Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutGrange 2024 3 updated 2025ENFIELD VALLEY GRANGE NO. 295 By Leah Carpenter updated by Sue Thompson, Enfield Town Historian and Information received from Carol Baker, Enfield Valley Grange Member. 2019 Beginning History:The New York State Grange was founded in 1873. This Grange was referred to as a great farm fraternity. The birth of the Grange was created because the federal government wanted to bring order from chaos to the stricken land after the American Civil War 1861 to 1865. Members of the Grange were offered discounts on household goods and farm and family insurance. It provided a place where families could gather for social events. The group participated in county fairs, showing everything from vegetables to livestock.By 1875, New York State had 11,723 members in the Grange. Enfield Valley Grange (EVG) No. 295 was part of the membership as their Grange was organized February 4, 1875. Enfield was the seventh Grange to be organized in Tompkins County. Fourteen men and women met at the residence of John Theall. Jesse Lyon, Deputy Sheriff from Schuyler County, directed the organization of this Grange. There were 32 charter members. James M. Lanning was the first master of the Grange. John Theall was the first secretary. There is a brief write-up of each of the charter members at the end of this document. The date of the second EVG meeting was January 16, 1875. John Wortman Hall, located at 201 Enfield Main Road (Charles Wright/John Wortman/McFall/Newhart Store), served as the venue for this gathering and others until January 1925. Heat and janitorial services were included in the fifty cent evening rent for the facility. The lack of fire exits at the Hall caused the sessions to end. Meetings of the Grange were also conducted in the Methodist Church's basement located on West Enfield Center Road. At a regular meeting of the Enfield Valley Grange, held on Tuesday evening, Dec. 14th, 1875 the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Master, J. M. Lanning; Overseer, O.F. Curry; Lecturer, S.D. Harvey; Chaplain, M. W . Pinckney; Steward, Simeon Rolfe; Assistant Steward, Edgar Brewer; Treasurer, Isaac Newman; Secretary, J. H. Theall; Gate Keeper, Silas Harvey ; Ceres, Mrs. J.H. Theall; Pomona, Mrs. J. Rolfe; Lady Assistant Stewart, Mrs. Simeon Rolfe. On July 5, 1876, the Patron's Fire Relief Association was established with a $150,000 risk. Members of the Grange helped form this group. Amos F. Curry was the organization's main driver. One of the county directors was identified as L.B. Curry of Enfield Center, while the organization's secretary was J.H. Theall. This was the state's first organization of its sort to be established. A committee was appointed in February 1923 to explore the possibility of building a Grange Hall. Land located in Enfield Center, was purchased from Harry Willis in 1925 for the building of the Grange Hall (178 Enfield Main Road). Granges and friends donated not only dollars for the construction but pitched in with special capabilities and contributed materials to get the job done as economically as possible. A Copy of the building plan can be found on www.townofenfield/archives/Grange. The original is located in the Enfield Town Clerk’s Office.Figure : Feb. 21, 1926 Enfield Valley GrangeSeveral contractors submitted to the Grange (Will Jones and Henry Rothermich and Frank Stevenson) building plans for the Grange Hall, along the cost of building the Grange. “The contract was given to Byron Davenport. In Ithaca he built a lot of big buildings. He built the Grange Hall and while he built the Grange Hall he bought and lived in that house that Emily and Lyman Warren (225 Enfield Main Road) live here in Enfield. He lived there while building the Grange Hall. After the Grange Hall was built they moved back to Ithaca There were horses and wagons and there would of been trouble getting out here so the contractor was right here all the while on the job.”.Drawing : 1926 Enfield Valley GrangeThe cost of the Hall was $6,000. The building was dedicated August 24, 1926, Robert Hubbell was Master of the Grange at the time. Dinner was served to approximately 500 guests, and 600 people attended the dedication program where the principal speaker was Silas L. Strivings, Master of the New York State Grange.The last payment on the mortgage was made November 15, 1944 and the burning of the mortgage was celebrated on April 22, 1946.As of 2024, Enfield Valley Grange is the only Grange left in Tompkins County that owns and maintains a building. The 50th anniversary was held in the Enfield Methodist Church on the evening of April 15, 1925, with 300 Grangers and quests present for the supper and program. Hazel Rumsey, Worthy Master, presided. There were five charter members present; namely, William Tucker, Susan Rumsey, 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.A Juvenile Grange was organized on June 14, 1927, by Mrs. Emma Jerome, State Juvenile Deputy. There were eighteen charter members. The first Juvenile Grange officers were: Master – Ruth Rothermich; Overseer - Lawrence THall; Steward – Harold Laue; Assistant Stewart – Robert Stevenson; Chaplain – Helen Wilson; Secretary Donald Riker; Treasurer – Doris Hansen; Lecturer – Elizabeth Stevenson; Gatekeeper – Harold Lokken; Ceres – Charlotte Tucker; Pomona – Alice Riker; Flora – Evelyn Ervay; Lady Assistant Steward – Dorothea Updike; Juvenile Matron – Mrs. Martha Bock.There is 1934 painted curtain/backdrop located on the second floor stage of the Grange. This curtain was painted by E. David Heminger labeled “Lucifer Falls”. David was born in 1888 in Findlay, Ohio. David’s aunt and uncle (Lulu and Grover Marquart were members of the Waterburg, NY Grange. (Dec. 18, 1937 IJ) In November 1938 David and his mother Mollie had visited his sister Lulu in Trumansburg. By his 20s, he was working as an actor in touring shows, including stage acting in Boston. He worked with the Madge Kinsey Players, a tent show, for many years both as a "character actor, extoller of the virtues of business places which advertise, and chief spieler in the prize package sales, (he) is also the scenic artist. He paints the scenes, sees they are properly in place and finds it a matter of concern when such a detail as lack of keyhole in a door prop is discovered. He's a capable actor, too.” His grand drape at Enfield Grange # 2951, Enfield, NY, shows a local waterfall..At the time of this writing I do not have exact proof that this painting was part of Federal Art Project (FAP) taking place from 1933 to 1940, a part of “New Deal Era”. The project hired 9,000 unemployed painters, sculptors, artists to create art in many venues, hospitals, ,town Halls, schools and other public buildings. Membership:In order to become a member of a Subordinate Grange, such as Enfield, you have to take four degrees. The degrees are given by a team of Grange members. To become a county Grange Member, Pomona, one has to take the fifth degree. To become a State Grange Member, Degree of Flora, one has to take the sixth degree and to become a National Grange Member, Degree of Ceres, one has to take the seventh degree. Degree work as well as the duties of various officers and committees are adopted and issued by the National Grange in the "Manual of Subordinate Grange". Meetings:The following discussions that took place at various Grange meetings throughout the years: the price of grass seed, cow testing by a Farm Bureau manager host for Farmer’s Institute several different years, prices of American Wire Fencing, raising pigs, purchasing harvesting machinery, buying cement by the carload lots for 72 cents per sack with a 10 cent rebate on the sack, styles and prices of chairs, grafting and planting trees, the outlook for rented farms, drilling buckwheat and sowing winter wheat. Committees:Women's Activities committee makes arrangements for refreshments at each meeting and plans fund raising functions such as public dinners, barb-ques, etc. They are also responsible for the annual Baking and Needlework Contests. In the early years (1945) sunshine boxes were made and delivered to the home bound and sick. The Legislative Committee suggests legislation to be forwarded to Pomona and one to State Grange for action. In the late 1960's Enfield Valley Grange sent a resolution to Pomona and on to State Grange asking for the "Stop Ahead" signs you see at corners in rural New York as well as other states, and they said it would never happen. Community Service:Each year the Grange participated in community service projects such as use of the Grange Hall for the Enfield Community Council and the Baptist Vacation Bible School, sponsorship of a local boy scout group. Contributed financially to the Tompkins County Dairy Princess Program and Deaf Camp Program, etc. G.L.F. (Agway) - The Grange and the Dairymen's League formed a federation, in the early 1900's for the purpose of serving farmers. G.L.F. was to provide farmers with feed, seed, fertilizer, and other farm supplies and give them a market for farm products. H.E. Babcock of Ithaca was instrumental in getting G.L.F. started. Past Masters: James M. Lanning William F. SmithJoshua S. Miller George S. FowlerJames L. MarsHallAndrew R. Gibbs Will H. Jones Jr.Robert HubbellHarvey Stevenson Mary Louise BrownHarold LaueRoy Linton George StarkRaymond L. CarpenterRoger Ballard Andrew KrayniakAmos F. CurryJohn H. Theall F.A. HolmesJ.M. BakerC.D. Wallenbeck James McCrackenLeslie HinePearle Rolfe Hazel Rumsey UpdikeEdith TeeterAlfred Palmer Eugene HubbellRobert R. CarpenterGerhardt Achilles, Sr. Bridgette BrownLeah B. CarpenterEdgar Brewer Eugene G. WillisLucius B. CurryFrank S. Stevenson Fred D. RumseyClifford LeonardHerbert D. Bailey Forrest SpechtLeon RothermichRobert Rumsey Isabella SpencerErnest LaueT. Roger Brown Charles GuyettFrancis Rumsey Carpenter Roger Hubbell Enfield Valley Grange has enjoyed many celebrations/programs over the years. In 1950 the Seventy-fifth Anniversary was celebrated with a Southern Fried Chicken dinner and program. Roy Linton was Master at that time. In 1968 fifteen living past masters were honored. Master Robert Carpenter asked Pat Gray and Fred Swartwood to co-chair a Variety Show in 1969. Subordinate and Junior Grange members took part in the show. The Show as presented at Enfield, Burdett, Lansing and finally, on August 28th the show was taken to the State Fair in Syracuse, N.Y. Roger Brown was Master when a Special Recognition Program and Fellowship Dinner took place on June 18, 1971. Eight 25 year members, twelve 50 year members and six 60 year members were recognized. State Master, Robert S. Drake, was on hand to present the pins. In 1975 the 100th Anniversary was celebrated with a dish to pass dinner and program. Gladys Willis and Marjorie Stevenson were presented 50 year pins that day. Guests included State Deputy, Ed Conklin, and National Chaplain, Kermit W. Richardson. Roger Ballard was Master. Robert Carpenter was Master on June 12, 1987 a special recognition dinner and program honoring Hazel Updike and Leon Tucker for 75 continuous years of membership. Morris Halladay, National Chaplain, was guest speaker and presented the 75 year pins. Brother Halladay is a member of our sister Grange in Groton. For part of the program Bernice and Leon Tucker's daughter, Shirley Boyd, sang. Bernice Tucker harmonized on a couple of Shirley's songs. In the 1960's & 1970's Pat Gray was instrumental in the production of an Enfield Grange newsletter. In the March 1969 newsletter she mentioned the song Doreen Gray was to sing, to the tune of Harper Valley PTA, in the upcoming Variety Show. The tune was the same but the names and pace (Enfield Valley PTA) had been changed. In the October, 1974 newsletter, Pat mentioned several things of interest. "Myrtle Rothermich celebrates her 98th