED that the Dutchess County Pomona Grange No. 32 urge the New York State Senate and Assembly to consider legislation that would: 1) impose a 60-day residency requirement before receiving welfare; 2) welfare payments be curtailed to confirmed addicts who refuse drug and alcohol rehabilitation; 3) eliminate fraud by fingerprinting recipients and issuing photo I.D. cards; and 4) implement a "workfare" program for all able-bodied applicants.

At the December 1992 Pomona Grange meeting, it was announced that the Junior Grange spaghetti dinner at Oak Grove Grange Hall cleared $500 and Pomona Grange will match it with another $500. As a result, a total of $1000 will be sent to benefit children who were victims of Hurricane Andrew in Florida, through the Florida State Grange "Operation Baby" program.

At the same December Pomona meeting, Dutchess County Pomona Grange also voted to provide $2,500 to Dutchess County Cooperative Extension to fund a coloring book which promotes agriculture. This coloring book will be distributed to local public schools.

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William S. Benson, Jr. Master New York State Grange 1989-1995

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Cindy. L. Benson Ceres The National Grange 1993-

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Fallkill Grange Community Pavilion (1990 Photo)

Oak Grove Grange Hall (1990) Photo)

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In December 1993, it was announced that Peter McDonald of Stanford Grange, and Cindy Benson of Fallkill Grange, were national winners in the Sign-A-Song competition at the National Grange session in Cleveland.

It was also announced that, at the same National Grange Session in Cleveland, Cindy Benson had been elected to the office of Ceres of the National Grange.

At the March 1994 Pomona Grange meeting, it was voted to donate $1,000 toward the replacement of the collapsed 4-H building at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds.

In June, the following resolution was adopted: WHEREAS, wetlands have been protected from development and other use, and WHEREAS restricted use for wetlands has rendered such property virtually worthless on the real estate market, and WHEREAS there is no consistent evaluation of wetland assessment, such value left at the discretion or whims of the local assesssor(s), therefore be it RESOLVED that the New York State Grange urges the passage of legislation which calls for a consistent value to be used for wetlands assessment, such value to be the same value as set for the lowest class of soil type used in agricultural assessment ceilings.

At the September 1994 Pomona Grange meeting, a resolution was adopted calling for products which are assembled in foreign countries to be subject to the same tariffs as other imports even though they are destined for a U.S. parent company.

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Dutchess County Pomona Master Henry Olson, attending the 1994 New York State Grange Session in Cortland as Delegate-At-Large, where National Master Robert f arrow was present as the National Grange representative to the session, presented the National Master with a check for $3,000 as the Dutchess Pomona contribution to the Postal Museum at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC. This contribution is toward a total $250,000 commitment by National Grange to fund the Postal Exhibit, since the Grange was so instrumental in establishing Rural Free Delivery at the end of the nineteenth century.

A Dutchess County Pomona Grange Centennial Committee was named, with Oliver Orton as Chairman and Eileen Johnson as Co-Chairman. Tentative plans for various events during the Centennial year were announced at the March 1995 Pomona meeting, including a period dress attire for the March Pomona meeting, and Anniversary program in April, a special Family Picnic in July, special Fair exhibits in August, and hosting State Grange Session i October.

At the June 1995 Pomona Grange meeting, a resolution was adopted calling for the Federal government to allow a tax credit for adult day care expenses in the same manner that a tax credit is allowed for child day care expenses.

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Resolutions were adopted at the September 1995 Pomona meeting to: 1) Allow privately and personally owned pickup trucks to use the Parkways; 2) Limit the number of homes that the State can purchase in a community for use as health care institutions; 3) Allow 100% property tax exemption for people 75 years of age or older; and 4) Call for all credit cards to be Photo ID. Cards.

After serving six years as Master of the New York State Grange, Brother William Benson was replaced by Bruce Croucher of Ontario County, and William and Cindy Benson became Legislative Co-Directors for New York State Grange. Dutchess County Pomona Grange organized a Testimonial Dinner for the Bensons to recognize dill's service as State Master and Cindy's selection and service as National Ceres. This was held at Segalla's Country Club in Amenia on May 19, 1996, with 93 Grangers in attendance, representing each local Grange and various State Grange offices.

In August of 1996, the Dutchess County Fair was again the scene of the local Grange exhibits. The earliest known Grange exhibit at the Dutchess County Fair was an exhibit by Wiccopee Grange in 1900, with regular competition for prizes among Granges starting in 1923.

Records of winners were not kept until the 1950's, and then some years are not recorded, but a total record of winners has been noted for 36 years. A common comment at the Fair as the winners are announced is "They always win!"

