| APRIL 19, 2013 -- This year is a very special time for the New England Grange Building in West Springfield, MA. In September it will be 75 years old!
Back in the beginning it was felt by many New England Grange leaders that it would be fitting to have a building somewhere in the area to be used as a meeting place for Grange activities. They were long time talking about it, but through the efforts of then High Priest of Demeter, Charles M. Gardner, and others, the idea became a reality when the Grange Building (sometimes known as the Hostess House) was built on the grounds of the Big E (Eastern States Exposition) in West Springfield, MA. It is on the end of the green opposite the church in connection with Storrowtown Village which is known as a typical New England village. The building became a project of the six New England states and is owned and operated by them. We know of no other like situation.
The main floor of the handsome colonial style structure is said to hold 400 people. One one wall is a beautiful wood fireplace which was recently converted to gas and creates a special warmth on a chilly fall day.
At the end of the room is a stage which is decorated each year and provides a spot for photographers to test their skills.
At one time the room was used for hosting and displays, but it became apparent a way had to be found to help with maintenance. The Grange Country Store was introduced and today is a popular place where we have developed a following of folks who say our items are the best- thanks to the Grangers of New England and New York who make and donate hundreds of things to be sold along with our line of special ordered jams, jellies, salad dressings and relishes.
One corner of the main floor is given to the needlework contest where entries are judged, ribbons awarded, and an impressive display is arranged.
Each year we raffle a handsome quilt with the proceeds going to a good cause in the state featured each year (the states take turn in rotation). Crafters demonstrate their hobbies for all to enjoy and the piano is put to good use for prepared or impromptu presentations.
Each state has a room on the second floor to welcome visitors.
The Connecticut Room is octagonal shaped and we have been proud of the special rug with a sheaf of wheat design that has been a highlight since the beginning. In 2006 Prospect Grange replaced the well worn rug with a new copy special ordered from Texas. Each year the Connecticut Room is hosted by Grangers.
For many years the basement was used for local judging of vegetables, fruits, canned goods and needlework. Space was rented to crafters and we had a popular corner where we sold baked items. We were known for delicious fudge! People still come back looking for the goodies- and we have to explain that now strict food codes ended that endeavor.
In the well-equipped kitchen, lunch was made for workers- but last year the space was completely remodeled so now people who work can make their own meals- or just “sit for a spell.”
In the book “The Grange in Connecticut,” Lida S. Ives give a good accounting of the building (some of which I have “borrowed” for this article).
During World War II the building was used by the Army as an Army Hospital.
The building was dedicated on September 21, 1938, the day of the famous hurricane. They hurried the ceremony in the morning- released some doves and went home with fear and trepidation as to how the hall would survive. Next morning they found it standing straight and tall just as it is today. Come join us at the Big E for the anniversary!
Granges contributed to the building's furnishings
At the 1938 Session of the Connecticut State Grange, it was voted to go with a plan to furnish the building.
In Connecticut, all of the Pomonas, 132 Subordinate Granges, 10 Juvenile Granges and 40 individuals contributed towards the furnishing which came to about $3,400.
Here’s what the Pomonas gave: Central Pomona- a large tavern table; Quinebaug- large wing chair; East Central Pomona- a table; Mountain County Pomona - a donation towards a sofa; New London - silk Grange flag and a floor lamp; Mystic Grange, floor lamp; Groton Grange- a mahogany showcase; Excelsior Pomona - a Duncan Phyfe Table; Sea View Pomona - wing chair; Fairfield Cty. Pomona- ladder back chair; Housatonic Pomona- wing chair; Farmington Valley Pomona- Windsor chair.
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