By Muriel Bristol | September 15, 2024
The National Grange (or the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry) “is a social organization in the United States that encourages families to band together to promote the economic and political well-being of the community and agriculture” (Wikipedia, 2024).
Milton had three subordinate or community Granges – the Lewis W. Nute Grange, No. 193, at Milton; the Pleasant Valley Grange, No. 272, at Milton Mills; and the Nute Ridge Grange, No. 316, at West Milton. These local community granges, and others, such as Rochester’s Rochester Grange, No. 86, Wakefield’s Lovell Union Grange, No. 178, Farmington’s Henry W. Wilson Grange, No. 205, and Middleton’s Reunion Grange, No. 303, were subordinates to (or parts of) the Eastern N.H. Pomona (or regional) grange. The various regional Pomona granges were parts of the NH State Grange.
Certain Grange offices, such as the “Three Graces,” i.e., the Ceres (representing grain), the Pomona (representing fruit), and the Flora (representing flowers), as well as the Lady Assistant Steward, were reserved for female Grange members. (See also Milton Delegate Bard B. Plummer (1846-1919) for a description of these Grange offices).
The Pleasant Valley Grange was formed in Milton Mills, on Wednesday, February 1, 1899, with twenty-two charter members. Its sequence number in the formation of local subordinate Granges was #272 (NH State Grange, 1899).
Pleasant Valley grange of Milton Mills has elected the following officers: Master, A.A. Fox; overseer, Daniel Philbrick; lecturer, John U. Simes; steward, Albert Wiggin; assistant steward, Rev. A.M. Markey; lady assistant steward, Mrs. Willis Reynolds; chaplain, Rev. E.W. Churchill; treasurer, Jennie Hanson; gate keeper, C.A. Treadwell; Pomona, Ruth Philbrick; Flora, Mrs. C.D. Fox; Ceres, Mrs. A.A. Fox; director, C.D. Fox; lady director, Mrs. Fox; organists, Helen Loud, Grace Loud (Farmington News, December 29, 1899).
NEWS OF THE STATE. Pleasant Valley Grange of Milton Mills is now connected with Eastern N.H. Pomona, ranking 27 granges now in its jurisdiction (Farmington News, May 11, 1900).
MILTON. Lewis W. Nute grange accepted an invitation to visit Pleasant Valley grange of Milton Mills to witness their installation of officers. Those who attended were well paid for their cold ride. After the exercises refreshments were served, and at a late hour the visitors reluctantly bade their entertainers goodnight and started on their homeward journey. As their progress was necessarily slow, owing to the badly drifted roads, the way was enlivened by the relating of numerous stories and all agreed that the driver bore off the palm as raconteur (Farmington News, February 12, 1904).
But for some reason, the Pleasant Valley Grange became inactive. The US Interstate Commerce Department, in its bulletin or report regarding “Information Concerning Commercial Organizations and Agricultural Associations,” listed the Pleasant Valley Grange, No. 272, as being “(Reported vacant).” It underwent a reorganization or reactivation in May 1909.
MILTON MILLS. Pleasant Valley grange is to be reorganized this week by a number of the old members. There are also several new members who intend to join it as soon as it is established again (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), May 14, 1909).
MILTON MILLS. Pleasant Valley grange was reorganized and officers elected Wednesday, May 5, by the State Secretary, Geo. R. Drake, and District Deputy Charles A. Wiggin, of Ossipee, assisted by Chas. Wentworth, of Union. Over forty came in as charter members, including many of those formerly members of the previous grange. The outlook is very bright at present for the new grange, as the new members as well as the old are much interested and ready to work for the welfare of the order (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), May 21, 1909).
MILTON MILLS. Chellis V. Smith came back to town for a day or two to assist in grange work. He is master of Pleasant Valley Grange, recently organized with a large membership (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), September 24, 1909).
