| AUGUST 7, 2015 -- A group of dedicated Hillstown Grange No. 87 members gathered for a chili dinner and gardening event on Thursday, June 25. Chili ingredients included vegetables grown in the gardens of Grange members.
The gathering was just one of countless social events held at Hillstown Grange throughout the decades. The chapter was organized in 1888 in a section of Connecticut then known as Hillstown, which has since become part of East Hartford. In 1867, the National Grange was formed in Washington, D.C. Subsequently, state and local Granges, such Hillstown, began organizing throughout the country in the late 19th century to support post-Civil War agricultural interests. “The Grange was actually founded to give farmers a voice in politics,” said Frank Forrest, president/master of Hillstown Grange No. 87. Further, Grange Halls represented the highly-significant social element of Grange life. Grange dances and other social events were popular in Grange communities, explained Hillstown Grange members.
Hillstown Grange Steward and Agricultural Committee Chairman Debbie Dubitsky said that the Hillstown Grange building once served as a location for church meetings, because there were no church buildings in the Hillstown area in the late 19th century.
Through the century, Granges have undergone transitions in their roles, especially as land sell-offs spurred by economic development have caused a decline in farming communities. Yet, while the Grange is steeped in tradition - from its formal ceremonies to its nomenclature – Hillstown Grange members say that the Grange is also keeping pace with the times. “Today, we’re a social organization for backyard gardeners and people who would like to have a little fun,” said Hillstown Grange member Curt Upton. “This is the most fun I’ve ever had,” he said.
Forrest said that the Hillstown Grange Hall’s kitchen is inspected and certified by the State of Connecticut. As a result, the Grange still intends to stay true to its “home-economics” foundation of agriculture and handcrafts, such as crochet, needlework and preserve-making. To this end, the Hillstown Grange will sponsor upcoming events related to these activities, including an event dedicated to making home-made applesauce. Other yearly events include a seed giveaway in March, a corned beef and cabbage dinner in March, a Bluegrass night in April, and a fair in September. The Hillstown Grange also participates in the East Hartford Holiday Fest each year. On Aug. 27, 2015, Hillstown Grange will host an awards night. In July 2016, the Hillstown Grange will be the anticipated site of the annual state crochet contest, said Forrest.
In addition, the Grange still maintains an active voice in public policy. “To this day,” said Forrest, “we’re encouraged to come up with resolutions to pass on through the channels.” He cites an example of seatbelts on school buses or keeping school buses off highways, as current suggestions made by Grange members to the Connecticut legislative assembly.
Hillstown Grange Vice-President/Overseer Jon Hykes said that he has recommended a resolution on “full disclosure on campaign funding.”
According to Forrest, the Hillstown Grange is unique in that it is one of two Granges in Connecticut that offers a junior membership, which is open to youth ages 5 to 14. Junior members are able to participate in field trips and other activities dedicated to younger generations. In conjunction, the Hillstown Grange is developing initiatives to maintain and grow membership levels within the community. For instance, Forrest said that the Grange plans to change its meeting formats by limiting the amount of formal meetings – those meetings conducted “in full form.” In addition, the Grange Hall will be available for use by community groups such as the Girl Scouts and the Lions Club.
“The Grange is not dead,” said Upton. “We’re alive and well.” |
