| SEPTEMBER 13, 2012 -- One-hundred forty-five years ago a man named Oliver Kelly from the U.S. Department of Agriculture toured the country’s farms, discovering the farmers he met were, for the most part, poor, discouraged and uniformed. To aid the farmers, Kelly formed the fraternal society of The Grange. Membership quickly spread across the country to more than 6,000 people.
The Hillstown Grange, on Hills Street in East Hartford, was established in 1888 with 24 charter members and at one time had as many as 200 on its rolls. Today, the Hillstown Grange membership stands at about 60. Across Connecticut, there are more than 60 communities with Grange chapters; and over the years, the Grange’s focus has evolved from agricultural issues and legislation to include the well-being of all people - rural, suburban and urban alike - through many facets of community service, and has held its signature event, the Hillstown Grange Annual Agricultural Fair, for as many years as the Grange itself has been standing.
This year’s fair was held Saturday, Sept. 8, with judging for cash prizes taking place the night before. Food and drink were sold at the event, while the Junior Grange held a mini hockey game and beverage sale to raise funds for field trips.
Normally, the upstairs area of the Grange Hall is not open to the public, but during the annual fair, the doors are open and the public is invited to admire the variety of entries for needlework, flowers, crafts, Junior Grange collectibles, photography, vegetables, jams, jellies, canned and baked goods.
Downstairs featured an eating/sitting area with many tables for browsing and shopping. One corner was reserved for a children’s activity area. A tag sale graced the entrance; and many Grange members got together to volunteer, support one another and continue the tradition of the fair.
Michelle Dedominicis, the junior leader and Grange secretary, said, “A big part of the grange is community service. We are always looking for new Junior Grange members. Membership is just 50 cents a month, meets once per month and focuses on agricultural experiences and community service.” For more information on Hillstown Grange, visit www.HillstownGrange.org or call Michelle at 860-568-2415. |