PLEASANT VALLEY GRANGE. Milton Mills Has a Newly Organized But Active Grange. The official inspection of the Pleasant Valley grange at Milton Mills was held last Monday night, the inspection being done by Deputy Charles S. Wiggin of Ossipee Al the same meeting the third and fourth degrees were conferred on a class of ten candidates. The hall was very prettily decorated representing a true harvest scene. After the literary program a harvest supper was served. In addition to the members of the local grange, visitors were present from Lewis W. Nute grange in Milton. The grange at Milton Mills was organized May 5 of this year by Secretary Drake of the New Hampshire State Grange. The following officers were elected at that time and they are still serving their first term: Master, Chellis V. Smith; Overseer, Harry E. Wentworth; Steward, B Blaine Grant; Lecturer, Helen G. Foss; Asst. Lecturer, Mrs. Wm. Pinfold; Secretary, Lucia P. Fox; Treasurer, George E. Fox; Gatekeeper, John H. Roberts; Chaplain, Hattie Fox; Asst Steward, Wilbur G. Miller; Ceres, Mrs. Florence Hanson; Flora, Mrs. Walsh; Pomona, Myra Reynolds; Lady Asst. Steward, Mrs. Wilbur G. Miller. The deputy in his remarks complimented the grange very highly in regard to the success of the evening’s entertainment, the decorations and the excellent manner in which the degree work carried out; he also said that the grange, although one oi me youngest, was one of the best and most active granges in this section of the State (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), October 22, 1909).
MILTON MILLS. Last Sunday was observed as Memorial Sunday by services, at the M.E. church. Rev. O.H. Faunce addressed the members of the G.A.R. who, accompanied by the W.R.C. and Sons of Veterans, came up from Milton. The members of Miltonia lodge, I.O.O.F. were the escort, and Sunrise Rebekah lodge, together with the members of Pleasant Valley grange, formed a procession which filled the church to overflowing (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), June 17, 1910).
MILTON MILLS. Pleasant Valley grange held a public meeting Friday evening in Central hall. A large number was present to hear the speaker, Edgar F. Pitts (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), October 14, 1910).
MILTON MILLS. N.H. Socials were much in evidence Friday night, one being held by Pleasant Valley Grange at Fox Ridge and one in Central hall by the Knights of Pythians (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, September 15, 1911).
The Nute Ridge Grange was formed in West Milton, on Friday, October 13, 1911, with thirty charter members. Its sequence number in the formation of local subordinate Granges was #316. Its initial Grange Master was Edwin P. Tripp, its Lecturer was Mrs. Annie B. Gale, and its Secretary was Samuel Gale (NH State Grange, 1911).
MILTON MILLS. N.H. Pleasant Valley Grange is inspected this week by Deputy Weeks of Rochester (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, November 3, 1911).
ACTON. Miss Fannie Flint attended the harvest supper of Pleasant Valley Grange, Milton Mills, N.H., through the kindness of “Father Witham” (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), November 14, 1913).
Local. Eastern New Hampshire Pomona Grange will meet next month with Pleasant Valley Grange of Milton Mills (Farmington News, August 14, 1914).
MILTON MILLS. Installation of officers of Pleasant Valley Grange Wednesday evening. Albion G. Weeks of Rochester is the installing officer. The officers for the ensuing year are as follows: Master, Mrs. Florence N. Hanson; Overseer, Mrs. Sarah D.L. Jewett; Lecturer, Mrs. Carrie B. Walsh; Steward, Joseph Jenness; Chaplain, Mrs. Helen Jewett; A. Steward, George A. Buzzell; Secretary, Mrs. Lucia P. Fox; Treasurer, Wilbur G. Miller;. Gate Keeper, William Pinfold; Ceres, Mrs. Myrtil W. Miller; Pomona, Mrs. Myra Wiggin; Flora, Miss Vivian Weeks; L.A. Steward, Mrs. Lovey A.D. Buzzell. Oyster Stew, cake and coffee will be served and a largo attendance is desired (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), January 21, 1916).
Union. Reunion Grange, No. 303, held its regular meeting at Grange hall, Monday evening, at which time the new officers were installed by Winfield Chase, of Wakefield, assisted by Miss Wiggin and Miss Dow of Ossipee Mt. Grange. Mr. Chase delivered his work in a very impressive manner and the tableaux by three young girls added to the beauty of the work. Eleven members from Pleasant Valley Grange were present; four from Ossipee Mt. and four from Lovell Union Grange. A fine program was presented by Miss Ruth Wentworth, lecturer, and remarks were made by several visitors. A banquet followed the work. Everyone anticipates a year of good work for 1917 (Farmington News, January 12, 1917).
