| SEPTEMBER 10, 2011 -- Over the years, many a romance began at a New England Grange Lecturer’s Conference and in 1941 that was the case for John LaVangie from Massachusetts and his future wife Mary Brague (now Mary Pearl) of Connecticut.
The early days of the marriage were spent in the Bay State working hard for Braintree Grange. John was instrumental in organizing Mayflower South Pomona.
When John, who had served in the Navy, had the opportunity to take a job at Electric Boat, the family moved to Connecticut where they continued to work for their community and Preston City Grange. John served as Master of his Subordinate and New London County Pomona and was a Special Deputy for the State Grange to organize Montville Grange.
He spent countless hours helping at Camp Berger - one of his favorite places. He persevered to get a first day cover for the 100th anniversary of National Grange. He was responsible for the first map of Connecticut which featured the location of every Grange - and all Grangers had one of those tan fold-out brochures in their glove compartments.
Among the things he did was to coach Little League, was a volunteer fireman, worked on an installing team, bowled in the Pomona league, and was active at Preston City Fair.
John was famous for the hundreds of gladiolas that adorned his yard, and he was generous in sharing the stately stalks of beautiful blossoms. In season, every event was resplendent with large bouquets.
He won many awards at fairs and shows, and studied to become an accredited gladiolas judge and was one of only four east of the Mississippi River. John’s dream was to cross pollinate a rare blue glad to name in honor of one of our founders - William Saunders. His dream became a reality and the new bulb was ready for the 100th celebration. The botanical name for this plant is “Gladiolus Saundersii or Saunders Gladiolus.”
Glads require a lot of work. The bulbs must be dug up each fall, dried on burlap, the new little bulbs pulled from the main one and made ready for planting (this was a family project for the LaVangie’s). Could it be possible that there are still Saunders glads blooming somewhere? Do you have any? Do you know of anyone who does? We’d very much like to know!
Do remember John! |