birthday on October 21st." "Roger and Ann Hubbell have moved into their new home on Enfield Center Road West." Doesn't seem like it was that long ago. Here's one, "The Legislative committee sent a resolution to the Department of Transportation in Albany, New York regarding the 'Octopus' on the West Enfield of Ithaca, asking that some action be taken to rectify the bad condition." Over the years the Grange has put on several fund raising events. The one that has lasted the longest is the Election Night Suppers.The suppers started in 1967 for a way to help raise funds to replace the furnace in the Grange. They have sold place mats, ice cream at various functions, catered the annual Firemen's banquet for a number of years, sponsored card parties and held an annual Chicken Barbecue.There were many card parties where “progressive five hundred” was played.At first they were held in different homes. Setting up fourteen card tables in the homes became a problem. One night Bob and Leah Carpenter had to put a table in the laundry room for lack of any place else to put it. They had to move the card parties to the Grange Hall. Attendance fell after that, so the card parties were discontinued. The money madewas used to operate and maintain the Grange Hall. During the 1960’s Bob Carpenter, a member for more than 50 years, remembers a former Grange master making a motion to close down the Hall and sell in in the 1960s. The building’s furnace was old and would be expensive to replace. The motion was defeated. In 1999 members rose half of the $7,000 needed for the new siding for the HallIn the year 2000 new vinyl siding was installed and some of the kitchen counter tops were refinished. The decision on a furnace for the Grange Hall was made in June 1967, which fund raising was started in July towards the furnace. The furnace, was installed in 1969 for $986.00 by Charles Hubbell Construction company.1967October 5 – Retiring Master George Stark – “Then our Grange Hall had been closed up for a long time, and windows broken, George took it upon himself to go down there and cleanup the glass off the floor, put in new windows and sweep the Hall. - GN . Note: Noted in the Ithaca Journal events announcements the Grange met at private homes January thru March and November and December in 1965. Other meetings during that year were at the Grange. In 1966 the pattern followed for meetings held at the Grange Hall. In 1967 meetings started in May through December were held in the Grange. In 1996 all the windows were replaced downstairs and a new Lenox hot air furnace was put in. A stove and hot water heater were donated to the Grange in 1968by some non-members who did not wish to have their name mentioned. In 1999 the upstairs windows were replaced, a new commode and a new tile floor were put in the restroom. Most of these projects were done by the Grange Master Roger Hubbell. He was assisted at times by other Grange members. Enfield Valley Grange #295 elected officers as of now - there will be elections of officers in July or August, 1995. MasterRoger Hubbell OverseerRussell R. Carpenter Lecturer Della Snyder StewardLeah B. Carpenter Asst. StewardHarold Laue Lady Asst. StewardFlorence Laue ChaplainMabel Rumsey TreasurerCarol Laue Baker SecretaryHelena Schaber Gate KeeperDavid Owens CeresKathryn Hubbell Walker Pomona Francis LaBombard Flora Millicent Carpenter Executive Committee:Harold Laue, Robert Carpenter, Ana KastenhuberFigure : 2014 Enfield Valley Grange (back)Figure : Enfield Valley Grange 2013 Front A brief description of the elected Grange Officer duties: Master - The Master conducts meetings, serves on all committees. Overseer - It is the Overseer's duty to see that the orders of the Master are faithfully transmitted to fellow Grangers, and, in his/her absence, take her/her place. Lecturer - The Lecturer is in charge of literary programs and education work. Steward - The Steward takes care of regalia and guards the Inner gate. Assistant Steward - His/her duty is to assist the Steward and examine members at the opening of the Grange. Lady Assistant Steward - Her duties are to assist at the opening examination. She will also aid the Steward in keeping the wardrobe and decorations of the Grange rooms in proper order. Chaplin - The chaplain gives a prayer at the beginning and end of each meeting. Treasurer - The Treasurer is in charge of keeping accounts correct and in order for examination, and the funds safely secured and ready for needed payments. Secretary - The Secretary records the minutes of each meeting. Gatekeeper - The Gatekeeper is position between the Outer and Inner Gates to intercept any non-member from entering. Ceres, Pomona and Flora are the graces. They are to preside over cereals, fruits and flowers. Executive Committee - This Committee is comprised of three people. They are to make decisions, along with the Master, pertaining to the Grange between meetings. NOTES: Many Events found on Enfield Valley Grange Facebook Page, Townofenfield.organd Ithaca Journal. CHARTER MEMBERS OF ENFIELD VALLEY GRANGE #295** (Information based on Federal and New York State Census. Marriage dates estimated based on first child’s birth) George W. BuddWilliam CoxSarah Cox Amos F. CurryLydia CurryOscar Fish Mary J. FishSeth B. HarveyEmma Harvey James HarveyHarriet HarveySilas Harvey Martha HarveySamuel Hix (Hicks)Fannie Hix (Hicks) Byron JacksonAbraham JohnsonJames M. Lanning Almina LanningIsaac H. NewmanMarenas Pickney Elizabeth PickneySimeon RolfeJennie Rolfe Jonathan RolfeLuanna RolfeHorace Rumsey Susan RumseyJohn H. TheallSarah Theall William L. TuckerDelia Tucker George Washington Budd was born in 1823 in NYS to John and Christina Shafer Budd. George was married in 1842 to Rebecca Wood, who was born in 1826 in NYS to Abraham and Phebe Budd Wood. Their child was Oral Budd. George died in 1897 and Rebecca died in 1903 they are both buried in Budd Cemetery, Gray road, Enfield, NY. George was Overseer of the Poor for the Town of Enfield in 1886 and 1867. The Agricultural Census** listed them as owning 80 acres. William and Sarah Cox. William was Enfield Valley Grange Assistant Steward in 1875. William was born in 1842 in England to William and Ann Cox. Sarah was born in 1846 in England. They married 1867 (est). Their children were Edward, Jennie, and Hettie Cox. He died in 1875 and Sarah died in 1919, they are both buried in Grove Cemetery, Falls Road Trumansburg, NY. The Agricultural Census** listed them as owning 54 acres of land. Amos F. and Lydia Harvey Curry. Amos was Enfield Valley Grange Overseer in 1875. Amos was born in 1831 to Amos and Armelia Babcock Curry. Lydia was born n 1822 to Silas Wooley and Abigail Lovell Harvey. They married in 1854(est). Their children were Samuel and Fannie Curry. Fannie, their daughter, was also one of the charter members of the Grange (see below). Amos died in 1902 and Lydia died in 1906, both are buried in Rolfe Cemetery, Applegate road, Enfield, NY. Amos was Enfield Town Supervisor in 1850. The Agricultural Census** listed them as owning 42 acres of land. Oscar and Mary Jane Wallenbeck Fish. Oscar was born in 1834 in Wayne County Pennsylvania to Charles and Sarah Fish. Mary Jane was born in 1837 to Solomon and Jane Aston Wallenbeck. They were married in 1863(est). Their children were Eugene and Sarah Jane Fish. Oscar died in 1902 in Burdett, NY and Mary Jane died in 1879 in Enfield, NY. Both are buried in Enfield Presbyterian Cemetery, Enfield Main road, Enfield, NY. The Agricultural Census** listed them as owning 65 acres of land. Seth and Emma Teeter Harvey.Seth was Enfield Valley Grange Lecturer in 1875. Seth was born in 1835 to Joseph and Hannah Lovell. Emma was born in Lansing, NY to Andrew and Sally Tichenor Teeter in 1844. They were married in 1834 (est). Their daughter was Carrie Emma Harvey. Seth died in 1885 and Emma died in 1922 both are buried in Hayts Cemetery, Hayts Road, Ithaca, NY. The Agricultural Census** listed them as owning 85 acres of land. James and Harriet Ford Harvey. James was born in 1833 in Enfield, NY to Joseph and Hannah Jane Lovell Harvey. Harriet was born in 1843 in Enfield, NY to Edwin and Sally Ann Brown Ford. They were married in 1861. Their children were Cora, Flora, Delia, Harriet, Harry, and Ledra Harvey. James died in 1881 and Harriet died in 1931 both are buried in Christian Cemetery, Enfield Main road, Enfield, NY. The Agricultural Census** listed them as owning 120 acres of land. Silas and Martha Rumsey Harvey. Silas was born in 1825 in Enfield, NY to Joseph and Hannah Jane Lovell Harvey. Martha was born in 1827 to Jonathan and Mary Doolittle Cooper Rumsey. They were married in 1842. Their daughter was Sarah Jane Harvey. Silas died in 1900 and Martha died in 1904 both are buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery, Enfield Main Road, Enfield, NY. The Agricultural Census** listed them as owning 52 acres of land. Silas was an Enfield Road Commissioner (1885, 1899) and Fence Viewer (1898). Samuel and Fannie Curry Hix (Hicks). Samuel was born in Enfield, NY in 1848 to Leonard and Rachel Star Hicks. Fannie was born in Enfield, NY in 1854 in Enfield, NY to Amos Flavius and Lydia Harvey Curry. Samuel died in 1918 and Fannie died in 1901 in Eaton County Michigan. They are both buried at Chapel Cemetery, Sandstone, Jackson County Michigan. In 1880 they were listed in the Federal Census as farmers in Enfield The Federal Census listed them as farmers in Eaton county Michigan in 1900. Samuel's parents moved to Parma Jackson, Michigan shortly before Samuel and Fannie moved to Michigan. Byron Jackson. Byron was born in Cayuta, NY 1870 to Eldad and Catherine Strong Jackson. In 1859 he married Catherine Taylor born in Newfield in 1835 to William and Cynthia Vail. Their children were Fred, Addie, and Jennie Louise Jackson. Byron died in 1902 and Almina died in 1929 both are buried in Grove Cemetery, Falls Road, Trumansburg, NY. The Agricultural Census** listed them as owning 137 acres of land. Abraham Johnson.Abraham was born in in 1812. He married in 1854 (est). Synderilla Estella Newman Hunter born in 1818. He died in 1891 and she died in 1895. Their children were Alice and Amasa Johnson. They are buried in East Lawn Cemetery, Ithaca, NY. The Agriculture Census** listed them as owning 75 acres of land. James M. Lanningwas Master of the Enfield Grange in 1875. James was born in 1832 to Elias and Nancy VanDorn Lanning. He married Almina Gould who was born in 1835 to Bethuel Vincent and Deborah Allen Gould. Their children were Cyrus, Dewitt, Minnie and Martha Lanning. James died in 1902 and Alminia died in 1929 both are buried in Grove Cemetery,Falls road, Trumansburg, NY. The Agriculture Census** listed them as owning 111 acres of land. Isaac H. Newmanwas Treasurer of the Enfield Grange in 1875. Isaacwas born in Lansing, NY in 1823 to Harmon and Margaret Ozman Newman. He married in 1851 Cornelia Ann Treman who was born in 1829 to Jared and Ann Marie (LePine) Paddock Treman. Her father Jared Treman was one of the owners of the Enfield Grist Mill at Upper Robert H. Treman State Park in Enfield. Their children were Jared T. and Ellen Newman. Issac died in 1893 and Cornelia died in 1881 both are buried in East Lawn Cemetery, Ithaca, NY. Isaac was Enfield Town Supervisor in 1891 and Enfield Railroad Commissioner. The Agriculture Census** listed them as owning 130 acres of land. Isaac and his brother William owned the house located at 677 Bostwick Road, now the Bostwick House Bed and Brekfast. Isaac also owned and lived in the home at 60 Colegrove Road in the Town of Enfield, NY. Their son Jared T. Newman was a lawyer with the firm of Newman and Blood in Ithaca. He was a lawyer for the Town of Enfield and one of the developers of Cayuga heights in Ithaca, NY. There is a copy of his diary on the www.townofenfield.org/archives site. Marenas Pinckneywas