A planned meeting of the Eastern New Hampshire Pomona Grange was cancelled due to the prevailing Spanish Flu epidemic.
LOCAL. Owing to the prevailing illness, the meeting of Eastern New Hampshire Pomona Grange announced to be held with Pleasant Valley Grange at Milton Mills, October 17, is indefinitely postponed (Farmington News, October 11, 1918).
CARD OF THANKS. We wish to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for the many 1 kindnesses extended to wife and mother by our many many friends, also to Pleasant Valley Grange for the shower of post cards during her stay at the hospital, and for the kindnesses on leaving the hospital, also after her return home for the many acts and words of love from our neighbors and friends in our recent bereavement and the beautiful floral tribute. May the dear Lord bless every one. WILBUR G. MILLER. HARRY E. MILLER (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), June 1, 1922).
Rochester, N.H. Eastern New Hampshire Pomona Grange will observe Fast Day with its regular monthly session with Pleasant Valley Grange in Milton Mills and there will be afternoon and evening sessions. There will be a public session at 2.30 in charge of the lecturer, Mrs. Grace Hurd, and the following program has been arranged: Original greeting song, Pleasant Valley patrons; invocation Rev. Carle Bartele, pastor of the Free Baptist Church; response, Charles S.W. Varney of this city, treasurer of the New Hampshire State Grange; address, Hon. Huntley N. Spaulding of this city, chairman of the State Board of Education; vocal solo, Miss Ruth Hanson of this city; one-act farce, Three of a Kind, L.N.L. Club of the First Methodist Church Sunday School of this city under the direction of Mrs. Matilda Varney, past Flora of the Pomona Grange; address, Boys and Girls, Our Greatest Assets; Burt R. Cooper, Esq., of this city; special feature, Mrs. Ida May Coburn of Milton; Cornucopia, Mrs. Carrie Ricker, chaplain of the Pomona Grange; closing song, Pleasant Valley Patrons. Following a supper there will be a closed session at 7.30 when the officers of the Pomona Grange with Leo H. Corson as Master will conduct the business of the evening and confer the fifth degree upon a class of candidates (Portland Evening Express, April 20, 1926).
EAST LEBANON (Little River). At the regular meeting of Riverside Grange next Saturday evening the third and fourth degrees will be conferred on a class of candidates and the deputy will be present. Pleasant Valley Grange at Milton Mills, N.H., and Lebanon Grange have been invited (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), June 14, 1928).
NORTH SACO DELEGATES APPOINTED. … Delegates just appointed from Alfred Grange include Mrs. Helen Evans and Mrs. Theresa Wentworth. Pleasant Valley Grange of Milton Mills and Acton has appointed William F. Lasky and Wilbur G. Miller. From the various communities of the county thus far there have been appointed a total of 30 delegates to the institute and 60 can be accommodated (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), September 1, 1932).
MILTON MILLS. The regular meeting of Pleasant Valley Grange, No 272, was held last Wednesday evening with Worthy Master Augusta Henderson In the chair. The Grange has been invited to work one of the degrees at the State Grange to be held In Rochester In December (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), October 28, 1937).
MILTON MILLS. By Alfred V. Lewis. Pleasant Valley Grange, No. 272, elected the following officers for the coming year: Mrs. Rosamond Pike, master; Mrs. Gertrude Horne, overseer; Mrs. Eva Marsh, lecturer; Mrs. Katherine Marsh, chaplain; Mrs. Mattie Evans, treasurer; Mrs. Florence Hanson, secretary; Mrs. Annie Hersom, steward; Chester Stevens, assistant steward; Mrs. Thelma Tibbetts, lady assistant steward; Philip Pike, gate keeper; Mrs. Augusta Henderson, member of executive committee; Mrs. Dorothy Miller, Pomona; Mrs. Evelyn Evans, Ceres; and Mrs. Louise Stevens, Flora. Officers are to be installed at Milton in a joint Installation with the Lewis W. Nute Grange at the first meeting in January. The degree team of the Grange worked the first degree before the New Hampshire State Grange in Rochester last Wednesday and received many compliments as to the manner in which it was done (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), December 23, 1937).