The best any Grange can claim is that they win one-fourth of the time, or finish in the top three about one-half of the time.

,Y1

Just for the record on the Dutchess County Fair Grange Exhibits: First Place Mount Hope Red Hook Stanford Oak Grove Pleasant Valley Rhinebeck Fallkill

9 8 5 3 3 3 2

Top Three Places Red Hook Mount Hope Fallkill Stanford Oak Grove Pleasant Valley Rock City

17 15 14 10 9 9 8

And now, it's of to work on the Centennial events for 1997. The schedule has been set, and the plans are being finalized. The Centennial year will contain, as special: March 1, 1997 - Pomona Grange Meeting The actual 400th, or Centennial Meeting of Pomona Grange, at Oak Grove Grange Hall. Officers will be in costume typical of 1897.

April 26, 1997 - 100th Anniversary Program Dinner and program at the South Campus of the Arlington High School in Freedom Plains, with State Master and National Master as guests: July 5, 1997 - Family Centennial Picnic Family picnic for members and guests at Tymor Park, Town of Union Vale.

232

August 19-24, 1997 - Dutchess County Fair Grange Exhibits at the Dutchess County Fair will feature the Centennial year theme.

October 24-28, 1997 N.Y. State Grange Session Dutchess County Pomona Grange will host the Annual State Session. Local facilities have not shown an interest, so the Session itself will be held at the Holiday Inn in Binghamton.

In addition to the special celebrations, dinners and events, there will also be Centennial souvenir mugs and the Grange history book of Grange in Dutchess County.

All of the special activities planned for the Centennial Year are typical of Grange. When one reviews the history of Grange, there was always plenty of effort devoted to Legislative matters, Community Service, helping members and others in the community, etc., but there was always time set aside for some party time, too!

So, Dutchess County Pomona Grange, have a good time in your celebration. You have a long history of accomplishment, and you deserve to be recognized. Have a Happy Anniversary!

233

234

EPILOGUE

How is this organization called the Grange doing here in Dutchess County, and what might we expect for the future?

Volunteer organizations, whether it be the Grange or another local organization, are finding it difficult to attract enough people to maintain a comfortable level of support and activity. Today, people are very busy. They all must work hard to make ends meet, and many volunteer organizations are seeking their support and participation.

Most people are willing to help, but there is no choice today but to pick one or two organizations and let the others go.

There are eighteen Grange units in Dutchess County today, and that number will surely drop in the future. There will be some consolidation as Granges in some towns find it difficult to continue on their own. There is, however, a great need today for the work that a Grange can do, and when the leadership can muster the membership into action, that Grange will remain strong.

Here in Dutchess County, Grange will be present for many years to come. Its strength, and its longevity, will be determined by the plans and energy of the 800 Grange members in the County today.

236

APPENDIX

237

238

Dutchess County Grange Members who have served in offices of the NATIONAL GRANGE National Grange Master Henry D. Sherwood

Pine Plains

1950

Pine Plains

1943-1950

Fallkill

1993-

National Grange Overseer Henry D. Sherwood National Grange Ceres Cindy Benson

Dutchess County Grange Members who have served in offices of the NEW YORK STATE GRANGE New York State Master Henry D. Sherwood William S. Benson, Jr.

Pine Plains Fallkill

239

1943-1951 1989-1995

Dutchess County Grange Members who have served in offices of the NEW YORK STATE GRANGE (continued) New York State Overseer Henry D. Sherwood Oliver J. Orton William S. Benson, Jr.

Pine Plains Stanford Fallkill

1939-1943 1981-1983 1987-1989

New York State Steward Alfred E. Hall Henry D. Sherwood Oliver J. Orton

Amenia Pine Plains Stanford

1902-1904 193 5-193 9 1979-1981

New York State Assistant Steward Oliver J. Orton Stanford

1973-1979

New York State Chaplain Rev. T. Dartlington Jester

1898-1900

Millerton

New York State Gatekeeper Lawrence E. Benson Stone Church 1957-1959 Oliver J. Orton Stanford 1971-1973 New York State Ceres Janet Parliman

Pine Plains

1991-1993

New York State Pomona Phyllis Andrews

Union Vale

1967-1969

240

New York State Executive Committee Edwin Knickerbocker Stanford Oliver J. Orton Stanford