Chaplain of the Enfield Grange in 1875. Marenas was toborn in 1833 in Enfield, NY to Jacob and Sybil Upsteade Pinckney. He married in 1856 Elizabeth Brewer born in 1833 in Dutchess County to Col. Henry and Rebecca Dubis Brewer. Marenas died in 1917 and Elizabeth died in 1926 both are buried in Forest Park Cemetery, Fort Smith, Arkansas. Their children were Helen, Henry, Dewitt, Augusta, and Herbert Pinckney. They lived in Enfield until sometime between 1880 and 1900 when they were shown to live in Little Rock Arkansas. Simeon and Jennie (Jane) Hoagland Rolfe. Simeonwas Steward of the Enfield Grange in 1875. Simeon was born in 1839 to Joseph and Mary Gleason Rolfe. Jenniewas born in 1843. They married in 1866 (est) Simeon died in 1898 and Jennie died in 1934 both are buried in Hayts Cemetery, Hayts Road, Ithaca, NY. Their children were Jessie and Clinton Rolfe. The Agriculture Census** listed them as owning 49 acres of land. Simeon was a trustee for Rolfe Cemetery Association, Applegate Road, Enfield, NY. Jonathan and Luanna Darrah Rolfe.Jonathan was born in 1833 to Ephraim and Elizabeth Rockwell. Luanna was Flora of the Enfield Grange in 1875. She was born in 1843 to William and March Leach Darragh. They married in 1868. Jonathan died in 1902 and Luanna died in 1918 both are buried in Presbyterian Cemetery, Enfield Main road, Enfield, NY. Their son was Robert Rolfe. The Agriculture Census** listed them as owning 33 acres of land. Horace and Susan Benson Rumsey.Horace was born in 1842 in Enfield, NY to Joshua and Charlotte Rumsey. Susan was Ceres of the Enfield Grange in 1875. She was born in 1840 in Norwalk, Ohio. They married in 1874, Enfield, NY. Horace died in 1842 and is buried in the Trumbulls Corner Cemetery, Newfield, NY. Susan died in 1925 Norwalk, Ohio. The Agriculture Census** listed them as owning 60 acres of land. John H. and Sarah Theall. John was Secretary of the Enfield Grange in 1875. John was born in 1838 in Enfield, NY to Eleazer and Amy Theall. Sarah born in 1843 to Joseph and Mary Gleason Rolfe. They married in 1861. John died in 1901 and Sarah died in 1902 both are buried in Rolfe Cemetery, Applegate Road, Enfield, NY. The Agriculture Census** listed them as owning 489 acres of land. John was a trustee for Rolfe Cemetery Association, Applegate Road. He was also a Major in the Tompkins County National Guard (1875-1896) his land was referred to as the Major Theall Farm. William L. and Delia (Fannie Adelia) Hosner Tucker. William was Gatekeeper of the Enfield Grange in 1875. William was born in 1840 to Ezra and Caroline Lanning Tucker. Delia was born in 1836. They married in 1863, Enfield, NY. William died in 1929 and Fannie died in 1916 both are buried in Hayts Cemetery, Hayts Road, Ithaca, NY. Their children were Jessie and Clinton Rolfe. The Agriculture Census** listed them as owning 52 acres of land. Grange Time Line (Sue Thompson, Enfield Historian)This is a partial list, as I am sure there are more references in the following records: “The Town of Enfield New York Christian Hill to Enfield Falls. Edited by Members of the Enfield Historical Society and Sue Thompson, Enfield Town Historian. 2002.”Ithaca Daily Journal and Ithaca Journal, and Enfield Grange Newsletter (GN). Events held at Grange Hall unless otherwise indicated. For copies of historical records (Grange documents included) Residents can access the Laserfiche records by visiting: townofenfield → For Residents → Archived Documents → Public Documents: 1873NYS Grange Founded 187511,723 members NYS Grange 1875Enfield Valley Grange organized. February 4. 18752nd meeting EVG Wortman Hall. January 16. 1875Fourth degree meeting forty five new members will be admitted. November 26. 1875 Simeon Rolfe, elected to Tompkins County Council of Granges. May 3 1875Officers elected EVG (Enfield Valley Grange). December 14 1877Etna Grange members travel thru snow to meeting with EVG. January 15. 1878EVG has recently received a large accession to its membership. 1890August 31 – Grange picnic held. 1901August. Many Grange members expected to attend the County Grange picnic at Renwick Park. EVG accepting new younger people as members. 1904James Broas and wife attended a fourth degree meeting at Enfield Grange – July. 1905Grange meeting in Enfield Center members total 230. June – Quarterly Tompkins County Pomona Grange held at Enfield Center sponsored by Enfield Grange. 400 attending. Professor L.H. Bailey, director of College of Agriculture Cornell delivered afternoon address. 1906Installation of officers EVG and dinner. (January). Eight new members joined Grange – February. 1907EVG elected officers for the coming year. A large class of candidates received the 3rd and 4th degrees at Grange. December 30 – special meeting of Grange will be held in Wright’s Hall, Enfield Center. 1908Grange presents third and fourth degrees upon candidates were treated to an oyster supper on December 22. Fred Rumsey of Enfield Grange voted to Overseer of the Tompkins County Grange. 1909Entertainment show at EVG (February). Ithaca Daily Journal writes articles on EVG stating largest Grange in the county holds meetings first and last Tuesday nights of each month. Membership 298 (April). Tompkins County Fair Enfield Grange sets up exhibit. EVG members attend North Lansing Grange (October). Meeting and supper (October). Election of officers (December). 1910State Grange scholarship given to Rena Miller and Nellie Rumsey of EVG. (August). Grange Day at Tompkins County Fair. Dean Webber, College of Agriculture Cornell gave presentation on Enfield Meeting. Meeting held in Enfield Center. Commissioner of Agriculture, R.A. Pearson and State Secretary W.N. Giles were present. Montgomery Farling of Ithaca addressed the meeting “The Organization of the Grange”. Mrs. Don Noble was re-elected master of Enfield Valley Grange; Andrew Gibbs, secretary; Dana Tubbs overseer. 1911Worthy Master Will Jones, EVG offers fifty cents for the best solid chocolate cake brought to the next regular meeting, another member offers fifty cents for the best cream cake and 25 cents for the best apple pie and same for pumpkin pie. Coffee will be served. October. 1912 F.J. Baker and family and Walter Tilton and family attended the installation of officers of the Grange at Center. January. Potato Contest winners to be chosen soon by EVG. New members chosen EVG (December). 1913May – 50 Grangers were served pie during the first and second degree passed. Next meeting in May will serve a picnic supper. June – Grangers spent evening at Wright’s Hall, Enfield Center a supper was served and third and fourth degrees was presented. Fred D. Rumsey, EVG Lecturer, attended Tompkins County Grange picnic. (July). 1923Committee to explore building Grange Hall. February 1925Last meetings held EVG at Wortman Hall 192550th anniversary held in Enfield Methodist Church. 300 Grangers and guests present for supper and program. Land purchased for Grange Hall, Enfield Center. 1926Building dedicated. August 24. Building blue prints showed on the ground floor: Kitchen, Dumb Waiter, Dinning Room, Lounge Men, and Committee Room. Second floor showed stage, main room and side room. 1926Building cost was $6,000. Byron Davenport was given contract to build Grange Hall. Building dedicated. August 24. First floor dining room and kitchen and high-celinged meeting Hall on the second floor with floral tin molding. 1927Juvenile Grange organized on June 14, 1927. Minstrel show and comedy held at Grange Hall 30 women of Ithaca will present show. Dance held in Grange Hall March 11 Dean’s orchestra of Willard will furnish music. 1929Grange votes to install electric lights. December. Mary Gold a 3 act play was presented in December by the Enfield Players in the Grange Hall in connection with the Ladies Aid Society bazaar. 1932Enfield Players present play A Window to the South at Enfield Valley Grange. Grange will hold a celebration of Picnic supper and program featuring four reels of motion pictures of the life of George Washington in honor of his birthday. (Feb. 5, 1932) 1934Traveling Sickle of Pomona Grange was passed to the Enfield Valley Grange from the Ulysses Grange in May 1934. A program of short talks and remarks were made.This sickle was passed through out Tompkins County Granges. 1934Lucifer Falls painting curtain by E. David Heminger. 193560th anniversary EVG 1938Newly elected juvenile and subordinate Grange officers to be installed. Supper following installation. December 13. 1939Church of Enfield untied with EVG in sponsoring a Fellowship Supper at Grange Hall program Cornell Missionaries (February). Variety shower held for Charles Baker family (home burned) at Grange Hall (February). EVG meeting bread baking contest held. Mrs. Owen Rolfe first place (May). Mrs. Leon Rothermich, EVG, attend Tioga County Pomona Grange. Annual Election of EVG officers held. (November). November 19th “Go to Church Sunday” for all Grangers by the National Grange. EVG well represented at Enfield Churches. 194065th Anniversary EVG (Watkins Express) 1940Members attend Tompkins County Pomona Grange at South Lansing (March); Fred D. Rumsey speaker at Otsego county Grange. Annual election of officers. Members attend 74th National Grange meeting in Syracuse, NY. Isabella Bohach, EVG Lecturer sponsors a Christmas Program following EVG meeting. Christmas program held at Grange Hall December 20 Federated Church of Enfield and Enfield School District 6. 194121 members attend Tompkins county Pomona Grange in Ithaca. (January); EVG meeting at Grange Hall followed by a variety shower for Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Brown who were recently married. April, members of the Juvenile Order graduated to Subordinate Grange. Fred D. Rumsey and Mrs. Marion Page guest speakers. 1946The last payment on the mortgage was made November 15, 1944 and the burning of the mortgage was celebrated on April 22, 1946. EVG adopted a farm family of 14 in the Netherlands. Contributions were shipped to the family. March 11. 1950 Jan. 5. community party at Grange Hall. 1950 Feb 20 EVG and Juvenile Grange met Feb. 14 Valentine Day plans to 75th celebration 1950 Feb. 25. Enfield volunteer fire company serve ham supper at Grange Hall public invited. 1950 Feb. 28 Juvenile Grange will serve scalloped oyster and roast been supper. Regular Grange meeting. 1950 March 18. Volunteer Fire company serve creamed chicken and biscuit supper at Grange Hall public invited.1950 March 25. 4-H club minstrel show, Grange Hall public invited. 1950 March 29 Grange meeting supper and meeting Deputy state master to be present. 1950 April 6. EVG met at the home of Fred D. Rumsey to formulate plans for the 75th anniversary supper and program to be held April 24. 1950 April 8. Grange party at Hall dancing, cards refreshments. 1950 April 22. 75th anniversary meeting April 24 of EVG at Hall. Supper and program. 1950 April 25. Grange meeting Enfield Center. 1950 May 16 county wide show of all the Granges “The Grange Show Board of 1950 will show at Enfield Grange. Case members of Juvenile Grange and youth of subordinate Grange, includes minstrels, melodrama, dance specialties, sol and duet numbers. 1950 June 10. Grange meeting Leonard Miscall, speaker. NO Juvenile Grange 1950 June 27 regular Grange meeting 1950 July 8. July 11. Grange meeting in Grange Hall. Juvenile Grange same time. 1950 July 22. Grange meeting July 25 Enfield center. 1950 July 29. Enfield to form community group. Groups in Enfield meeting at firemen Hall to organize a community council. EVG attends. 1950 Sept. 23. Sept. 26 EVG meeting installation of officers followed by brush party. Women bring cake. 1950 Oct. 5. officers were installed at the Enfield Juvenile Grange last tuesday. 