| AUGUST 7, 2010 -- One day in 1885, a group of local farmers met to form a local group under the national Patrons of Husbandry, which had been founded to unite private citizens in improving the economic and social position of the nation's farm population.
Now, 125 years later, the name has changed along with its mission, but there are still over 50 active members who meet regularly, perform community service and hold the annual Southington Grange Community Fair, which is scheduled for Aug. 14.
Chet Bacon is assistant steward of the local group. He has been planting raised vegetable beds for local mentally challenged residents to tend as part of the grange's service to the community.
"Now they have a focus for their life," he said. "They will harvest some vegetables in the fall. It was very rewarding."
You don't have to be a farmer anymore to join the Grange. Bacon is a retired teacher who was asked to judge the fair's photo contest. Photography was one the subjects he taught. Members range in age from 19 to 92 and come from all professions and walks of life. Besides Southington, the grange also accepts members from Meriden, Bristol, Wolcott and New Britain.
Chet's wife, Mary Bacon, is the women's assistant steward. The Grange has always been equally welcoming to both genders, who often worked side by side in their fields, orchards and barns.
The Southington Grange had originally been called the Union Patrons on Husbandry. Over time the national group, which has over 2,700 chapters in 40 states, changed its name to The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, and became referred to as The Grange. Local groups followed suit. Later Union was dropped in favor of the more location-specific Southington.
Jim Lamoureux, the chapter's vice president, said the group pursues various projects, from awarding scholarships to students who are pursuing a career in agriculture to raising funds for an area no-kill animal shelter.
"The Grange is a vehicle for us to give back with community service," he said. "Some things are hard work. Some of us staffing the fair will work 12 hours or more that day."
This is the 60th year of the Southington Grange Fair. It will be held rain or shine at the Grange Hall at the intersection of Summit Street and Knowles Avenue.
The fair kicks off with a pancake breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m.
Like any good country fair, there will be exhibits of fruits, vegetables, flower arrangements, needlepoint, photos and other crafts and collections. Home-canned goods, pies, breads and muffins will also be judged. Produce, canned goods and baked goods will be auctioned off Saturday night and all proceeds will go to Southington Grange.
Since the fair is an official Connecticut Agricultural Fair, winners can enter larger fairs.
Outside the hall will be vendors and information booths, including the Ghost Hunters Guild, a paranormal investigation service. Last year, they monitored the Grange Hall overnight looking for signs of ghosts or other paranormal beings. They found a small amount of activity, but Lamoureux and Chet Bacon both said no members have ever reported any creepy events at the hall and no one ever died on the premises that they know of.
Rocky, the New Britain Rock Cats mascot, and Robo the Clown will also visit the fair to delight the kids. Animals from Hungerford Nature Center will also be there, along with an antique firetruck and an exhibit from Sno-White Power Equipment. The chicken barbecue is from 4 to 6 p.m. and is followed by the raffle and auction. The grounds will close at 8 p.m.
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