1912-1924 1983-1986

Dutchess County Grange Members who have served as Deputy State Master Alfred E. Hall Amenia Alson DeGarmo Poughkeepsie Elmer W. Simmons Millerton Theodore S. Barnes Fallkill Upton Lake James C. Allen Arthursburg Fred B. Pulling Ethan A. Coon Rhinebeck Henry M. Pitcher Millerton Leslie W. Thorley Red Hook Mrs. Eugene Daley Mount Hope William S. Benson, Jr. Fallkill Mrs. C. D. Sherow Pleasant Valley William S. Benson, Jr. Fallkill Rodger C. Bailey Pine Plains Mrs. C. D. Sherow Pleasant Valley Oak Grove Robert F. Piggott Mrs. Lewis Beasimer Sylvan Mrs. H. Walter Shook Stanford

241

1895-1905 1906-1913 1914-1916 1917-1918 1919-1930 1931-1936 1937-1946 1947-1957 1958-1966 1967-1973 1974-1976 1977-1978 1979-1981 1982 1983 1984-1990 1991-1995 1996-

Dutchess County Grange Members who have served as Juvenile/Junior Grange Deputy Mrs. Chester Hogan Oak Grove Mrs. Wilford Judson Waldo Mrs. Alvie Battenfeld Rock City Mrs. Herbert Decker Rhinebeck Mrs. Irving Burdick Stanford Chapel Corners Mrs. Paul Bahret Mrs. Leslie Thorley Red Hook Mrs. C. D. Sherow Pleasant Valley William S. Benson, Jr. Union Vale Mrs. Vernon Smith Mount Hope Milford J. Purnell Stanford Mrs. Vernon Smith Mount Hope Oak Grove Miss Lisa Shook Mrs. H. Walter Shook Red Hook

1928-1935 1936-193 7 1938-1942 1943-1948 1949 1950-1957 1958-1966 1967-1969 1970-1973 1974-1977 1978-1980 1981-1983 1984 1985-1986

Regional Junior Deputy Mrs. Vernon Smith Mrs. Larry Barr Chris Hart, Jr.

Mount Hope Sylvan Stanford

242

1987 1988 1991-

Dutchess County Pomona Grange Past Masters The Organizing Years Ebenezer J. Preston Amenia Edwin Knickerbocker Stanford Mulford Wheeler Pine Plains H. Russell James Sylvan Theodore S. Barnes Washington Frank Boucher Millerton John M. Ham Washington James C. Allen Upton Lake Marshall Knapp Upton Lake

1897-1898 1899 1900 1901 1902-1904 1905 1906-1910 1911-1914 1915-1918

The Growth Years Edwin Coffin Claude Abel Fred B. Pulling George Halstead Henry D. Sherwood Ralph J. Warren Edmund VanWyck

Washington Union Vale Arthursburg Poughkeepsie Pine Plains Wiccopee Poughkeepsie

1919-1922 1923-1926 1927-1930 1931-1932 1933-1936 1937-1940 1941-1944

Chapel Corners Stone Church Rhinebeck Oak Grove Millerton

1945-1950 1951-1958 1959-1962 1963-1966 1967-1968

The Peak Years Paul O. Bahret Lawrence E. Benson Harold W. Spoor Robert Auchmoody Henry M. Pitcher

243

The Recent Years Leslie W. Thorley Red Hook Robert Auchmoody Oak Grove Oliver J. Orton Stanford William S. Benson, Jr. Fallkill ella 1) . Culver Pine Plains Malcolm G. McGhee Millerton June Sherow Pleasant Valley Janet Parliman Pine Plains Henry J. Olson Oak Grove Cindy L. Benson Fallkill

1969 19691970 1971-1976 1977-1978 1979-1982 1983-1984 1985-1988 1989-1990 1991-1996 1997-

1996-1997 Offleera Master Overseer Lecturer Steward Asst. Steward Lady Asst. St. Chaplain Treasurer Secretary Financial Sec. Gatekeeper Ceres Pomona Flora Ex. Comm.

Ex. Comm.

Ex. Comm.

Cindy L. tenson Mildred Beasimer June Gill Willet Parliman Garrison Finkle Vivian Costine Dorothy Hadden Eileen Johnson Oliver Orton Helen Doland Samantha Bellinger Rose Orton Nancy Finkle Gloria Stark Frank Green Dorothy Burkowske Henry Olson

244

Fallkill Sylvan Pleasant Valley Pine Plains Rock City Union Vale Fallkill Pleasant Valley Stanford Pleasant Valley Fallkill Stanford Rock City Stanford Pawling Upton Lake 0 ak Grove

INDEX OF NAMES

245

246

INDEX OF NAMES This Index of Names, with page number, does not include those names listed in the Appendix. There is also only one entry when a husband and wife are both listed, and the wife's name is "Mrs." Many of the names appear on more than one page, but only one most significant page number is listed.