1950 Oct. 10 Grange meeting Enfield Center 1950 Oct. 12. The Enfield Methodist will serve a ham supper at the Grange Hall. 1950 Oct. 25 Grange card party at home of Mrs. Leigh Hunt. 1950 Oct. 27. community fun night at Grange Hall. 1950 Nov. 10. EVG sponsoring paper and old rags drive materials left at Grange Hall Nov. 19. Nov. 14 Grange meeting a191019nd picnic supper at Grange Hall. 1950 Nov. 7 Baptists will serve roast beef dinner at Grange Hall public invited. 1950 Nov. 17. Grange Hall oyster stew supper sponsored by Volunteer Fire Dept. public invited. 1950 Dec. 1. Grange card party Dec. 3 home of Mr. and Mrs. George Stark. 1950 Dec. 9 Grange card party, Enfield falls community building. 1950 Dec. 22 Dance at Grange Hall Christmas party bought useful gifts for the Grange Hall kitchen 1951 Jan. 6 Grange card party at home of Mr. and Mrs. George Cavanaugh. Women bring cake or salad. Public invited. 1951 Jan. 9. Enfield Valley Grange meeting program of movies Enfield Center. 1951 Jan. 28. last of series of Neighbor Night meetings for Granges of Tompkins county will be held at EVG Hall Friday. The theme of the program will be Hobbies. 1951 Feb. 2. Grange dance at Hall public invited. 1951 Feb 3. Grange card party at home of Mr. and Mrs. Owen C. Rolfe Women bring sandwiches public invited. 1951 Feb. 13. Seneca Baptist Association meeting at Grange Hall with supper. 1951 Feb. 13. regular Grange meeting Enfield Center. 1941 Feb. 14. Dance at Grange Hall refreshments. 1951 March 2. Grange dance at Hall refreshments served by firemen. Public invited. 1951 March 3 Grange card party at home of 1951Neva and Ernest Laue Women bring sandwiches. Public invited. 1951 March 13 Grange meeting women bring cookies. 1951 March 13 to 16. Civilian defense registration at Town Building 9am to 9 pm 1951 March 16 Grange dance at Hall. Public invited. 1951 April 10. Grange meeting speaker on good roads. Chocolate cake contests. 1951 April 28 Community fun night at Grange Hall sponsored by community council. Bring cookies. 1951 May 3. Grange youth drill and degree teams Enfield. Bring juice or cookies. 1951 June 12. regular Grange meeting 8:15 pm Enfield Center. 1951 Sept 11 Grange meeting election of offices Enfield Center 1951 Sept. 29. EVG sponsoring a supper at the Grange Hall. 1951 Oct. 19 Grange Dance Enfield Center 1951 Oct. 23. EVG meeting Grange Hall and Jr. Grange 1951 Nov. 2. Grangers from vicinity attended annual NYS Grange session in Syracuse. 1951 Nov. 2 EVG sponsor a dance at Grange Hall. For the benefit of the Grange. Public is invited. 1951 Nov. 5 Voting locations first district McFalls store Enfield center; second district town highway building, Enfield center? 1951 Nov. 24. Grange card party with Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd VanMarter. Bring cake or sandwiches 1951 Nov. 27 Grange meeting Enfield Center. 1951 Dec. 8 Grange card party home of George Stark women bring cake or sandwiches. 1951 Dec. 11 Meeting of EVG Grange Hall 1952 July 22 no Grange meeting 1952 July 23. EVG will have a bake sale at the Co-op Food store on July 25 members living south of Enfield center and all others not contact for the previous sale of July 11 are being asked to contriubte food for this sale. 1953 Grange Cookbook published. 1960’sEVG Stop Ahead program for state participation – GN (Grange newsletter) 1960 – 1970’sProduction of Enfield Grange Newsletter – GN 1964March card party held at Carpenters; Nov 3 chicken and biscuits from 5 pm at Enfield Grange Hall by members of Enfield Baptist church open to public 1965 Jan. 12 Enfield Grange 8pm home of George StarkFeb. 9 Enfield Valley Grange 8 pm Enfield Elementary SchoolMarch 6. public card party 9 pm George Stark sponsored by Enfield Valley GrangeMarch 9. Enfield Valley Grange 8 pm in Enfield Elementary school visit of deputy.April 10. Round and square dance 9 pm Grange HallMay 22 – round and square dance from 9pm in Enfield Grange HallJune 8 Enfield Valley Grange 8 pm in Grange HallAugust 24 Enfield Grange 8 pm Grange HallSept. 14. Enfield Valley Grange 8 pm Grange Hall electionOct. 12 Grange at 8 pm in Grange Hall to install officers supper 7:15.Nov. 9 Enfield valley Grange 8 pm at home of George StarkNov. 13. public card party 8 pm home of Mitchell Gray benefit Enfield Grange. Dec. 14. Enfield Grange 8 pm home of Mrs. Robert Hubbell 1966Jan 29, card party home of Mitchell Gray, Halseyville Rd sponsored by Enfield GrangeJan card party carpentersFeb 10. Enfield Bake Off Warena Ramsey’s applesauce cake 1st prize. At Grange Hall.Feb. 12 card party at Mrs. John HolmesMarch 8 Enfield Grange 8 pm home of Mrs. Lina JonesMarch 12 card party carpenters, Iradell roadApril 11. Grange at home of Mrs. George Meyers 8 pmMay 10 Grange at home of Mrs. George Stark 8 pmJune 14. Grange in Grange Hall 8 pmJuly 12. Enfield Grange in Grange HallAug. 9 Enfield Grange in Grange HallSept. 13. Grange in Grange Hall 8 pm election.October 11. Grange in Grange Hall 8 pmNov. 12 public card party sponsored by Grange home of George Stark, Halseyville Rd.Nov. 26. card party home of Fred Boyer. 8 pmDec. 10. Christmas and card party home of Mitchell Gray, sponsored by GrangeDec. 12 Grange at home of Mitchell Grey, Halseyville 8 pm 1967 January - Enfield card party. Home of Roger Brown; March weather not quite warm enough to permit use of Grange. May there were events in the Grange Hall; Card parties at Ed and Helen MarsHall; Woody and Doris Specht.Degrees program held at Enfield School March - public card party sponsored by Enfield Grange home of Forrest Specht, 9 pm May - rummage and bake sale by Grangers in Grange Hall benefit furnace fund. June – decision for a furnace fund raiser – GN July - public card party in Grange Hall. 8 pm October - Grange supper and installation at Grange Hall. October 5 – Piano was given to Grange by Mildred Wilson of Ithaca GN. October 5 – Retiring Master George Stark – “Then our Grange Hall had been closed up for along time, and windows broken, George took it upon himself to go down there and cleanup the glass off the floor, put in new windows and sweep the Hall. – GN November - First Annual Election Day Supper Turkey supper in Grange Hall 5 pm. Benefit furnace fund.Public card party by Grange in Grange Hall December – 103 chairs donated to Grange; Harvest Festival with Newfield, Ulysses and Enfield Granges and Smorgasbord 5 pm - Enfield Grange Hall – GN 1968March – Grange receives 3 x 5 Insignia rug to place on Grange Hall Floor 196815 living past masters honored - August 1968September 6 - Running Water at the Grange Hall what a luxury - GN 1968September 6 – two gas stoves donated to the Grange - GN 1969New furnace was installed; Variety Show; Grange Picnic at Newhart’s Camp; card parties; regular meetings; Pomona meetings; State Picnic at Eldridge Park in Elmira; Junior Grange 1971Special Fund Raiser “Dig a Well for Bobby”, fund raiser for Blake Family. Special Recognition Program and Fellowship Dinner 50 year Golden Sheaf awards. 1973A record player with amplifiers installed in grange as a meorial to Forest (Woody) Specht; new bathrooms have been completed; Front of the Grange hall has been painted. EVG participated in Enfield Firemn’s parade and in both the Trumansbur and Tompkins County Fair parades. 1974Installation of Officers. October 18; South Side of Grange Hall painted by Mr. Schmidt. Roll Jelly Cake contest Millicent Carpenter (1st), Doris Specht (2nd), Joyce Laue (3rd). Grange Project cleaning up Christian Cemetery; food booth at County Fair in Etna; Grange selling placements, note paper and x-mas wrapping. 1975100th Anniversary EVG. Cook published Grange member recipes. 108 Grange members. Mrs. Cora Brearey of Lansing Grange showing slides March 11 EVG and Rolled Sugar Cookie Contest. 35 firemen were served at their annual supper by Grange in January. Contributions from EVG to Charlton School, Path of Life Camp, Care, Arthritis Foundation and Farmers and World Affairs. 1983Enfield Grange Furnace Fund “Grange gift selection party” (Oct. 7, 1983 IJ) 1987Special Recognition Dinner and Program; New lighting installed 2nd floor by Robert Carpenter. Charles Hubbell Construction firm completed the roof and new eave troughts on hall. 1995EVG only Grange left in TC owns and maintains Hall 1996Windows replaced downstairs and new Lenox hot air furnace put in. 1999Raising money to add new siding to Grange Hall. 2000125th Anniversary of EVC. 2012Dawn George, community fund raiser to help with expenses. 2014Enfield Grange Farmers and Craft Market July – October. Enfield Solar tompkins County Community Meeting – July; Spaghetti Dinner – September; Pancake Breakfast – May. 2017Craft Club meets lst Sunday of each month. Roving churches and a Grange Walk and Talk, Enfield Deputy Historian – July; Square Dance – August; Town of Enfield County Legislature Candidates Forum – October; Kaleidoscope Dance: Queer Dance Night – October; Veterans Day Dance – November; Election Day Dinner – November; Holiday Bazaar – November; Spaghetti Dinner, movie and music a d comedy – December. 2018Game Night; Family Movie Night; Pancake Breakfast; Dance Party; Enfield Talks Potluck Dinner monthly; Fish Fry; St. Patrick’s Day at the Grange; Enfield Teen Night Out; Teen Dance Party; Square Dance; Craft Show; Lourdes Mobile Mammography; Contra, Square and circle Dance; Tompkins County Office for Aging’s Annual Public hearing; Candidate Forum; Election Day Dinner. 2019Square Dance; Host to the NYS Poor People’s Campaign; Breakfast; Craft Show; Fish Dinner; Mammography Lourdes; meeting the Candidates Night; Work Party Beautification Day; Honky Tonk Dance; Enfield Farmers Market, Garden and Community proposed program; Election Day Dinner; Swing Dance; Lloyd’s Boys Dance; Civic Ensemble concert. 2020Pancake Breakfast; Swing Dance Night; Texas Road House Fund Raiser; Line Dancing; Pulled Park Dinner; Election Day Dinner. 2021Pulled Pork Dinner; Craft Fair; Election Night Dinner. 2022Monthly Craft Club; Easter Egg Hunt; Chicken and Biscuit Dinner; Spaghetti Dinner; Steak Dinner; Election Night Dinner; Craft Fair; Chicken B-Q; Trick or Treat. 2024Enfield Valley Grange is the only Grange left in Tompkins County that owns and maintains a building. 2025EVG 150th Anniversary Ice cream Social and Spaghetti Dinner September. ENFIELD VALLEY GRANGE NO. 295 September 2025 1 ENFIELD VALLEY GRANGE NO. 2951 By Leah Carpenter2 updated by Sue Thompson, Enfield Town Historian and Information received from Carol Baker, Enfield Valley Grange Member. 20193 Beginning History: The New York State Grange was founded in 1873. This Grange was referred to as a great farm fraternity. The birth of the Grange was created because the federal government wanted to bring order from chaos to the stricken land after the American Civil War 1861 to 1865. Members of the Grange were offered discounts on household goods and farm and family insurance. It provided a place where families could gather for social events. The group participated in county fairs, showing everything from vegetables to livestock. By 1875, New York State had 11,723 members in the Grange. Enfield Valley Grange (EVG) No. 295 was part of the membership as their Grange was organized February 4, 1875. Enfield was the seventh Grange to be organized in Tompkins County. 4 Fourteen men and women met at the residence of John Theall. Jesse Lyon, Deputy Sheriff from Schuyler County, directed the organization of this Grange. There were 32 charter members. James M. Lanning was the first master of the Grange. John Theall was the first secretary. There is a brief write-up of each of the charter members at the end of this document. The date of the second EVG meeting was January 16, 1875. 