| DECEMBER 8, 2010 -- Recently I was talking to a young Granger and mentioned Ellsworth Covell. “Who was he?” was the question. I could not believe it, but actually why would there be recognition? That was fifty years ago. We read the stories and information about the seven Grange founders and early Grange Masters and workers but seldom do we hear mention of some of the hard working and dedicated “in betweens.” So...
I discussed this with Brother Gelineau and we agreed to try the following.
Hopefully each month, or frequently, there will be a little story with a picture or two of some of our good Grange people who spent many hours of service to the great organization which we love, and whom you may not really remember. Not a contest – just for information and fun.
This month the subject is, naturally, Ellsworth Covell.
He was State Secretary for 28 years - had a joke for every occasion- some not to be repeated! He was dedicated to the Grange, a ritual expert, critical if work was not done right. He could usually be found with his smelly old pipe - filling it, lighting it or smoking it. You could follow his trail!
I was his “gofer” for 12 years and when he resigned and said he was “all done” I was elected to fill his big shoes and did so for 32 years. His words of blessing – “Go ahead, Kid - give ‘em hell.”
Ellsworth and Christine Covell worked many years for the Grange in Connecticut. Do remember them. |