Abel, Claude Abel, Claude O. Abel, D. Abel, O. B. Abel, O. C. L. Abel, Walter J. Ackert, Lila N. Adams, Alice G. Adams, G. B. Adams, Jane H. Agnew, David L. Agnew, Eleanor Lee Aiken, George Aldrich, R. E. Allen, Herbert Allen, James C. Allen, Sophia Allen, W. A. Allen, William H. Allendorph, William Alley, Henry Alley, J. Edward Alley, Jesse H. Alley, Mattie E. Alley, Sophia T. Andrews, Kinmalius Andrews, Kromaline Andrews, Phyllis Ayers, William A.

92 142 68 68 68 55 96 90 90 90 98 98 174 102 142 39 221 46 39 77 55 98 55 55 99 72 45 199 174

Badgeley, Corlies Bahret, J. G. Bahret, Paul O. Bahret, T. Bailey, Charles A. Bailey, Edna Bailey, Fred Bailey, J. P. Bailey, N. N. Baker, C. H. Baker, Charles Baker, Ida E. Baker, J. Wesley Ballard, Abel E. Ballard, James E. Barbour, Jennie Barbour, Milo F. Barbour, Raymond E. Barich, Christine Barich, Henry Barich, Mary Banch, Michael Barich, Susan Baright, Fred Barker, Fred N. Barmore, Clark Barmore, Edward Barmore, Gertrude Barmore, Lucy E.

7d7

108 57 174 57 63 74 174 74 74 46 115 67 67 67 67 51 51 51 171 171 171 172 171 70 97 55 55 55 55

Barnes, Edwin S. Barnes, T. S. Barrett, E. C. Barton, Carrie K. Barton, L. L. Bartow, Elizabeth D. Bartow, Mancure Bates, John H. Bathrick, Wesley Beasimer, Mildred Becker, A. W. Beckwith, P. C. Bedell, George D. Belinda, Dolores Benedict, F. E. Benedict, Mary Bennett, Budd B. Bennett, J. T. Bennett, W. E. Benson, Ann M. Benson, Arthur D. Benson, Cindy Benson, Ethel C. Benson, Fannie M. Benson, Fern M. Benson, Frank D. Benson, Horation S. Benson, Kenneth Benson, Lawrence E. Benson, Lewis Benson, Lucy M. Benson, Mary C. Benson, Myron C. Benson, Sallyann Benson, William S., Jr. Bentley, Gilbert Benward, Isabel Berry, David Beryy, E. W. Birdsall, F. E.

52 55 34 102 34 64 64 51 77 199 78 32 39 172 102 109 57 115 57 152 152 229 151 151 152 151 152 151 216 151 152 151 152 208 220 16 214 177 63 39

Bishop, Aleraude, Jr. Bishop, Nelly Boice, A. M. Boice, Elmore A. Boice, Fanny R. Boice, Frances R. Boice, John H. Boice, Mary Boice, Maude Boucher, Frank Boucher, Harmon Boucher, Margaret C. Bowens, William Bower, F. I. Bowman, John M. Boyce, Isaac Boyce, J. W. Briggs, D. W. Briggs, Edgar Briggs, Edgar, Jr. Briggs, L. M. Briggs, William A. Brigham, J. H. Brill, Gerow D. Brill, Richard R. Brill, Thomas, Jr. Brinkerhoff, F. Brooks, W. C. Brooks, Winnie Brower, Harry N. Brown, Bertha M. Brown, George Brown, George A. Brown, James K. Brown, Olive Brown, S. H. Brush, E. A. Brush, Edward Brush, Edward L. Bryant, J. W.

~4S

74 74 83 24 24 78 24 24 83 62 32 34 51 107 55 42 68 51 58 58 58 58 50 45 45 45 64 90 90 90 52 102 52 66 66 92 32 58 41 68

Buckley, A. D. Budd, George H. Budd, Hattie Budd, I. A. Budd, John Budd, Lafayette Budd, T. V. D. ullis, John A. Burbeck, Henry Burch, John Burger, Grant Burhans, Carrie E. Burhans, G. H. urhans, G. W. urr, B. F. Burr, B. T. Burr, C. R. Burroughs, F. Butler, E. C. Butler, Mary J. Caldwell, Caroline Caldwell, James M. Carroll, L. B. Case, Charles Case, Emma Case, J. A. Case, M. S. Casio, Catherine Chamberlain, W. H. Champlain, John Cheeseman, N. F. Clark, Carrie Clark, H. D. Clark, J. H. Clark, J. W. Clum, Catherine Clum, Charles Clum, Charles A. Clum, G. E. Clum, Irving