MILTON MILLS. By Alfred W. Lewis. Pleasant Valley Grange held its regular meeting Wednesday evening. The lecturer’s program was based on St. Patrick’s Day. The members were invited to attend neighbors’ night Saturday at Rochester (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), March 24, 1938).
MILTON MILLS. By Alfred W. Lewis. Pleasant Valley Grange attended services at the Baptist Church Sunday. The worthy master, Harold Roberts, read a poem dedicated to the late Past Worthy Master William Laskey. Music was by the senior and junior choirs. The pastor, Rev. J.W. Curie, took for his topic, “The Belated Preacher” (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), July 4, 1940).
MILTON MILLS. By Alfred W. Lewis. At the regular meeting of Pleasant Valley Grange, No. 272, Jan. 1, the following officers were installed by Deputy Maurice Daniels and staff of Rochester: Master, James W. Currie; overseer, Pauline Farnham; chaplain, Katherine Marsh; lecturer, Wilbur G. Miller; steward, Eva Marsh; assistant steward, Clifton Hersom; lady assistant steward, Mildred Valley; gatekeeper Elizabeth Miller; secretary, Gertrude Horne; treasurer, Maud Laskey; Flora, Helen Wentworth; Pomona, Margaret Comeau; Ceres, Ruth Winchell, and executive committee, Augusta Henderson. A supper was served (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), January 9, 1941).
MILTON MILLS. Eastern New Hampshire Pomona Grange met with Pleasant Valley Grange, No [2]72, last Thursday. At the open meeting in the afternoon George E Carmichael gave the address (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), December 11, 1941).
MILTON MILLS. Grange Memorial Service. Pleasant Valley Grange held a memorial service June 3, the lecturer putting on a program of music, readings and tableau, closing with a candlelight service. Ten candles representing 10 departed members were extinguished as each name was read (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), June 11, 1942).
MEETING OF EASTERN N.H. POMONA GRANGE. Eastern N.H. Pomona Grange, No. 2, will meet at Milton Mills on Thursday, March 20, with members of Pleasant Valley Grange as hosts. Supper will be served at 5.30 o’clock. A closed session will be called promptly at 7 p.m. by Master Gideon Marcoux. A very fine program will be presented by the lecturer, Alice Brock, at 8.30 (Farmington News, March 14, 1947).
Skit Presented At Pleasant Valley Grange Meeting. An invitation to attend a neighborhood meeting of Pleasant Valley Grange at Milton Mills, N.H., May 7, was accepted by the Mousam Lake Grange at its Saturday evening meeting. Plans were made to attend a union meeting with Lebanon Apr. 26 and four applications for membership were received. Following the business meeting a skit was presented by George and Mary Driscoll, followed by a jelly bean scramble won by Mr. Driscoll. Another skit, “Buying a Piece of Pie,” was presented by Jessie Mann and Dorothy Stevens. Easter hats were trimmed by Dorothy Smith, Edith Littlefield, Mary Driscoll, Jessie Mann and Marilyn Ridley, with models George Driscoll, Carlton Hyde, Mr. Sinclair, Clyde Nann and Edward Laferty. Mr. Hyde was awarded first prize. Eight Granges were represented at this meeting, including Saco, Bauneg Beg, Beaver Dam, Alfred, Maplewood, East Rochester, Milton Mills and Stoneham, Mass. (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), April 17, 1952).
MILTON MILLS. Pleasant Valley Grange. At Pleasant Valley Grange Wednesday evening the home and community welfare committee presented a program in honor of Independence Day, with Mrs. Harry E. Miller in charge. Mrs. Miller read an essay written by her daughter, Mrs. John Hall of Berwick, Me. John Oaks read a poem on July 4th and Mrs. Louise Stevens’ rendered violin solos (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), July 9, 1953).
MILTON MILLS. By Alfred W. Lewis. Pleasant Valley Grange Fair was very successful. The members served a lunch at noon and had a dance in the evening (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), October 7, 1954).
MILTON MILLS. By Alfred W. Lewis. Pleasant Valley Grange will serve a baked bean supper Friday evening at 5:30 o’clock (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), August 1, 1955).
MILTON. Pleasant Valley Grange has named committees for the annual fair on Oct. 14 (Farmington News, September 29, 1955).
