| JANUARY 3, 2012 -- The name of an organization called "The Patrons of Husbandry" would mean little to the average Greece, New York resident of today.
But Greece Grange 311, Patrons of Husbandry, founded in 1876, soon after the national Grangers were founded in 1867, is still a viable fraternal organization.
The word grange is from the Latin word for grain (or granary), or generically, a farm. The Grange brought farmers together to advance their interests and for socialization. From the very beginning it was open to both sexes and families.
Grange 311 in Greece first met in local churches or local halls, always close to the area of West Ridge and Long Pond roads. As membership grew toward the end of the 19th century, the local members began to realize a need for their own building.
By 1905, a plot of land had been purchased on the southeast corner of Ridge and Long Pond, and work began on the foundation of a 1½-story frame building, some of the work being done by members.
The Grange motto has always been "education, recreation and inspiration." Through the years, monthly dues, card parties, dances and suppers helped the Grange contribute money to local charities and collect clothing and cash for the local food cupboard. For a number of years, the local YMCA had its offices in the 1905 building.
At its 75th anniversary in 1950, most of the charter members had passed on, but the second generation of those early members had taken the helm. The Golden Sheaf Certificate of Harry J. Mitchell illustrates this. His parents, Frank and Bertha, were charter members.
Grange 311 incorporated in January 1947. Soon after World War II, it became apparent that the small farmer was being forced out by the building boom in Greece. As of 1961, the membership was roughly 250. That same year, it became urgent that another location be secured due to the widening of Ridge Road.
New land was purchased a short way south at 1301 Long Pond Road. The original building came down in late 1961. Ground was broken in December 1962 for a new brick one-story building that was ready for occupancy in June 1963.
The strict membership requirements were relaxed somewhat so that new members need not be farmers or in agricultural pursuits. A further decline in membership as the years passed from the 1960s to the end of the century caused the directors to assess their position as to the cost of upkeep for an almost 40-year-old building.
After a membership vote, it was decided to sell their building in 2000. An offer came from the Ridge Road Fire District, the neighbor to the north, to buy the building.
One might think this sounded like the death knell for the 125-year-old Greece Grange, but not at all. A provision was made in the sale to the fire department that they could use their former home at least once a month for meetings, so that is what happens to the present day.
They now meet at noon for lunch, good fellowship and some laughs. The interest in charities and worthy causes still continues after 136 years.
The Greece Grange might be slightly forgotten, but they are far from gone. They have to be remembered and thanked for the important part they have played in the history of Greece through the years. |
