| MAY 7, 2011 -- Do you remember the hard working, portly gentleman who was Master of Beacon Valley Grange in the 60’s?
Beacon Valley and Excelsior Pomona were known for their dinners, and Franklin Behlman was always found in the kitchen playing his role as “chief cook and bottle washer.”
Frank and his wife, Anna, labored long and hard in the Grange and for their community. He headed a number of town organizations and projects.
In 1972 he was chosen “Granger of the Year.”
The Credit Union was fortunate to have him as a charter member and director until his death.
He served the Connecticut State Grange Fair (as it was known then) as President in 1975 and 1976.
When the famous Deputies’ Baseball Game (pictured in a recent issue of the Connecticut Granger) was scheduled, Frank’s daughter, Joanne was to be umpire. The night before, she became engaged to Joseph Cipriano, so Dad took over.
I remember one year at State Session everybody was impressed when Frank was often paged to the desk. He certainly was popular. Then, we realized the calls were not for our BEHLMAN, but for the hotel BELLMAN!
Franklin died in 1977 in one of his favorite places – in his garden while picking string beans.
Do remember him! |
