Reopened and Ready to Serve the Community
     From Mike Cotton, The Merrimack Valley Voice

The roots of the local Riverhill Grange run deep - back to 1935 when Mrs. Chelsey installed the first officers. The local chapter began with 31 charter members and secured the clear deed to their building around 1946. The Grange Hall is still located at 32 Horsehill Road in Penacook.

The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, now commonly referred to as the Grange, was founded in 1867 at the conclusion of the Civil War. It began as a fraternal organization for farmers that encouraged farm families to band together for their political and economical well-being. The Grange was a very progressive thinking group for that time in that they allowed women and teenagers to be equal members (four of the 16 elected positions must be held by women).

The group proved to be a formidable lobbyist in that they were instrumental in regulating the railroads and grain warehouses. Other causes supported by the Grange were the direct election of Senators and women’s suffrage. Susan B. Anthony’s last public appearance was at the National Grange Convention. In the 1890’s, the Grange lost a large portion of their membership to the Farmer’s Alliance, which eventually merged with the Democratic Party. During that time, political parties began to take up the causes of the Grange so local Granges turned their focus toward community service. The National and State Granges remained a political force. As the number of American farmers declined, Grange membership also decreased.

The Grange is nonpartisan and supports policies rather than political parties or candidates. The National Grange mission statement is

“The Grange provides opportunities for individuals and families to develop to their highest potential in order to build stronger communities and states, as well as a stronger nation.”

The local Grange chapter saw a period of inactivity during the early 2000’s and experienced a small renewal in 2004. After a successful membership drive in 2005, the Grange’s revitalization culminated with the induction of a new board and executive committee on August 11, 2009.

Current elected officers are:

	President:	Sonny Hunt
	Vice President:	Michelle French-Labrecque
	Secretary:	Trisha Reilly
	Treasurer:	Fran Hunt

Other officers and an executive committee of five assist the officers. Current executive committtee members include: Deb Sieradski, Peter Dodge, and Dotty Dodge.

Membership is open to anyone interested in promoting and supporting the grange through their involvement in the group. Membership forms may be obtained by contacting the Grange.

The governing group believes that the schoolhouse turned Grange Hall is historically important to the community and is striving to keep the building available for community activities. The Grange Hall may be rented by the public for private use although they are still in the planning stages regarding fee structure. They do state that it will be a very affordable alternative for gatherings. The rental fees will go towards offsetting the maintenance of the building and utility expense. Contact Deb Sieradski at 753-2603 for scheduling information.

Membership forms and additional information are available by email to rivershillgrage346@yahoo.com.