Page 2 - Copake Granger Newsletter

The Grange Movement in America

In 1866, after the Civil War, President Andrew Johnson sent
Oliver H. Kelly to the South, to survey the damage to the
farms.Though a “Yankee” by birth, Kelly was able to
communicate with Southerners because of his membership in
the Masons, a fraternal organization.

Kelly returned north with the goal of developing a national
organization similar to the Masons but with advancement of
agriculture as a common shared goal that would unify farmers.

On December 4, 1867, the Order of the Patrons of Husbandry
was founded.

A Perspective on the Copake Grange

Husbandry?

No, it’s not about being a good spouse. The Grange had its origin right after the Civil War. Over the past
The dictionary definition is: year and a half, we have worked hard in reviving the Grange here
in Copake. In doing so we have remained true to the core
The care, cultivation, and breeding of principles of this civic organization. We welcome everyone and
crops and animals we are non-partisan. We come together because we share a
Synonyms: common goal - we want to save this historic hall, and we all want
to work for the good of Copake and the Roe Jan area.
● farm management
When we were visited last year by the head of the NYS Grange,
● farming, agriculture
Steven Coye, he told us about the history of the Grange, and
● land management
pointed out its relevance in the current climate in our society.
● Agronomy
● Agronomics In a time when, once again, our country is divided and polarized,
● Agribusiness, cultivation, tillage; this is a bit of an experiment. Can people from diverse
animal husbandry backgrounds, and of diverse beliefs work together for a common
goal?
So far the answer is a resounding “yes.” As members we do not
just tolerate each other; we enjoy each other and we have a lot of
fun.
And we think that this is good for Copake, and for the Roeliff
Jansen community.
We hope you will consider joining us.
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