Milton Mills. BY ALFRED W. LEWIS. Grange Penny Sale. Pleasant Valley Grange will have a penny sale at the close of the regular meeting Mar. 7. Deputy Estes will be present. Third and fourth degrees are to be worked at that time (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), February 23, 1956).
Milton Mills. BY MRS. ALFRED LEWIS. Grange News. Pleasant Valley Grange met Wednesday evening last week with Master Rosamond Pike in charge of refreshments. Plans were made for conferring the first degree on Feb. 16. The Home Economics Committee will be in charge of the penny sale. All members are urged to bring articles for the sale (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), February 10, 1966).
Milton Mills. BY MRS. BESSIE LEWIS. Pleasant Valley Grange met Wednesday evening last week with 21 members and a guest present. Maude Laskey was honored as a senior citizen. Louise Stevens played selections on her violin. The overseer read “This Is Your Life.” A duet was sung by the master and treasurer. A corsage and money were presented to Maude, gifts from the members (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), March 23, 1967).
Milton Mills. BY MRS. ALFRED LEWIS. Grange. Pleasant Valley Grange met Wednesday evening with 15 members present. The chairman of the Home Economics Committee reported that she had received $2 from the State Grange for her best report, also a balance of $25.75 left over from last year’s earnings. It was voted for her to keep the money for this year’s projects. An invitation was received from Louis Nute Grange of Milton to help them celebrate their 75th anniversary on Jan. 29. The program was a piano solo, a game and several readings by the members (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), January 25, 1968).
Milton Mills. BY MRS. ALFRED LEWIS. Pleasant Valley Grange #272 met Wednesday evening of last week with 13 members present. It was a surprise to have present Steven Libbey who has been in Vietnam and is the son of the worthy master. His brother Roger, also present, is stationed at Otis Air Base. Deputy Bernard Nason make his official visit on Feb. 19. The woman’s activity committee will donate to the Educational Loan Fund. The Grange voted to enter the Grange contest. The program was as follows: “The Grange Officer’s Creed” repeated by all; poems “Future Growth” and “Winter Moon,” “January Calender of Events” and “New Year Customs.” Apple pie, ice cream and coffee were served by the worthy master after the meeting (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), January 23, 1969).
Milton Mills. BY MRS. ALFRED LEWIS. Pleasant Valley Grange. Pleasant Valley Grange met last week Wednesday evening. Balloting was done on the applications of Jonnie and Philip Dionne. The Grange will work the first degree for them on Jan. 7. The Worthy Master installed Sister Hanley as Lecturer. The program was the singing of Christmas carols, poems, “Christmas Candle” by Sister Witham and “The Choir Boy” by Sister Miller. Gifts were exchanged and lunch was served after the meeting (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), December 18, 1969).
Milton Mills. BY MRS. ALFRED LEWIS. Those members of Pleasant Valley Grange who attended the three-point program at Lewis Nute Grange in Milton were Mr. and Mrs. Louis Young, Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Libbey and son Roger, Dorothy Miller, Leah Willey, Minnie Wilkins, Mae Bolton, Agnes Hanley and Tricia Libbey (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), February 5, 1970).
Grange Plans Open House. Pleasant Valley Grange No 272 held its regular meeting Wednesday evening with a good attendance. It was suggested senior citizens of the community be remembered on their birthdays. Several reports were given by various officers and committees. Dorothy Young announced the requirements for the annual sewing contest and distributed pamphlets. The master, Patricia Libby, appointed the following dues committee: Maude Laskey, Tricia Libby, Dorothy Miller and Phyllis Morrill. The next meeting, Feb. 17, will be open house at the Grange with the business meeting to be held at 7:30 p.m. The open house will be at 8 p.m. with a special program being planned. The public is cordially invited to attend. The lecturer, Agnes Hanley, presented the following literary program: a song, “A Song of Peace” by the Grange; a reading, “Calvin Coolidge: Just Thinking’’ by Margaret Witham; a poem, “Another February Birthday” by Dorothy Young; a reading, “How to Enrage the New Woman” by Robert Lumbard; a reading, “George Washington Carver’s Light Comments” by Dorothy Miller; a valentine dart game was won by Judy Ferris’ team. Refreshments were served after the business meeting by Dorothy Miller (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), February 11, 1971).