5 John Wortman Hall, located at 201 Enfield Main Road (Charles Wright/John Wortman/McFall/Newhart Store), served as the venue for this gathering and others until January 1925. Heat and janitorial services were included in the fifty cent evening rent for the facility. The lack of fire exits at the Hall caused the sessions to end. Meetings of the Grange were also conducted in the Methodist Church's basement located on West Enfield Center Road. At a regular meeting of the Enfield Valley Grange, held on Tuesday evening, Dec. 14th, 1875 the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Master, J. M. Lanning; Overseer, O.F. Curry; Lecturer, S.D. Harvey; Chaplain, M. W . Pinckney; Steward, Simeon Rolfe; Assistant Steward, Edgar Brewer; Treasurer, Isaac Newman; Secretary, J. H. Theall; Gate Keeper, Silas Harvey ; Ceres, Mrs. J.H. Theall; Pomona, Mrs. J. Rolfe; Lady Assistant Stewart, Mrs. Simeon Rolfe.6 On July 5, 1876, the Patron's Fire Relief Association was established with a $150,000 risk. Members of the Grange helped form this group. Amos F. Curry was the organization's main driver. 1 Information found in the Ithaca Journal June 7, 1975 – Glance Backward by Barbara Bell. Material for the article was gathered in part by Warenea Ramsey member of the Grange. 2 Leah Gray Carpenter was a member of the Enfield Grange for many years. She passed away on July 23, 2002. 3 Leah Carpenter, Grange Member wrote the original Grange Chapter for the book, “The Town of Enfield New York Christian Hill to Enfield Falls. Edited by Members of the Enfield Historical Society and Sue Thompson, Enfield Town Historian. 2002.” 4 Tompkins County Granges Eightieth Anniversary. June 18, 1955. Odd Fellows Temple, 310 N. Cayuga St. Ithaca, NY. Town of Enfield Historian Collection 5 Enfield Valley Grange No. 295 Cookbook 100th Anniversary. 1975. www.townofenfield.org/archives. 6December 20, 1875. Ithaca Daily Journal. ENFIELD VALLEY GRANGE NO. 295 September 2025 2 One of the county directors was identified as L.B. Curry of Enfield Center, while the organization's secretary was J.H. Theall. This was the state's first organization of its sort to be established. A committee was appointed in February 1923 to explore the possibility of building a Grange Hall. Land located in Enfield Center, was purchased from Harry Willis in 1925 for the building of the Grange Hall (178 Enfield Main Road). Granges and friends donated not only dollars for the construction but pitched in with special capabilities and contributed materials to get the job done as economically as possible. A Copy of the building plan can be found on www.townofenfield/archives/Grange. The original is located in the Enfield Town Clerk’s Office. Several contractors submitted to the Grange (Will Jones and Henry Rothermich and Frank Stevenson) building plans for the Grange Hall, along the cost of building the Grange. “The contract was given to Byron Davenport. In Ithaca he built a lot of big buildings. He built the Grange Hall and while he built the Grange Hall he bought and lived in that house that Emily and Lyman Warren (225 Enfield Main Road) live here in Enfield. He lived there while building the Grange Hall. After the Grange Hall was built they moved back to Ithaca There were horses and wagons and there would of been trouble getting out here so the contractor was right here all the while on the job.”.7 7Interview July 23, 1990 with Jack Hubbell, Warenea Ramsey, Helena Schaber. Memories of the Town of Enfield. Figure 1: Feb. 21, 1926 Enfield Valley Grange ENFIELD VALLEY GRANGE NO. 295 September 2025 3 Drawing 1: 1926 Enfield Valley Grange The cost of the Hall was $6,000. The building was dedicated August 24, 1926, Robert Hubbell was Master of the Grange at the time. Dinner was served to approximately 500 guests, and 600 people attended the dedication program where the principal speaker was Silas L. Strivings, Master of the New York State Grange.8 The last payment on the mortgage was made November 15, 1944 and the burning of the mortgage was celebrated on April 22, 1946.9 As of 2024, Enfield Valley Grange is the only Grange left in Tompkins County that owns and maintains a building. The 50th anniversary was held in the Enfield Methodist Church on the evening of April 15, 1925, with 300 Grangers and quests present for the supper and program. Hazel Rumsey, Worthy Master, presided. There were five charter members present; namely, William Tucker, Susan Rumsey, 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.10 A Juvenile Grange was organized on June 14, 1927, by Mrs. Emma Jerome, State Juvenile Deputy. There were eighteen charter members. The first Juvenile Grange officers were: Master – Ruth Rothermich; Overseer - Lawrence THall; Steward – Harold Laue; Assistant Stewart – Robert Stevenson; Chaplain – Helen Wilson; Secretary Donald Riker; Treasurer – Doris Hansen; Lecturer – Elizabeth Stevenson; Gatekeeper – Harold Lokken; Ceres – Charlotte Tucker; Pomona – Alice Riker; Flora – Evelyn Ervay; Lady Assistant Steward – Dorothea Updike; Juvenile Matron – Mrs. Martha Bock. There is 1934 painted curtain/backdrop located on the second floor stage of the Grange. This curtain was painted by E. David Heminger labeled “Lucifer Falls”. David was born in 1888 in Findlay, Ohio. David’s aunt and uncle (Lulu and Grover Marquart were members of the Waterburg, NY Grange. (Dec. 18, 1937 IJ) In November 1938 David and his mother Mollie had visited his sister Lulu 8 History of Enfield Valley Grange No. 295 April 30, 1875 – June 8, 1975. July 26, 1997. Enfield Historians Collection. Shared by Carol Baker, Enfield Grange Member. 9 History of Enfield Valley Grange No. 295 April 30, 1975 – June 8, 1975, July 26, 1997. Enfield Historians Collection. Shared by Carol Baker, Enfield Grange. 10 Enfield Valley Grange No. 295 Cookbook 100th Anniversary. 1975. www.townofenfield.org/archives. ENFIELD VALLEY GRANGE NO. 295 September 2025 4 in Trumansburg. By his 20s, he was working as an actor in touring shows, including stage acting in Boston. He worked with the Madge Kinsey Players, a tent show, for many years both as a "character actor, extoller of the virtues of business places which advertise, and chief spieler in the prize package sales, (he) is also the scenic artist. He paints the scenes, sees they are properly in place and finds it a matter of concern when such a detail as lack of keyhole in a door prop is discovered. He's a capable actor, too.” His grand drape at Enfield Grange # 2951, Enfield, NY, shows a local waterfall..11 At the time of this writing I do not have exact proof that this painting was part of Federal Art Project (FAP) taking place from 1933 to 1940, a part of “New Deal Era”. 12 The project hired 9,000 unemployed painters, sculptors, artists to create art in many venues, hospitals, ,town Halls, schools and other public buildings. Membership: In order to become a member of a Subordinate Grange, such as Enfield, you have to take four degrees. The degrees are given by a team of Grange members. To become a county Grange Member, Pomona, one has to take the fifth degree. To become a State Grange Member, Degree of Flora, one has to take the sixth degree and to become a National Grange Member, Degree of Ceres, one has to take the seventh degree. Degree work as well as the duties of various officers and committees are adopted and issued by the National Grange in the "Manual of Subordinate Grange". Meetings: The following discussions that took place at various Grange meetings throughout the years: the price of grass seed, cow testing by a Farm Bureau manager host for Farmer’s Institute several different years, prices of American Wire Fencing, raising pigs, purchasing harvesting machinery, buying cement by the carload lots for 72 cents per sack with a 10 cent rebate on the sack, styles and 11 Curtains Without Borders.org 12 New Deal Art: An Introduction | Living New Deal ENFIELD VALLEY GRANGE NO. 295 September 2025 5 prices of chairs, grafting and planting trees, the outlook for rented farms, drilling buckwheat and sowing winter wheat.13 Committees: Women's Activities committee makes arrangements for refreshments at each meeting and plans fund raising functions such as public dinners, barb-ques, etc. They are also responsible for the annual Baking and Needlework Contests. In the early years (1945) sunshine boxes were made and delivered to the home bound and sick. The Legislative Committee suggests legislation to be forwarded to Pomona and one to State Grange for action. In the late 1960's Enfield Valley Grange sent a resolution to Pomona and on to State Grange asking for the "Stop Ahead" signs you see at corners in rural New York as well as other states, and they said it would never happen. Community Service: Each year the Grange participated in community service projects such as use of the Grange Hall for the Enfield Community Council and the Baptist Vacation Bible School, sponsorship of a local boy scout group. Contributed financially to the Tompkins County Dairy Princess Program and Deaf Camp Program, etc. 14 G.L.F. (Agway) - The Grange and the Dairymen's League formed a federation, in the early 1900's for the purpose of serving farmers. G.L.F. was to provide farmers with feed, seed, fertilizer, and other farm supplies and give them a market for farm products. H.E. Babcock of Ithaca was instrumental in getting G.L.F. started. Past Masters: James M. Lanning William F. Smith Joshua S. Miller George S. Fowler James L. MarsHall Andrew R. Gibbs Will H. Jones Jr.Robert Hubbell Harvey Stevenson Mary Louise Brown Harold Laue Roy Linton George Stark Raymond L. Carpenter Roger Ballard Andrew Krayniak Amos F. Curry John H. Theall F.A. Holmes J.M. Baker C.D. Wallenbeck James McCracken Leslie Hine Pearle Rolfe Hazel Rumsey Updike Edith Teeter Alfred Palmer Eugene Hubbell Robert R. Carpenter Gerhardt Achilles, Sr. Bridgette Brown Leah B. Carpenter Edgar Brewer Eugene G. Willis Lucius B. Curry Frank S. Stevenson Fred D. Rumsey Clifford Leonard Herbert D. Bailey Forrest Specht Leon Rothermich Robert Rumsey Isabella Spencer Ernest Laue T. Roger Brown Charles Guyett Francis Rumsey Carpenter Roger Hubbell 13 Enfield Valley Grange No. 295 Cookbook 100th Anniversary. 1975. www.townofenfield.org/archives. 14 Written by Leah Carpenter for Enfield History Book, do not know if these programs still exist in 2024. ENFIELD VALLEY GRANGE NO. 295 September 2025 6 Enfield Valley Grange has enjoyed many celebrations/programs over the years. In 1950 the Seventy-fifth Anniversary was celebrated with a Southern Fried Chicken dinner and program. Roy Linton was Master at that time. In 1968 fifteen living past masters were honored. Master Robert Carpenter asked Pat Gray and Fred Swartwood to co-chair a Variety Show in 1969. Subordinate and Junior Grange members took part in the show. The Show as presented at Enfield, Burdett, Lansing and finally, on August 28th the show was taken to the State Fair in Syracuse, N.Y. Roger Brown was Master when a Special Recognition Program and Fellowship Dinner took place on June 18, 1971. Eight 25 year members, twelve 50 year members and six 60 year members were recognized. State Master, Robert S. Drake, was on hand to present the pins. In 1975 the 100th Anniversary was celebrated with a dish to pass dinner and program. Gladys Willis and Marjorie Stevenson were presented 50 year pins that day. Guests included State Deputy, Ed Conklin, and National Chaplain, Kermit W. Richardson. Roger Ballard was Master. Robert Carpenter was Master on June 12, 1987 a special recognition dinner and program honoring Hazel Updike and Leon Tucker for 75 continuous years of membership. Morris Halladay, National Chaplain, was guest speaker and presented the 75 year pins. Brother Halladay is a member of our sister Grange in Groton. For part of the program Bernice and Leon Tucker's daughter, Shirley Boyd, sang. Bernice Tucker harmonized on a couple of Shirley's songs. In the 1960's & 1970's Pat Gray was instrumental in the production of an Enfield Grange newsletter. In the March 1969 newsletter she mentioned the song Doreen Gray was to sing, to the tune of Harper Valley PTA, in the upcoming Variety Show. The tune was the same