| FEBRUARY 13, 2013 -- Note: The Manchester Journal Inquirer runs a feature called the “Picture Puzzle” similar to the Connecticut Granger’s “Window on the Past” which asks readers to identify unmarked photos from the archives of the newspaper. A recent photo featured in the column turned out to be a Grange picture.
by Chip LeClerk
Journal Inquirer (Manchester, CT)
A pair of observant readers was able to help us solve our latest Picture Puzzle.
Irene Percoski and George Kotowicz of Tolland each provided names and some wonderful information about the picture that showed five adults wearing sashes with one (of) them in the middle holding a cake.
Irene said in her email that this photo was taken during an anniversary celebration of Ellington Grange.
“I believe this photo was taken sometime in the 1980s,” Irene explained. “From left to right is Margaret Warner and Frank Warner (Hamden Grange No. 99), who was a past State Master of the State Grange. In the center holding the cake was Ellington Grange Master Julianna Ballard. Then Harry LaBonte and his wife Elsie LaBonte, both were State Deputies (from Tolland Grange). Julianna is now the Chaplain of Enfield Grange and Elsie is the treasurer of Tolland Grange.
George, who has been a Grange member since 1966, recognized Frank and Margaret Warner and Harry LaBonte. he said in his phone call there are some clues on the sashes the people in the photo are wearing.
“Harry is wearing a deputy sash,” George said. “He would go around to the different Granges to make sure the clubs were operating correctly organizationally and ritualistically. They would look over the books, how the meetings were run, and check on the officers.
“At one time there used to be a Grange in every town, now there are about 80 statewide. This picture looks like it was taken to celebrate how many years the Grange was open, either 75 or 100 years.
George said the Grange is the second oldest fraternal organization in the U.S., next to Masons. |