Clum, J. P. Clum, John H. Clum, Sylvester Cobb, Frank Cobb, Leola Cobb, May Flora Coe, R. F. Coffin, Artemus Coffin, Fred M. Cole, Charles L. Cole, F. E. Cole, Grace N. Cole, John A. Cole, Norman Cole, Theron E. Colter, E. Conkling, Amanda B. Conkling, J. H. Cookingham, Calvin Cookingham, Jane E. Cookingham, John F. Cookingham, Mary Cookingham, V. A. Coon, Ethan A. Coon, Ethel Cooper, E. M. Corbin, P. L. Cornelius, F. A. Cornelius, R. G. Cotter, John Cox, John Craft, Alice Craft, George T. Cross, Thomas E. Croucher. Bruce Culver, A. M. Cunningham, David Curtis, Clara Cutler, Charles G. Cypher, Henry D.

32 57 83 102 83 83 142 23 46 34 77 52 51 52 46 46 46 64 20 20 52 52 22 40 40 23 23 172 34 65 20 34 34 84 34 24 78 78 78 78

249

78 78 24 152 152 151 68 142 116 103 88 100 97 100 67 39 33 33 66 24 24 66 97 136 110 33 46 23 23 103 42 57 57 102 231 34 165 116 41 45

Daley, Eugene D. Daley, Lula K. Davis, Anna Davis, D. M. Davis, DeWitt L. Davis, E. R. Davis, Elijah K. Davis, Everett K. Davis, Frank Davis, G. F. Davis, Ida W. Davis, John R. Davis, Judson R. Davis, Mary E. Davis, Norman J. Davis, Rhoda L. Davis, Seth K. Davis, Stephen O. Dean, Philip DeCaro, Rose Marie DeGarmo, Alson DeGarmo, Frank DeGarmo, Jennie P. DeGarmo, Mary H. DeGarmo, Rowland M. DeGarmo, Willet Dembosky, Anthony Dembosky, Martha Denton, Alexander Denton, Ezra Denton, Frank A. Denton, Mary J. Denton, Robert W. Deuel, Amelia M. Deuel, Charles H. Deuel, P. W. Deuel, Samuel Dibble, Abbie L. Dibble, Ebbie Dibble, James K.

Dickenson, Edith Dickenson, Grace Dickenson, Grant Dickenson, Gussie Dickenson, Laura Dickenson, R. R. Dickenson, V. W. Doty, William H. Doughty, G. C. Dyer, Spencer V. Dykeman, ®. A. Dykeman, •. A. Jr. Dykeman, Peter Edleman, George Edmonds, Myron Elliott, Margaret Elliott, W. B. Elmendorph, Thomas Emans, Ernest Emans, James Emans, Storm Enderlin, E. E. Ferrer, Anthony Ferrer, Catherine Fichter, Joseph Field, C. W. Field, Laura Fingar, Leona D. Fingar, Martin Flagler, Zilphia Fletcher, Charles F. Fowler, Charles D. Fowler, Frank Fowler, M. D. Fraleigh, Curtis Fraleigh, Harry Fraleigh, John A. Frith, Hallen M. Frost, Austin Fulton, John P.

55 210 166 23 70 70 67 67 68 88 67 67 67 67 67 67 67 67 169 151 52 52 52 52 52 52 171 171 67 67 35 67 67 40 42 40 40 67 6' 67

2S0

90 00 90 90 90 90 90 39 64 58 46 46 77 41 99 99 24 115 63 61 107 172 171 174 84 84 89 89 115 41 45 63 64 142 120 78 74 73 78

Fulton, Susan Gale, H. C. Gale, Mary A. Ganse, J. N. Germond, A. T. Germond, Alson D. Germond, S. K. Gildersleeve, E. Gildersleeve, Wm. H. Goebel, Addle Graham, Harry Green, Seward T. Greene, Albert Greene, Anna Greene, John Greene, Mary M. Greene, Oliver A. Gregory, George W. Gregory, William Greiner, John Greiner, Peggy Griffen, Charles H. Griffen, Lewiss Gromaldi, Mary Guski, Catherine Hadden, Abbie Hadden, Abram Haight, Bessie B. Haight, Frank Haight, Morgan Haight, Orvis Haight, Walter L. Haight, William Hainer, Annie F. Haines, S. W. Halborder, F. A. Hale, O. H. Hall, Alfred E. Hall, Catherine Hallock, Frank

