| FEBRUARY 5, 2010 -- I was saddened to read in the CT. Trust for Historic Preservation Magazine that the Greenfield Hill Grange #133 was, to quote, in the process of "being given away to a financially sound entity that accepts the building with Connecticut Trust interior and exterior easements attached." I wonder what this means for the future of the Grange.
My husband and I brought up three children within sight of this one hundred year old rural building and we spent many happy times there. We all brought produce and flowers to be judged, if we were lucky, "best in the show" at the fall fair. Saturday night roast beef dinners with bingo, first prize, a bag of potatoes, and Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day antique shows, featuring local treasures were a few of the looked forward-to-events. There was also in the grand hall square dancing, plays, pancake breakfasts and a special Christmas sale.
The Grange was a comfortable place to be with its open porch and large dining room where even the family dog was allowed, if well-behaved. Visitors from near and far were always given a warm welcome; the kind Granges across the country have been offering since their founding 110 years ago.
I hope the community and the State Grange will find means to keep the Grange's doors open. Its mission of bringing people together to encourage good husbandry of the land is more important than ever.
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