but the names and pace (Enfield Valley PTA) had been changed. In the October, 1974 newsletter, Pat mentioned several things of interest. "Myrtle Rothermich celebrates her 98th birthday on October 21st." "Roger and Ann Hubbell have moved into their new home on Enfield Center Road West." Doesn't seem like it was that long ago. Here's one, "The Legislative committee sent a resolution to the Department of Transportation in Albany, New York regarding the 'Octopus' on the West Enfield of Ithaca, asking that some action be taken to rectify the bad condition." Over the years the Grange has put on several fund raising events. The one that has lasted the longest is the Election Night Suppers. The suppers started in 1967 for a way to help raise funds to replace the furnace in the Grange. They have sold place mats, ice cream at various functions, catered the annual Firemen's banquet for a number of years, sponsored card parties and held an annual Chicken Barbecue. There were many card parties where “progressive five hundred” was played. At first they were held in different homes. Setting up fourteen card tables in the homes became a problem. One night Bob and Leah Carpenter had to put a table in the laundry room for lack of any place else to put it. They had to move the card parties to the Grange Hall. Attendance fell after that, so the card parties were discontinued. The money made was used to operate and maintain the Grange Hall. During the 1960’s Bob Carpenter, a member for more than 50 years, remembers a former Grange master making a motion to close down the Hall and sell in in the 1960s. The building’s furnace was old and would be expensive to replace. The motion was defeated. In 1999 members rose half of the $7,000 needed for the new siding for the Hall15 In the year 2000 new vinyl siding was installed and some of the kitchen counter tops were refinished. 15 Enfielders saving home of the Grange. Lauren Bishop. Ithaca Journal May 13, 2000. Ithaca, NY. ENFIELD VALLEY GRANGE NO. 295 September 2025 7 The decision on a furnace for the Grange Hall was made in June 1967, which fund raising was started in July towards the furnace. The furnace, was installed in 1969 for $986.00 by Charles Hubbell Construction company. 1967 October 5 – Retiring Master George Stark – “Then our Grange Hall had been closed up for a long time, and windows broken, George took it upon himself to go down there and cleanup the glass off the floor, put in new windows and sweep the Hall. - GN . Note: Noted in the Ithaca Journal events announcements the Grange met at private homes January thru March and November and December in 1965. Other meetings during that year were at the Grange. In 1966 the pattern followed for meetings held at the Grange Hall. In 1967 meetings started in May through December were held in the Grange.16 In 1996 all the windows were replaced downstairs and a new Lenox hot air furnace was put in. A stove and hot water heater were donated to the Grange in 1968 17 by some non-members who did not wish to have their name mentioned. In 1999 the upstairs windows were replaced, a new commode and a new tile floor were put in the restroom. Most of these projects were done by the Grange Master Roger Hubbell. He was assisted at times by other Grange members. Enfield Valley Grange #295 elected officers as of now - there will be elections of officers in July or August, 1995.18 Master Roger Hubbell Overseer Russell R. Carpenter Lecturer Della Snyder Steward Leah B. Carpenter Asst. Steward Harold Laue Lady Asst. Steward Florence Laue Chaplain Mabel Rumsey Treasurer Carol Laue Baker Secretary Helena Schaber Gate Keeper David Owens Ceres Kathryn Hubbell Walker Pomona Francis LaBombard Flora Millicent Carpenter Executive Committee:Harold Laue, Robert Carpenter, Ana Kastenhuber 16 October 5, 1967 Enfield Grange Newsletter 17 September 6, 1968 Grange Newsletter mentions no running water. 18This listing is from: Leah Carpenter, Grange Member wrote the original Grange Chapter for the book, “The Town of Enfield New York Christian Hill to Enfield Falls. Edited by Members of the Enfield Historical Society and Sue Thompson, Enfield Town Historian. 2002.” ENFIELD VALLEY GRANGE NO. 295 September 2025 8 Figure 2: 2014 Enfield Valley Grange (back) Figure 3: Enfield Valley Grange 2013 Front ENFIELD VALLEY GRANGE NO. 295 September 2025 9 A brief description of the elected Grange Officer duties: •Master - The Master conducts meetings, serves on all committees. •Overseer - It is the Overseer's duty to see that the orders of the Master are faithfully transmitted to fellow Grangers, and, in his/her absence, take her/her place. •Lecturer - The Lecturer is in charge of literary programs and education work. •Steward - The Steward takes care of regalia and guards the Inner gate. •Assistant Steward - His/her duty is to assist the Steward and examine members at the opening of the Grange. •Lady Assistant Steward - Her duties are to assist at the opening examination. She will also aid the Steward in keeping the wardrobe and decorations of the Grange rooms in proper order. •Chaplin - The chaplain gives a prayer at the beginning and end of each meeting. •Treasurer - The Treasurer is in charge of keeping accounts correct and in order for examination, and the funds safely secured and ready for needed payments. •Secretary - The Secretary records the minutes of each meeting. •Gatekeeper - The Gatekeeper is position between the Outer and Inner Gates to intercept any non-member from entering. •Ceres, Pomona and Flora are the graces. They are to preside over cereals, fruits and flowers. •Executive Committee - This Committee is comprised of three people. They are to make decisions, along with the Master, pertaining to the Grange between meetings. NOTES: Many Events found on Enfield Valley Grange Facebook Page, Townofenfield.org and Ithaca Journal. CHARTER MEMBERS OF ENFIELD VALLEY GRANGE #295**19 (Information based on Federal and New York State Census. Marriage dates estimated based on first child’s birth) George W. Budd William Cox Sarah Cox Amos F. Curry Lydia Curry Oscar Fish Mary J. Fish Seth B. Harvey Emma Harvey James Harvey Harriet Harvey Silas Harvey Martha Harvey Samuel Hix (Hicks)Fannie Hix (Hicks) Byron Jackson Abraham Johnson James M. Lanning Almina Lanning Isaac H. Newman Marenas Pickney Elizabeth Pickney Simeon Rolfe Jennie Rolfe Jonathan Rolfe Luanna Rolfe Horace Rumsey Susan Rumsey John H. Theall Sarah Theall William L. Tucker Delia Tucker 19 **Members were generally listed as a farmer and keeping house throughout the Federal and New York State Census’s during their life times. The farms were typical farm crops and livestock. The report of acreage is from the 1870 and 1880 Non-population NYS Census. ENFIELD VALLEY GRANGE NO. 295 September 2025 10 George Washington Budd was born in 1823 in NYS to John and Christina Shafer Budd. George was married in 1842 to Rebecca Wood, who was born in 1826 in NYS to Abraham and Phebe Budd Wood. Their child was Oral Budd. George died in 1897 and Rebecca died in 1903 they are both buried in Budd Cemetery, Gray road, Enfield, NY. George was Overseer of the Poor for the Town of Enfield in 1886 and 1867. The Agricultural Census** listed them as owning 80 acres. William and Sarah Cox. William was Enfield Valley Grange Assistant Steward in 1875. William was born in 1842 in England to William and Ann Cox. Sarah was born in 1846 in England. They married 1867 (est). Their children were Edward, Jennie, and Hettie Cox. He died in 1875 and Sarah died in 1919, they are both buried in Grove Cemetery, Falls Road Trumansburg, NY. The Agricultural Census** listed them as owning 54 acres of land. Amos F. and Lydia Harvey Curry. Amos was Enfield Valley Grange Overseer in 1875. Amos was born in 1831 to Amos and Armelia Babcock Curry. Lydia was born n 1822 to Silas Wooley and Abigail Lovell Harvey. They married in 1854(est). Their children were Samuel and Fannie Curry. Fannie, their daughter, was also one of the charter members of the Grange (see below). Amos died in 1902 and Lydia died in 1906, both are buried in Rolfe Cemetery, Applegate road, Enfield, NY. Amos was Enfield Town Supervisor in 1850. The Agricultural Census** listed them as owning 42 acres of land. Oscar and Mary Jane Wallenbeck Fish. Oscar was born in 1834 in Wayne County Pennsylvania to Charles and Sarah Fish. Mary Jane was born in 1837 to Solomon and Jane Aston Wallenbeck. They were married in 1863(est). Their children were Eugene and Sarah Jane Fish. Oscar died in 1902 in Burdett, NY and Mary Jane died in 1879 in Enfield, NY. Both are buried in Enfield Presbyterian Cemetery, Enfield Main road, Enfield, NY. The Agricultural Census** listed them as owning 65 acres of land. Seth and Emma Teeter Harvey. Seth was Enfield Valley Grange Lecturer in 1875. Seth was born in 1835 to Joseph and Hannah Lovell. Emma was born in Lansing, NY to Andrew and Sally Tichenor Teeter in 1844. They were married in 1834 (est). Their daughter was Carrie Emma Harvey. Seth died in 1885 and Emma died in 1922 both are buried in Hayts Cemetery, Hayts Road, Ithaca, NY. The Agricultural Census** listed them as owning 85 acres of land. James and Harriet Ford Harvey. James was born in 1833 in Enfield, NY to Joseph and Hannah Jane Lovell Harvey. Harriet was born in 1843 in Enfield, NY to Edwin and Sally Ann Brown Ford. They were married in 1861. Their children were Cora, Flora, Delia, Harriet, Harry, and Ledra Harvey. James died in 1881 and Harriet died in 1931 both are buried in Christian Cemetery, Enfield Main road, Enfield, NY. The Agricultural Census** listed them as owning 120 acres of land. Silas and Martha Rumsey Harvey. Silas was born in 1825 in Enfield, NY to Joseph and Hannah Jane Lovell Harvey. Martha was born in 1827 to Jonathan and Mary Doolittle Cooper Rumsey. They were married in 1842. Their daughter was Sarah Jane Harvey. Silas died in 1900 and Martha died in 1904 both are buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery, Enfield Main Road, Enfield, NY. The Agricultural Census** listed them as owning 52 acres of land. Silas was an Enfield Road Commissioner (1885, 1899) and Fence Viewer (1898). Samuel and Fannie Curry Hix (Hicks). Samuel was born in Enfield, NY in 1848 to Leonard and Rachel Star Hicks. Fannie was born in Enfield, NY in 1854 in Enfield, NY to Amos Flavius and Lydia Harvey Curry. Samuel died in 1918 and Fannie died in 1901 in Eaton County Michigan. They are both buried at Chapel Cemetery, Sandstone, Jackson County Michigan. In 1880 they were listed in the Federal Census as farmers in Enfield The Federal Census listed them as farmers in Eaton ENFIELD VALLEY GRANGE NO. 295 September 2025 11 county Michigan in 1900. Samuel's parents moved to Parma Jackson, Michigan shortly before Samuel and Fannie moved to Michigan. Byron Jackson. Byron was born in Cayuta, NY 1870 to Eldad and Catherine Strong Jackson. In 1859 he married Catherine Taylor born in Newfield in 1835 to William and Cynthia Vail. Their children were Fred, Addie, and Jennie Louise Jackson. Byron died in 1902 and Almina died in 1929 both are buried in Grove Cemetery, Falls Road, Trumansburg, NY. The Agricultural Census** listed them as owning 137 acres of land. Abraham Johnson. Abraham was born in in 1812. He married in 1854 (est). Synderilla Estella Newman Hunter born in 1818. He died in 1891 and she died in 1895. Their children were Alice and Amasa Johnson. They are buried in East Lawn Cemetery, Ithaca, NY. The Agriculture Census** listed them as owning 75 acres of land. James M. Lanning was Master of the Enfield Grange in 1875. James was born in 1832 to Elias and Nancy VanDorn Lanning. He married Almina Gould who was born in 1835 to Bethuel Vincent and Deborah Allen Gould. Their children were Cyrus, Dewitt, Minnie and Martha Lanning. James died in 1902 and Alminia died in 1929 both are buried in Grove Cemetery,Falls