84 24 24 82 23 57 23 20 20 221 174 85 20 20 20 20 20 24 68 204 204 39 74 172 172 66 66 64 65 42 64 42 42 65 78 82 59 31 209 65

Halstead, A. Halstead, Etta B. Halstead, George S. Halstead, M. Ham, J. P. Ham, John M. Hart, Palmer Harvey, Margaret Haviland, :enjamin H. Haviland, John Haviland, V. Hawley, H. Read Hennessey, Patricia Herrick, Lula Hewett, Orlando Hewett, Sarah Hewlett, Samuel D. Hickman, Susie Hicks, A. D. Hicks, Burtis Hicks, Cassius D. Hicks, Gilbert Hicks, Jennie B. Hicks, Mary J. Higgins, H. C. Hoag, Ar bella Hoag, J. E. Hoffman, Robert Holbrook, Arthur Holbrook, Helen Holbrook, Julie Holbrook, Lydia Holbrook, Newbury Holmes, Arthur Holmes, Ebenezer B. Holsapple, Walter Hooley, Edwin S. Hooley, Jennie E. Hope, Clifford Hotaling, Bertha E.

251

90 102 110 39 68 65 115 218 107 57 97 95 187 84 66 66 51 110 84 20 2 23 84 84 65 41 39 42 100 100 100 100 100 92 67 77 99 99 174 89

Houghton, John Howard, Charles Huber, Lee Hufcut, Henry C. Hulst, Charles J. Husted, Lincoln Gusted, O. A. Husted, William H. Hustus, Mamie Irish, Whitfield Irving, Edward Jackson, D. W. James, R. H. Jaycox, George A. Jenkins, F. T. Jester, T. Darlington Johnson, Eileen Jordan, Myra Jordan, W. B. Judd, S. H. Judson, Dorothy Judson, Wilford Kay, George E. Kegg, Theodore Kelley, Carrie W. Kelley, Cyrus B. Kelley, Helen L. Kelley, Mary C. Kelley, Oliver H. Kelley, Raymond Kelley, Seth Kelley, VanNess Kelley, William C. Kerley, John G. Kerly, E. P. Kerly, James R. Kinney, George Knapp, Albert Knapp, Annie S. Knapp, Clarence F.

Knapp, D. V. Knapp, Frank Knapp, Frank J. Knapp, J. W. Knapp, Jennie P. Knapp, Marshall E. Knapp, Millie Knapp, Smith Knapp, Thomas B. Knickerbocker, Edwin Knickerbocker, G. H. Kuchler, George W. Jr. Kuchler, Katherine A. C',.

Kuchi?r !_ Ladue, Stephen E. Ladue, W. W. Lambert, A. H. Lanch, Alson W. Lansing, Henry Lansing, Jane Lansing, John T. Lansing, Phoebe Lapinski, Charles Lapinski, Marion Lasher, Grace Lasher, Maggie Lawrence, H. C. Lawrence, Nellie Lawson, Casper Lawson, Katherine W. Lawson, Welcome H. Lent, A. S. Lent, Daniel C. LeRoy, Nellie Lewis, R. N. Link, A. J. Link, Sarah H. Link, W. J. Link, William Linstead, Albert

142 52 116 162 97 42 23 23 64 97 116 58 33 63 41 54 230 40 40 43 148 120 102 107 67 67 152 67 15 144 67 67 152 78 24 24 47 23 100 100

~5~

6; 23 100 58 23 39 23 23 100 117 76 99 99 100 64 64 86 51 20 20 20 20 172 172 7 57 57 52 52 52 20 20 33 92 89 89 89 89 100

Loop, Frederick F. Loop, May Losee, Henry Lovelace, Cora Lown, Percy Luyster, J. S. Lyons, A. A. Lyons, A. D. Lyons, George M. Lyons, Sarah A. Mandora, Nicholas Mark, Frances Mark, Ralph Marquet, G. L. Marquet, Olive Marshall, Don Matthews, Samuel McDonald, Peter McDowell, Francis M. McKewn, C. J. McKewn, Laura Meade, Belle Meade, Martha Meade, P. Meade, R. Merwin, D. D. Middlemiss, Lillian E. Miller, Anna L. Miller, Ernest R. Miller, George F. Miller, Margaret Miller, Margaret V. Miller, Samuel Mills, S. R. Monfort, A. E. Monfort, Eugene Monfort, Jennie M. Monfort, John P. Moore, Eugene Moore, Frances

72 74 63 120 73 64 56 57 58 57 172 216 9 57 57 217 120 229 16 100 100 41 103 46 41 33 152 100 100 100 100 100 90 34 99 74 100 74 73 172

