WESCOSVILLE, PA - On Saturday,
May 3rd the members of Trexlertown Grange #1755 gathered to
celebrate another milestone in their Grange’s history—the
celebration of 90 years of service to their community. The
celebration began with a catered meal served to members and
guests in the Grange’s dining hall. The tables were decorated in
Grange colors with coordinating floral centerpieces.
Following the meal, the evening
program was held upstairs in the meeting hall. Joanne Heim,
Family Activities Chairperson, planned the program and served as
the MC. The theme centered around Grange history as the opening
song, “Origin of the Grange” sung to the tune of “Yankee Doodle”
told the story of our founder, Oliver Hudson Kelley’s efforts to
unite the states following the Civil War by founding the Order
of Patrons of Husbandry. Our guest speaker for the evening,
State Overseer, Brian Ebersole was introduced and presented a
very “colorful” talk, using crayons he distributed to the
attendees to depict how the various colors of crayons signify
the members of the Grange—each colorful in their own ways. He
also used a “Spiderman” kite to illustrate how the parts of the
kite are like Grangers, each member plays an important role in
their Grange to help make it “fly”. Brian also presented
membership awards to seven members.
Following the membership awards,
special guests, Dick and Ginny Mangel, who traveled from Butler
to attend, were introduced. They made their presentation on the
“Seven Founders” of the Order”. Using the Grange logo mounted on
a large poster board, as Ginny read a brief bio about each
founder, Dick placed the name around the inside border. A sheaf
of wheat, the letters “P of H” and “Grange” formed the
center—just as the Grange pins appear.
A plaque that the members of
Trexlertown Grange had made to honor the memory of one of their
devoted 60+ year members, Howard Y. Sechler, was presented to
Howard’s family, who were all in attendance to accept the plaque
from Grange Master, Leonard Heim.
Master Heim acknowledged the receipt of the citation from our
local State Representative’s office and also thanked the local
Granges who gave gifts to Trexlertown Grange in honor of their
Anniversary.
State Officers in attendance were
introduced: Ceres, Tammy Schaeffer; Treasurer, Henry Seidel;
Executive Comm. Member, Nettie Kauffman; Gatekeeper, Dick Mangel
and State Family Activities Director, Ginny Mangel, who each
gave a few remarks. Also in attendance was Libby Green, State
Family Activities Comm. for Region C, who traveled from
Northumberland to be with us.
We closed the evening program by
forming the Friendship Circle and singing “God Be With You”.
Everyone headed downstairs for a social hour of fellowship and
reminiscing the past by looking through the various scrapbooks,
photos and mementos on display. Light refreshments—birthday
cake, fruit and hot/cold drinks were served to the 70 people who
attended. Thanks again to everyone who helped make this
celebration a memorable event!