road, Trumansburg, NY. The Agriculture Census** listed them as owning 111 acres of land. Isaac H. Newman was Treasurer of the Enfield Grange in 1875. Isaac was born in Lansing, NY in 1823 to Harmon and Margaret Ozman Newman. He married in 1851 Cornelia Ann Treman who was born in 1829 to Jared and Ann Marie (LePine) Paddock Treman. Her father Jared Treman was one of the owners of the Enfield Grist Mill at Upper Robert H. Treman State Park in Enfield. Their children were Jared T. and Ellen Newman. Issac died in 1893 and Cornelia died in 1881 both are buried in East Lawn Cemetery, Ithaca, NY. Isaac was Enfield Town Supervisor in 1891 and Enfield Railroad Commissioner. The Agriculture Census** listed them as owning 130 acres of land. Isaac and his brother William owned the house located at 677 Bostwick Road, now the Bostwick House Bed and Brekfast. Isaac also owned and lived in the home at 60 Colegrove Road in the Town of Enfield, NY. Their son Jared T. Newman was a lawyer with the firm of Newman and Blood in Ithaca. He was a lawyer for the Town of Enfield and one of the developers of Cayuga heights in Ithaca, NY. There is a copy of his diary on the www.townofenfield.org/archives site. Marenas Pinckney was Chaplain of the Enfield Grange in 1875. Marenas was to born in 1833 in Enfield, NY to Jacob and Sybil Upsteade Pinckney. He married in 1856 Elizabeth Brewer born in 1833 in Dutchess County to Col. Henry and Rebecca Dubis Brewer. Marenas died in 1917 and Elizabeth died in 1926 both are buried in Forest Park Cemetery, Fort Smith, Arkansas. Their children were Helen, Henry, Dewitt, Augusta, and Herbert Pinckney. They lived in Enfield until sometime between 1880 and 1900 when they were shown to live in Little Rock Arkansas. Simeon and Jennie (Jane) Hoagland Rolfe. Simeon was Steward of the Enfield Grange in 1875. Simeon was born in 1839 to Joseph and Mary Gleason Rolfe. Jenniewas born in 1843. They married in 1866 (est) Simeon died in 1898 and Jennie died in 1934 both are buried in Hayts Cemetery, Hayts Road, Ithaca, NY. Their children were Jessie and Clinton Rolfe. The Agriculture Census** listed them as owning 49 acres of land. Simeon was a trustee for Rolfe Cemetery Association, Applegate Road, Enfield, NY. Jonathan and Luanna Darrah Rolfe. Jonathan was born in 1833 to Ephraim and Elizabeth Rockwell. Luanna was Flora of the Enfield Grange in 1875. She was born in 1843 to William and March Leach Darragh. They married in 1868. Jonathan died in 1902 and Luanna died in 1918 both ENFIELD VALLEY GRANGE NO. 295 September 2025 12 are buried in Presbyterian Cemetery, Enfield Main road, Enfield, NY. Their son was Robert Rolfe. The Agriculture Census** listed them as owning 33 acres of land. Horace and Susan Benson Rumsey. Horace was born in 1842 in Enfield, NY to Joshua and Charlotte Rumsey. Susan was Ceres of the Enfield Grange in 1875. She was born in 1840 in Norwalk, Ohio. They married in 1874, Enfield, NY. Horace died in 1842 and is buried in the Trumbulls Corner Cemetery, Newfield, NY. Susan died in 1925 Norwalk, Ohio. The Agriculture Census** listed them as owning 60 acres of land. John H. and Sarah Theall. John was Secretary of the Enfield Grange in 1875. John was born in 1838 in Enfield, NY to Eleazer and Amy Theall. Sarah born in 1843 to Joseph and Mary Gleason Rolfe. They married in 1861. John died in 1901 and Sarah died in 1902 both are buried in Rolfe Cemetery, Applegate Road, Enfield, NY. The Agriculture Census** listed them as owning 489 acres of land. John was a trustee for Rolfe Cemetery Association, Applegate Road. He was also a Major in the Tompkins County National Guard (1875-1896) his land was referred to as the Major Theall Farm. William L. and Delia (Fannie Adelia) Hosner Tucker . William was Gatekeeper of the Enfield Grange in 1875. William was born in 1840 to Ezra and Caroline Lanning Tucker. Delia was born in 1836. They married in 1863, Enfield, NY. William died in 1929 and Fannie died in 1916 both are buried in Hayts Cemetery, Hayts Road, Ithaca, NY. Their children were Jessie and Clinton Rolfe. The Agriculture Census** listed them as owning 52 acres of land. Grange Time Line (Sue Thompson, Enfield Historian) This is a partial list, as I am sure there are more references in the following records: “The Town of Enfield New York Christian Hill to Enfield Falls. Edited by Members of the Enfield Historical Society and Sue Thompson, Enfield Town Historian. 2002.” Ithaca Daily Journal and Ithaca Journal, and Enfield Grange Newsletter (GN). Events held at Grange Hall unless otherwise indicated. For copies of historical records (Grange documents included) Residents can access the Laserfiche records by visiting: townofenfield → For Residents → Archived Documents → Public Documents: 1873 NYS Grange Founded 1875 11,723 members NYS Grange 1875 Enfield Valley Grange organized. February 4. 1875 2nd meeting EVG Wortman Hall. January 16. 1875 Fourth degree meeting forty five new members will be admitted. November 26. 1875 Simeon Rolfe, elected to Tompkins County Council of Granges. May 3 1875 Officers elected EVG (Enfield Valley Grange). December 14 1877 Etna Grange members travel thru snow to meeting with EVG. January 15. 1878 EVG has recently received a large accession to its membership. 1890 August 31 – Grange picnic held. 1901 August. Many Grange members expected to attend the County Grange picnic at Renwick Park. EVG accepting new younger people as members. 1904 James Broas and wife attended a fourth degree meeting at Enfield Grange – July. 1905 Grange meeting in Enfield Center members total 230. June – Quarterly Tompkins County Pomona Grange held at Enfield Center sponsored by Enfield Grange. 400 attending. Professor L.H. Bailey, director of College of Agriculture Cornell delivered afternoon address. 1906 Installation of officers EVG and dinner. (January). Eight new members joined Grange – February. ENFIELD VALLEY GRANGE NO. 295 September 2025 13 1907 EVG elected officers for the coming year. A large class of candidates received the 3 rd and 4th degrees at Grange. December 30 – special meeting of Grange will be held in Wright’s Hall, Enfield Center. 1908 Grange presents third and fourth degrees upon candidates were treated to an oyster supper on December 22. Fred Rumsey of Enfield Grange voted to Overseer of the Tompkins County Grange. 1909 Entertainment show at EVG (February). Ithaca Daily Journal writes articles on EVG stating largest Grange in the county holds meetings first and last Tuesday nights of each month. Membership 298 (April). Tompkins County Fair Enfield Grange sets up exhibit. EVG members attend North Lansing Grange (October). Meeting and supper (October). Election of officers (December). 1910 State Grange scholarship given to Rena Miller and Nellie Rumsey of EVG. (August). Grange Day at Tompkins County Fair. Dean Webber, College of Agriculture Cornell gave presentation on Enfield Meeting. Meeting held in Enfield Center. Commissioner of Agriculture, R.A. Pearson and State Secretary W.N. Giles were present. Montgomery Farling of Ithaca addressed the meeting “The Organization of the Grange”. Mrs. Don Noble was re-elected master of Enfield Valley Grange; Andrew Gibbs, secretary; Dana Tubbs overseer. 1911 Worthy Master Will Jones, EVG offers fifty cents for the best solid chocolate cake brought to the next regular meeting, another member offers fifty cents for the best cream cake and 25 cents for the best apple pie and same for pumpkin pie. Coffee will be served. October. 1912 F.J. Baker and family and Walter Tilton and family attended the installation of officers of the Grange at Center. January. Potato Contest winners to be chosen soon by EVG. New members chosen EVG (December). 1913 May – 50 Grangers were served pie during the first and second degree passed. Next meeting in May will serve a picnic supper. June – Grangers spent evening at Wright’s Hall, Enfield Center a supper was served and third and fourth degrees was presented. Fred D. Rumsey, EVG Lecturer, attended Tompkins County Grange picnic. (July). 1923 Committee to explore building Grange Hall. February 1925 Last meetings held EVG at Wortman Hall 1925 50th anniversary held in Enfield Methodist Church. 300 Grangers and guests present for supper and program. Land purchased for Grange Hall, Enfield Center. 1926 Building dedicated. August 24. Building blue prints showed on the ground floor: Kitchen, Dumb Waiter, Dinning Room, Lounge Men, and Committee Room. Second floor showed stage, main room and side room. 1926 Building cost was $6,000. Byron Davenport was given contract to build Grange Hall. Building dedicated. August 24. First floor dining room and kitchen and high-celinged meeting Hall on the second floor with floral tin molding. 1927 Juvenile Grange organized on June 14, 1927. Minstrel show and comedy held at Grange Hall 30 women of Ithaca will present show. Dance held in Grange Hall March 11 Dean’s orchestra of Willard will furnish music. 1929 Grange votes to install electric lights. December. Mary Gold a 3 act play was presented in December by the Enfield Players in the Grange Hall in connection with the Ladies Aid Society bazaar. 1932 Enfield Players present play A Window to the South at Enfield Valley Grange. Grange will hold a celebration of Picnic supper and program featuring four reels of motion pictures of the life of George Washington in honor of his birthday. (Feb. 5, 1932) 1934 Traveling Sickle of Pomona Grange was passed to the Enfield Valley Grange from the Ulysses Grange in May 1934. A program of short talks and remarks were made. This sickle was passed through out Tompkins County Granges. ENFIELD VALLEY GRANGE NO. 295 September 2025 14 1934 Lucifer Falls painting curtain by E. David Heminger. 1935 60th anniversary EVG 1938 Newly elected juvenile and subordinate Grange officers to be installed. Supper following installation. December 13. 1939 Church of Enfield untied with EVG in sponsoring a Fellowship Supper at Grange Hall program Cornell Missionaries (February). Variety shower held for Charles Baker family (home burned) at Grange Hall (February). EVG meeting bread baking contest held. Mrs. Owen Rolfe first place (May). Mrs. Leon Rothermich, EVG, attend Tioga County Pomona Grange. Annual Election of EVG officers held. (November). November 19th “Go to Church Sunday” for all Grangers by the National Grange. EVG well represented at Enfield Churches. 1940 65th Anniversary EVG (Watkins Express) 1940 Members attend Tompkins County Pomona Grange at South Lansing (March); Fred D. Rumsey speaker at Otsego county Grange. Annual election of officers. Members attend 74th National Grange meeting in Syracuse, NY. Isabella Bohach, EVG Lecturer sponsors a Christmas Program following EVG meeting. Christmas program held at Grange Hall December 20 Federated Church of Enfield and Enfield School District 6. 1941 21 members attend Tompkins county Pomona Grange in Ithaca. (January); EVG meeting at Grange Hall followed by a variety shower for Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Brown who were recently married. April, members of the Juvenile Order graduated to Subordinate Grange. Fred D. Rumsey and Mrs. Marion Page guest speakers. 1946 The last payment on the mortgage was made November 15, 1944 and the burning of the mortgage was celebrated on April 22, 1946. EVG adopted a farm family of 14 in the Netherlands. Contributions were shipped to the family. March 11. •1950 Jan. 5. community party at Grange Hall. •1950 Feb 20 EVG and Juvenile Grange met Feb. 14 Valentine Day plans to 75th celebration •1950 Feb. 25. Enfield volunteer fire company serve ham supper at Grange Hall public invited. •1950 Feb. 28 Juvenile Grange will serve scalloped oyster and roast been supper. Regular Grange meeting. •1950 March 18. Volunteer Fire company serve creamed chicken and biscuit supper at Grange Hall public invited. • 1950 March 25. 