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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnfield Valley Grange history 071997 3climax of the occasion was reached when the Worthy Master, Isabella Bohach, said, "Thp mortgage has been burned!" She closed the ceremony with the following quotation, "Patrons, this evening marks the passing of another milestone in our Grange history. So tonight, we have the honor of burning all evidence of our past indebtedness. May this meeting be an inspiration to us for the coming years. We should so live and labor in our time so that what comes to us as seed may go to the next generation as blossoms. May go to them as fruit. That is what is meant by progress." On April 24, 1950, Enfield Valley Grange celebrated its seventy-fifth anniversary while Roy Linton was Master. A chicken supper followed by an attractive program commemorated the occasion. Henry D. Sherman, Master of the New York State Grange, was the speaker. "Throughout the recent past years, many are the unsung heroes who have kept the house in order." Many programs, new improvements, community projects, degree terms and helping with worthy causes have been the order of the day. For recreation there were box suppers, Hqnces, holiday parties and addresses by well-. .own speakers on subjects of particular interest to Grangers. Thus the Grange fulfills the precepts of its order by community service and legislative suggestions. The fiftieth anniversary was held in the Enfield Methodist church on the evening of April 15, 1925, with three hundred Grangers and guests present for the supper and program. Hazel Rumsey, Worthy Master, presided. There were five charter members present; namely, William Tucker, Susan Ramsey, Harriet Harvey, Almina Lanning, wife of the first Master, and Mrs. Simeon Rolfe. The address was given by the New York State Master, Silas L. Strivings. Probably one of the most active times was when a decision was made to build the Grange Hall, when Hazel Rumsey was Master. Most of the ambers were united in the effort. Committees were formed to find a location and purchase the land which was the present site obtained from Harry Willis for one hundred twenty-five dollars. [$125.] A building committee, consisting of Harvey Stevenson, William Jones Jr. and Henry