Chester Chatter: Grange was political, social force

| May 13, 2019 | Comments 0

By Ruthie Douglas
©2019 Telegraph Publishing LLC

The Douglas family belonged to the Grange for many years, being members of the Bartonsville Grange. Soon after I became a member of the family I too became a member.

The Grange was formed to help farmers and also provide a time of socializing. We lobbied in Montpelier for return bottles and cans as so many were tossed out of car windows and ended up in a cow’s belly. We were proud when it became a law and we knew we had a role in it.

The Grange formed as a political party for farmers. One of the first goals of the group was to create a Rural Free Delivery for mail. As Grange members, we did many activities. We held card parties, pot luck suppers and bingo. The Grange Hall was used for weddings, baby showers, funerals and other get-togethers.

The Grange also offered financial help to community members in need.

Over the years, many of Vermont’s Granges have faded away. However, the Gassetts and Bartonsville Granges continue to operate in our area.

News and notes from here and there

Hope you remembered your mother on Mother’s Day!

Our thoughts are with Colleen Truax on the loss of her husband Paul Truax.

Butch and Elaine Eddy are back in Vermont for the summer, back once again with all their friends. They spent the winter in Florida.

If you have some time, volunteer! Chester Townscape needs some help  in watering the bridge flower boxes this summer. Everyone enjoys the bright spot the flowers make. Give Jane Davis a call at 875-1855.

The Chester Memorial Day Parade will be held May 30, starting at 9 a.m. on North Street.

Buster Davis, a graduate of Green Mountain Union High School, played guitar with a group from the Assembly of God Church to entertain residents of Springfield Rehab. Great job Buster.

  • Answer to last week’s trivia question: Chester at one time had at least three beauty shops.
  • This week’s trivia question: Where was the Snow Cats building located?

Street Talk

Will you plants flowers this spring?

Celia Taylor: I will not be planting new ones but I have many perennials.
Heidi L. Schroeder: I am going to plant shadbushes this summer. (It’s) a fruit-bearing bush … and is high in antioxidants.
Jill Malazarte: I will not be planting. We travel a lot and nobody will be able to take care of them.
Pat Lowden: My husband does all the planting. I just love looking at them.
Sarah Stanley: I have perennials that come up every year. I just weed and mulch.
Sherwin Davis: Yes, I will plant flowers this spring, from my sister’s choice.

 

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Filed Under: Chester Chatter • Community and Arts Life

About the Author: Ruthie Douglas is originally from Springfield but has called Chester her home for 58 years, and has been writing the Chester Chatter column for more than 40 of those years. Ruthie is also a longtime volunteer throughout the community.

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