4-H club minstrel show, Grange Hall public invited. •1950 March 29 Grange meeting supper and meeting Deputy state master to be present. •1950 April 6. EVG met at the home of Fred D. Rumsey to formulate plans for the 75th anniversary supper and program to be held April 24. •1950 April 8. Grange party at Hall dancing, cards refreshments. •1950 April 22. 75th anniversary meeting April 24 of EVG at Hall. Supper and program. •1950 April 25. Grange meeting Enfield Center. •1950 May 16 county wide show of all the Granges “The Grange Show Board of 1950 will show at Enfield Grange. Case members of Juvenile Grange and youth of subordinate Grange, includes minstrels, melodrama, dance specialties, sol and duet numbers. •1950 June 10. Grange meeting Leonard Miscall, speaker. NO Juvenile Grange •1950 June 27 regular Grange meeting •1950 July 8. July 11. Grange meeting in Grange Hall. Juvenile Grange same time. •1950 July 22. Grange meeting July 25 Enfield center. •1950 July 29. Enfield to form community group. Groups in Enfield meeting at firemen Hall to organize a community council. EVG attends. ENFIELD VALLEY GRANGE NO. 295 September 2025 15 •1950 Sept. 23. Sept. 26 EVG meeting installation of officers followed by brush party. Women bring cake. •1950 Oct. 5. officers were installed at the Enfield Juvenile Grange last tuesday. •1950 Oct. 10 Grange meeting Enfield Center •1950 Oct. 12. The Enfield Methodist will serve a ham supper at the Grange Hall. •1950 Oct. 25 Grange card party at home of Mrs. Leigh Hunt. •1950 Oct. 27. community fun night at Grange Hall. 1950 Nov. 10. EVG sponsoring paper and old rags drive materials left at Grange Hall Nov. 19. Nov. 14 Grange meeting a191019nd picnic supper at Grange Hall. •1950 Nov. 7 Baptists will serve roast beef dinner at Grange Hall public invited. •1950 Nov. 17. Grange Hall oyster stew supper sponsored by Volunteer Fire Dept. public invited. •1950 Dec. 1. Grange card party Dec. 3 home of Mr. and Mrs. George Stark. •1950 Dec. 9 Grange card party, Enfield falls community building. •1950 Dec. 22 Dance at Grange Hall Christmas party bought useful gifts for the Grange Hall kitchen •1951 Jan. 6 Grange card party at home of Mr. and Mrs. George Cavanaugh. Women bring cake or salad. Public invited. •1951 Jan. 9. Enfield Valley Grange meeting program of movies Enfield Center. •1951 Jan. 28. last of series of Neighbor Night meetings for Granges of Tompkins county will be held at EVG Hall Friday. The theme of the program will be Hobbies. •1951 Feb. 2. Grange dance at Hall public invited. •1951 Feb 3. Grange card party at home of Mr. and Mrs. Owen C. Rolfe Women bring sandwiches public invited. •1951 Feb. 13. Seneca Baptist Association meeting at Grange Hall with supper. •1951 Feb. 13. regular Grange meeting Enfield Center. •1941 Feb. 14. Dance at Grange Hall refreshments. •1951 March 2. Grange dance at Hall refreshments served by firemen. Public invited. •1951 March 3 Grange card party at home of 1951 Neva and Ernest Laue Women bring sandwiches. Public invited. •1951 March 13 Grange meeting women bring cookies. •1951 March 13 to 16. Civilian defense registration at Town Building 9am to 9 pm •1951 March 16 Grange dance at Hall. Public invited. •1951 April 10. Grange meeting speaker on good roads. Chocolate cake contests. •1951 April 28 Community fun night at Grange Hall sponsored by community council. Bring cookies. •1951 May 3. Grange youth drill and degree teams Enfield. Bring juice or cookies. •1951 June 12. regular Grange meeting 8:15 pm Enfield Center. •1951 Sept 11 Grange meeting election of offices Enfield Center •1951 Sept. 29. EVG sponsoring a supper at the Grange Hall. •1951 Oct. 19 Grange Dance Enfield Center •1951 Oct. 23. EVG meeting Grange Hall and Jr. Grange •1951 Nov. 2. Grangers from vicinity attended annual NYS Grange session in Syracuse. •1951 Nov. 2 EVG sponsor a dance at Grange Hall. For the benefit of the Grange. Public is invited. •1951 Nov. 5 Voting locations first district McFalls store Enfield center; second district town highway building, Enfield center? •1951 Nov. 24. Grange card party with Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd VanMarter. Bring cake or sandwiches •1951 Nov. 27 Grange meeting Enfield Center. •1951 Dec. 8 Grange card party home of George Stark women bring cake or sandwiches. ENFIELD VALLEY GRANGE NO. 295 September 2025 16 •1951 Dec. 11 Meeting of EVG Grange Hall •1952 July 22 no Grange meeting •1952 July 23. EVG will have a bake sale at the Co-op Food store on July 25 members living south of Enfield center and all others not contact for the previous sale of July 11 are being asked to contriubte food for this sale. 1953 Grange Cookbook published. 1960’s EVG Stop Ahead program for state participation – GN (Grange newsletter) 1960 – 1970’s Production of Enfield Grange Newsletter – GN 1964 March card party held at Carpenters; Nov 3 chicken and biscuits from 5 pm at Enfield Grange Hall by members of Enfield Baptist church open to public 1965 Jan. 12 Enfield Grange 8pm home of George Stark Feb. 9 Enfield Valley Grange 8 pm Enfield Elementary School March 6. public card party 9 pm George Stark sponsored by Enfield Valley Grange March 9. Enfield Valley Grange 8 pm in Enfield Elementary school visit of deputy. April 10. Round and square dance 9 pm Grange Hall May 22 – round and square dance from 9pm in Enfield Grange Hall June 8 Enfield Valley Grange 8 pm in Grange Hall August 24 Enfield Grange 8 pm Grange Hall Sept. 14. Enfield Valley Grange 8 pm Grange Hall election Oct. 12 Grange at 8 pm in Grange Hall to install officers supper 7:15. Nov. 9 Enfield valley Grange 8 pm at home of George Stark Nov. 13. public card party 8 pm home of Mitchell Gray benefit Enfield Grange. Dec. 14. Enfield Grange 8 pm home of Mrs. Robert Hubbell 1966 Jan 29, card party home of Mitchell Gray, Halseyville Rd sponsored by Enfield Grange Jan card party carpenters Feb 10. Enfield Bake Off Warena Ramsey’s applesauce cake 1st prize. At Grange Hall. Feb. 12 card party at Mrs. John Holmes March 8 Enfield Grange 8 pm home of Mrs. Lina Jones March 12 card party carpenters, Iradell road April 11. Grange at home of Mrs. George Meyers 8 pm May 10 Grange at home of Mrs. George Stark 8 pm June 14. Grange in Grange Hall 8 pm July 12. Enfield Grange in Grange Hall Aug. 9 Enfield Grange in Grange Hall Sept. 13. Grange in Grange Hall 8 pm election. October 11. Grange in Grange Hall 8 pm Nov. 12 public card party sponsored by Grange home of George Stark, Halseyville Rd. Nov. 26. card party home of Fred Boyer. 8 pm Dec. 10. Christmas and card party home of Mitchell Gray, sponsored by Grange Dec. 12 Grange at home of Mitchell Grey, Halseyville 8 pm 1967 ENFIELD VALLEY GRANGE NO. 295 September 2025 17 •January - Enfield card party. Home of Roger Brown; March weather not quite warm enough to permit use of Grange. May there were events in the Grange Hall; Card parties at Ed and Helen MarsHall; Woody and Doris Specht. Degrees program held at Enfield School •March - public card party sponsored by Enfield Grange home of Forrest Specht, 9 pm •May - rummage and bake sale by Grangers in Grange Hall benefit furnace fund. •June – decision for a furnace fund raiser – GN •July - public card party in Grange Hall. 8 pm •October - Grange supper and installation at Grange Hall. October 5 – Piano was given to Grange by Mildred Wilson of Ithaca GN. October 5 – Retiring Master George Stark – “Then our Grange Hall had been closed up for along time, and windows broken, George took it upon himself to go down there and cleanup the glass off the floor, put in new windows and sweep the Hall. – GN •November - First Annual Election Day Supper Turkey supper in Grange Hall 5 pm. Benefit furnace fund. Public card party by Grange in Grange Hall •December – 103 chairs donated to Grange; Harvest Festival with Newfield, Ulysses and Enfield Granges and Smorgasbord 5 pm - Enfield Grange Hall – GN 1968 March – Grange receives 3 x 5 Insignia rug to place on Grange Hall Floor 1968 15 living past masters honored - August 1968 September 6 - Running Water at the Grange Hall what a luxury - GN 1968 September 6 – two gas stoves donated to the Grange - GN 1969 New furnace was installed; Variety Show; Grange Picnic at Newhart’s Camp; card parties; regular meetings; Pomona meetings; State Picnic at Eldridge Park in Elmira; Junior Grange 1971 Special Fund Raiser “Dig a Well for Bobby”, fund raiser for Blake Family. Special Recognition Program and Fellowship Dinner 50 year Golden Sheaf awards. 1973 A record player with amplifiers installed in grange as a meorial to Forest (Woody) Specht; new bathrooms have been completed; Front of the Grange hall has been painted. EVG participated in Enfield Firemn’s parade and in both the Trumansbur and Tompkins County Fair parades. 1974 Installation of Officers. October 18; South Side of Grange Hall painted by Mr. Schmidt. Roll Jelly Cake contest Millicent Carpenter (1st), Doris Specht (2nd), Joyce Laue (3rd). Grange Project cleaning up Christian Cemetery; food booth at County Fair in Etna; Grange selling placements, note paper and x- mas wrapping. 1975 100th Anniversary EVG. Cook published Grange member recipes. 108 Grange members. Mrs. Cora Brearey of Lansing Grange showing slides March 11 EVG and Rolled Sugar Cookie Contest. 35 firemen were served at their annual supper by Grange in January. Contributions from EVG to Charlton School, Path of Life Camp, Care, Arthritis Foundation and Farmers and World Affairs. 1983 Enfield Grange Furnace Fund “Grange gift selection party” (Oct. 7, 1983 IJ) 1987 Special Recognition Dinner and Program; New lighting installed 2nd floor by Robert Carpenter. Charles Hubbell Construction firm completed the roof and new eave troughts on hall. 1995 EVG only Grange left in TC owns and maintains Hall 1996 Windows replaced downstairs and new Lenox hot air furnace put in. 1999 Raising money to add new siding to Grange Hall. 2000 125th Anniversary of EVC. 2012 Dawn George, community fund raiser to help with expenses. 2014 Enfield Grange Farmers and Craft Market July – October. Enfield Solar tompkins County Community Meeting – July; Spaghetti Dinner – September; Pancake Breakfast – May. ENFIELD VALLEY GRANGE NO. 295 September 2025 18 2017 Craft Club meets lst Sunday of each month. Roving churches and a Grange Walk and Talk, Enfield Deputy Historian – July; Square Dance – August; Town of Enfield County Legislature Candidates Forum – October; Kaleidoscope Dance: Queer Dance Night – October; Veterans Day Dance – November; Election Day Dinner – November; Holiday Bazaar – November; Spaghetti Dinner, movie and music a d comedy – December. 2018 Game Night; Family Movie Night; Pancake Breakfast; Dance Party; Enfield Talks Potluck Dinner monthly; Fish Fry; St. Patrick’s Day at the Grange; Enfield Teen Night Out; Teen Dance Party; Square Dance; Craft Show; Lourdes Mobile Mammography; Contra, Square and circle Dance; Tompkins County Office for Aging’s Annual Public hearing; Candidate Forum; Election Day Dinner. 2019 Square Dance; Host to the NYS Poor People’s Campaign; Breakfast; Craft Show; Fish Dinner; Mammography Lourdes; meeting the Candidates Night; Work Party Beautification Day; Honky Tonk Dance; Enfield Farmers Market, Garden and Community proposed program; Election Day Dinner; Swing Dance; Lloyd’s Boys Dance; Civic Ensemble concert. 2020 Pancake Breakfast; Swing Dance Night; Texas Road House Fund Raiser; Line Dancing; Pulled Park Dinner; Election Day Dinner. 2021 Pulled Pork Dinner; Craft Fair; Election Night Dinner. 2022 Monthly Craft Club; Easter Egg Hunt; Chicken and Biscuit Dinner; Spaghetti Dinner; Steak Dinner; Election Night Dinner; Craft Fair; Chicken B-Q; Trick or Treat. 2024 Enfield Valley Grange is the only Grange left in Tompkins County that owns and maintains a building. 2025 EVG 150th Anniversary Ice cream Social and Spaghetti Dinner September.