Moore, J. B. Moore, Sadie Moore, William Moran, Marion Morhouse, Clara L. Moss, A. S. Mulford, Fred Mulford, Harold Myers, M. E. Mygatt, Laura Near, H. P. Near, Henry C. Neilson, Horatio Nelson, G. E. Nelson, Kate Newcomb, Josiah T. Norris, E. O. Northrup, Raymond J. O'Brien, Helen A. O'Brien, Patrick F. Olson, Henry Orton, John C. Orton, Oliver Ostrom, George A. Overocker, Galen D. Owens, Thomas Paine, Estelle Palen, J. F. Palen, Sadie K. Palermo, Frank Palmer, A. G. Palmer, T. G. Parliman, Janet Pascoe, Delaphine Pascoe, George Pascoe, Ida Patrice, Earline Peck, George W. Pells, C. A. Penbrook, Addie

253

95 172 66 152 89 16 100 100 73 102 77 72 103 83 83 100 60 15?_ 152 152 230 151 218 63 52 120 182 64 64 172 152 20 223 100 100 100 217 46 77 74

Penbrook, Samuel P. Pepper, George W. Perkins, Edward Peters, Thomas E. Petrak, Cathy Phelps, G. E. Phillips, Harold Reid Phillips, Jarois S. Phillips, S. Vincent Phillips, Samuel K. Phillips, Samuel V. Pink, Alverath Pink, Andrew Pink, Boyce Pitcher, Henry Platt, George Plog, W. A. Potts, J. A. Potts, Peter F. Preston, Ebenezer J. Pulling, Annie D. Pulling, Fred Pultz, E. Pultz, George E. Pulver, Edith Pulver, Susan Putnam, J. W. Reilly, Bernard Reilly, Mary Rensley, A. J. Rhynders, Burton Righter, J. W. Robar, Patricia Robinson, A., Jr. Robinson, J. Rogers, A. J. Rojeski, Alex Rojeski, Esther Rojeski, Frank Rojeski, Helen

Rojeski, Nellie Rojeski, Peter Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, Franklin D. Rossway, Chris Royce, Charles H. Rozelle, Eugene M. Rozelle, Helen Ruger, John M. Rugg, E. B. Rundall, H. Russell, James H. Russell, Mabel R. Rymph, E. L. Rymph, Ellen Rymph, H. L. Rymph, Ida C. Rymph, J. J. Rymph, James Rymph, Sarah Rymph, Sheldon Sackett, Nathan C. Sanders, Paul Sanford, Mildred Sanford, Walter H. Schier, Herman Schroeder, Harry Schroeder, J. B. Schryver, George Scofield, Joseph E. Scott, Frank Scott, Lida Scovill, M. E. Searles, Dorothy C. Senk, Charles J. Senk, Mary A. Shafer, Oscar Shaffer, J. V. Shaw, Frank C. Sheldon, A. W.

74 67 58 45 187 92 100 45 99 100 100 66 66 83 183 41 110 78 24 218 100 107 g7 83 120 92 33 i uu 100 55 89 40 211 64 23 42 172 172 149 12

254

172 172 153 153 109 73 152 152 51 34 33 45 152 57 66 57 57 66 66 66 66 42 174 152 151 100 216 57 57 64 152 152 33 152 152 152 107 68 83 41

Sheldon, Nellie J. Sheldon, O. W. Sheldon, W. B. Shepherd, Arthur L. Shepherd, S. H. Sherill, Isaac Sherow, June Sherwood, Alson Sherwood, C. D. Sherwood, Henry D. Sherwood, Lucy Sherwood, Thelma Shultz, Emet Silvernail, William A. Simmons, E. C. Simmons, Elmer W. Sitzer, Wilson Skidmore, Andrew J. Skidmore, James W. Skidmore, Peter A. Sladtfeld, Maurice Smith, Connie Smith, Ella Smith, Evelyn Smith, Gilbert L. Smith, Gordon Smith, Hannah Smith, Harry E. Smith, Henry Smith, Joseph H. Smith, K. Oliver Smith, Kathryn Smith, Myron Smith, O. K. Smith, Robert H. Smith, Sidney Smith, Thomas Sprague, George Stanley, Columbus Stanley, Harold M.

