| JUNE 27, 2014 -- In the late 1800s farmers needed a way to communicate with other farmers about their business without prying ears from those in the monopolizing railroad industry. Secret meetings were held by groups of men, women and teenagers to form the Patrons of Husbandry, later established as the National Grange in 1867.
Since becoming nationally recognized, granges operated in public meetings and welcomed in new members, still focusing on the agriculture community.
Now, more than 125 years later, Connecticut Granges, like the Redding Grange, have continued to meet the needs of rural, suburban and urban communities.
Redding’s Grange, also known as Grange 15, is part of Fairfield County Pomona Grange 9. The Pomona Grange also includes Harmony Grange 92 in Monroe, Greenfield Hill Grange 133 in Fairfield, Norfield Grange 146 in Weston, and Cannon Grange 152 in Wilton.
Redding’s Grange will celebrate its 75th anniversary on Thursday, June 26. The Grange was reorganized in 1939. To celebrate the milestone, there will be a celebration on Sunday, June 29.
Marge and Robert Sendewicz, Danbury residents, have been members of the Grange for more than 36 years, said Ms. Sendewicz.
The two were involved with the Danbury Grange until it merged with Redding, said Mr. Sendewicz. And since then, Redding has merged with other Connecticut Granges.
This 75th anniversary, said Mr. Sendewicz, is the anniversary of the Grange’s reorganization — June 26, 1939. In the late 1800’s a state Grange was formed but later disbanded, he said.
During the celebration on June 29, Phil Bergquist, a charter member, will receive his certificate for being a Grange member for 75 years.
Mr. Bergquist is a Ridgefield resident and previously lived in Redding. His parents were Grange members.
Marianne Nielson, a Bethel resident, has been a Grange member for 25 years and she will also receive a certificate.
The Board of Selectmen, town historian and president of the historical society will also be present during the anniversary celebration, said Ms. Sendewicz.
Ms. Sendewicz described the Grange as “an agricultural organization dealing with local community needs, helping each other.”
“We’re an advocate for rural families,” she said.
Redding’s Grange has about 75 members from many Fairfield County towns. There are members from Danbury, Bridgeport, Bethel, and Ridgefield.
Mr. Sendewicz said anyone interested may join. Information on how to join may be found at the state Grange website, ctstategrange.org.
Karen Macdonald, chaplain at the Redding Grange, said members of the Grange participate in community service events that benefit the Dorothy Day House, women’s activities, nursing homes and more.
Mr. Sendewicz said the Grange was responsible for raising funds to purchase dictionaries for third grade students at Redding Elementary School.
The Grange also holds an annual harvest fair in the fall.
Ms. Sendewicz said Grange members have also been involved at the Big E fair in Massachusetts. She said they make items for the New England Grange.
Some members are involved with Helping Hands or will do animal rescue. Others are involved with Connecticut Foster Care and the American School for the Deaf.
“It’s diverse,” said Ms. Macdonald.
Many of the Redding Grange members are also involved at the state level. Granges have a non-partisan legislative voice at the local, state and national level. Mr. Sendewicz was a master of the state Grange from 2006 to 2010.
“We’re not political, not religious,” he said. But the Grange will support state policies.
Also, during meetings, the members follow an agenda but the organization is “very democratic,” said Mr. Sendewicz.
“Everyone has a vote and a say. We all have a part,” he said.
Over the years, membership has declined forcing many Granges to close. Ms. Macdonald said they are hopeful that younger people will become interested in the Grange and membership can increase.
Recently, an emphasis in the food industry on shopping local, organic, home-grown, farm to table produce, dairy and meat have made people interested in Granges again.
Mr. Sendewicz said the reason he has stayed with the Grange and belonged to more than one Grange is because there is an opportunity for personal growth with communication skills and leadership skills.
“I was a shy and reserved person when I joined. I was an introvert,” said Mr. Sendewicz.
Geno Piacentini, gatekeeper, said Grange members can be very involved, or not as involved — it’s up to them.
Mr. Sendewicz said Grange is a good way to make friends.
“We have friends in almost every town [in Connecticut] and in 37 states,” he said. |
