Page 1 - Changing Granger

The Changing Granger
Copake, New York — September 14, 2019 — 8 pages of our 2 cents
The Copake Grange: A Grand Tradition
On October 17, 1902, 63 Copake residents met to discuss joining the National Grange movement and establishing a local "subordinate" Grange in town. In its first official meeting, on October 24, 1902, over 80 charter members were initiated as inductees of the new "Copake Grange #935."
At an early meeting, the new members voted to build Grange Hall on land given by Mrs. Carrie B. Langdon and her mother, Mrs. Charity Ann Snyder. The new Grange hall cost $2,400, which in today’s dollars is $69,973. The first meeting in the new building was held on September 9, 1903, almost 116 years ago to the day!
Among its many achievements, the Copake Grange supported the New York State Grange in sponsoring an Agricultural College at Cornell University, establishing the Dairymen's League Cooperative Association and The Farm Bureau. The Copake Grange supported the founding of the Copake Boy Scout troop and the Copake Fire Department, and sponsored two local basketball teams.
The Copake Grange maintained, in the Grange Hall, a public lending library. During World War II, the Grange raised funds to send ambulances to France, purchased war bonds, and gave free use of the hall to the Red Cross and other civic organizations in support of the war effort.
Today, the Copake Grange continues its commitment to the Roe Jan community. Grange Hall’s doors are open and welcoming to members and friends alike.
Copake Grangers are Dancing Again
The Ice Cream Social and Square Dance held on September 14, 2019 recalls Grange events from long ago. In 1943, some young-on-their-feet Grangers were winners on the dance floor.
Left to right: James Fuller, Marjorie Porter, Howard McGhee, Isabelle Shadic, John Knox, Myra Knox, Henry Rothvoss, Shirley Knox. Not pictured here: “Pop” Sweet, Caller.
These dancers won a competition in Claverack and went on to compete in Philadelphia. How well they fared there is not clear but on their return trip to Copake, they had the honor of dancing in Macy’s window in New York City. The purpose of all these dance activities was to raise money for War Bonds.
The dancers at the September 14th event may not be as talented as those of long ago but they are doing a similar good deed. Proceeds from the Ice Cream Social and Square Dance will be used to support the Grange and maintain Grange Hall.
Yes, The Grange is Non-Partisan
Since 1867, the National Grange has maintained a tradition of non-partisanship. The Grange does not endorse political candidates or contribute to election campaigns. And, as it says in its brochure:
It does not seek favor with public officials by showering them, or their staffs, with expensive meals, gifts or trips.
The Grange is the only major national farm or rural affairs organization that does not have a Political Action Committee.
The Copake Grange membership
100
hits a new high -
100 members!