41 109 41 142 45 70 203 56 64 142 57 165 78 96 92 107 89 45 55 45 41 204 152 152 152 65 20 152 44 21 20 84 65 39 55 40 65 20 217 165

Stewart, Henry Storm, Arthur Storm, F. B. Storm, Joseph H. Storm, Walter T. Story, Duane Stout, A. C. Stoutenburg, J. H. Straat, George R. Stringham, Annie L. Stringham, E. B. Stringham, James A. Stringham, Susan J. Sutherland, Margaret Tabor, Frank Tallman, W. D. Teator, E. J. Teator, Fred Teator, W. S. Teats, Frank Tellier, Constance TenBroeck, Charles TenEyck, Peter G. Tetor, David Thew, Bertha L. Thew, Donald C. Thew, Martin E. Thomann, Augusta Thomann, Charles Tho ann, Charles, Sr. Thomann, Frederick Thomann, Minnie Thomann, William Thomas, Robert R. Thompson, George S. Thomsen, Herbert J. Thorpe, Janet Todd, C. C. Todd, Harvey Todd, J. W.

255

84 64 63 63 63 20 64 57 24 55 45 55 55 175 •7u 116 78 77 78 103 107 115 146 216 99 99 97 100 100 100 100 100 100 40 33 207 187 57 90 90

57 90 90 20 77 20 23 102 96 18 20 100 97 66 72 66 73 73 86 20 41 41 41 67 67 67 67 61 67 72 33 74 46 65 65 45 64 21 57 90

VanDeWater, R. A. Vandewater, William VanSteenburg, John VanVlack, Edward J. VanVliet, George S. VanVoorhis, Coert VanVoorhis, Joseph VanVoorhis, Mary VanVoorhis, William C. VanWagner, Asa VanWagner, DeWitt VanWagner, E. R. VanWagner, Mary F. VanWagner, VanWagner, Orlando VanWyck, Ed iund VanWyck, H. D. Velie, Edwin J. Velie, Frank M. Velie, Lena W. Vernon, Ella A. Vernon, Fred D. Vernon, Hall D. Verplanck, Delaney Verplanck, J. . R. Vincent, Albert Vincent, Anna M. Vincent, E. L. Vincent, Lettie (Mrs) Vincent, Lottie (Miss) Vincent, M. M. Vincent, Margaret (Mrs) Vincent, Margaret,Miss Vincent, R. G. Vincent, Ralph Vosburgh, E. J. Waldo, J. B. Wallace, M. S. Waltermire, E. N. Wanzer, H. S. Mary

Todd, Mary E. Todd, Stephen Y. Todd, Victoria W. Tompkins, E. Tompkins, G. A. Tompkins, Henrietta Tompkins, Henry Tompkins, Joseph A. Tompkins, Willard H. Tousey, C. G. Tousey, M. L. Townsend, Mary Traver, C. E. Traver, Calvin Traver, Charles R Traver, Ellen Traver, Everett J Traver, Fred E. Traver, Jennie S. Traver, M. S. Trowbridge, Eva A. Trowbridge, G. A. Trowbridge, W. R. Turner, Emeline Turner, Lewis E. Turner, Richard S. Turner, Sarah E. Turner, Stephen L. Turner, William H. Uhl, Arthur Underhill, E. B. Underhill, Frank Utter, George W. Vail, E vvright Vail, Matilda Vail, Morgan L. Vandervort, J. B. Vandewater, (Miss) Vandewater, Grace VanDeWater, P. N.

90 39 73 63 '

P

74 74 74 74 66 66 83 66 66 51 142 64 55 90 90 99 99 99 192 192 172 152 68 68 68 55 172 172 68 110 78 64 66 23 46

Warren, John Warren, John S. Warren, Ralph J. Washburn, William G. Wathley, Anna K. Wathley, Anthony L. Wathley, Frank A. Watts, Anna C. Watts, Arthur H. Watts, John Watts, Josephine L. Wayne, B. P. Welling, A. F. Welsh, Charles E. Welsh, Libbie Welsh, Robert Wenner, G. E. Werner, Ann Wheeler, Mulford Wheeler, S. C. White, George C. White, H., Pr. White, John C White, W. B.

120 92 148 100 152 152 152 67 67 67 67 58 65 83 83 82 26 172 33 40 74 64 67 65

White, William H. Whitney, A. D. Wilcox, Bessie Wildey, E. Wiley, Annie Dorland Williams, Roscoe Winans, A. S. Winans, E. L. Winans, S. Brush Winans, Virgil Wing, Martha F. Wing, P. P. Wing, William T. Wood, J. B. Wood, John H. Wood, Martha 'food, Miriam Wordell, John Wright, Arthur Wright, John Wright, Rowdan Wright, William G. Wyncoop. C. E. Yates, James

257

41 92 100 89 100 197 23 68 81 42 46 23 107 57 74 57 74 58 99 99 64 77 73 110

?SR

NOTES

259

~~n