PLEASANT VALLEY GRANGE. MILTON MILLS – Pleasant Valley Grange, No. 272, held their regular meeting March 18, with 16 members present. Worthy Master Betty Lacouture presided. The charter was draped in loving memory of brother Ralph Laskey and sister Ingeborg Townsend. … (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), April 8, 1981).
Community Notes. PLEASANT VALLEY GRANGE. MILTON MILLS – Pleasant Valley Grange, No. 272, held their regular meeting March 18, with 16 members present. Worthy Master Betty Lacouture presided. The charter was draped in loving memory of brother Ralph Laskey and sister Ingeborg Townsend. The lecturer’s program started with a quick game of “Pass the Bloomers.” This game was to help loosen up the members before demonstrating their talent for talent night. David Gibbs, Kelly Charron, Elaine Mee and Richard Schenk got stuck holding the bag of bloomers, and all of them being good sports, gladly modeled the bloomers for all to see. For the Talent part of the program Jean Gibbs recited a -poem entitled ‘Dreams.’ Michael Frampton wiggled his ears without using his hands; Phyllis Morrill named all of the Counties in the State of Maine, and all of the towns in the York County area, along with reciting a poem which she had learned when she was in the second grade; Elaine Mee recited comical folk; and Louis Young showed a magic trick by cutting his thumb off! The talent show ended with a trio consisting of Betty Lacouture, Paul Lord and Stella Wagner. They dressed as old formers and sang “Old MacDonald Had A Farm,” followed by Hee Haw’s tune “Where O Where are you tonight!” After the meeting a box lunch auction was held with Elaine Mee Auctioneer. The women of the Grange prepared a box lunch for two and wrapped it in a box. The man who bought the lunch had to sit with the woman who prepare[d] the lunch. All enjoyed the lunch (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), April 8, 1981).
The proportion of people engaged or employed largely in agriculture has declined nationally over time, from about one-third of the population at the start of the Twentieth Century to less than 2% today. National Grange membership and activity has declined also over that time. Ending the Grange’s insurance benefit society functions in or around 1992 seems to have accelerated the decline (Wikipedia, 2024).
It is difficult to say exactly how long the Pleasant Valley Grange persisted. Newspapers made fewer and fewer reports of its meetings and activities, either because there were fewer of them or because there was less newspaper interest in them.
Eventually, newspaper mentions of the Pleasant Valley Grange came largely in obituaries, in which the recently deceased were said to have been members during their lifetime.
For example, Dorothy H. Miller, who died in 1985, was a 50-year member; Evelyn Palmer, who died in 1987, was a former member; Maude Laskey, who died in 1988, was a 79-year member and a past Master; Mildred E. Laskey, who died in 1989, was a member for more than 50 years; Louis A. Young, who died in 1990, was a member and past Secretary; John M. Pearce, who died in 1993, was a member; Crosby Laskey, who died in 1994, was a lifelong member; Betty F. Morrill, who died in 1996, was a member; Kenneth M. Laskey, who died in 1998, was a member since 1929; Mary E. Scott, who died in 1998, was a member; and Elsie E. Koerner, who died in 2004, was a member.
The last newspaper mentions found of active Pleasant Valley Grange members had them exhibiting at the Acton Fair, as recently as 2009.
Acton Fair ready for crowds. By TAMMY WELLS, Staff Writer. ACTON – Rodney Shain cast a eye over the Grange exhibits at Acton Fair Wednesday as his wife Judie clutched a clipboard with the list of attributes they were to be judged upon. Shain, a farmer for 42 years, is this year’s judge of the Grange displays and vegetables in the exhibition hall Acton air ready for crowds. This year’s growing season hasn’t been the best for local fanners and gardeners but despite seemingly constant rains in June and July entrants still picked the best examples of their crop in the quest for a blue ribbon at York County’s only agricultural fair. ‘There’s a lot of pride involved” said Shain of the farmers’ and gardeners’ efforts. As he carefully looked over the vegetables, Shain said he’s taking the difficult year for growing into consideration. “I try to look at the positives,” he said. The York County Agricultural Association has been hosting the Acton Fair for 144 years. The fair opened this morning at 9 a.m. and runs through Sunday afternoon. Shain, who operates a farm stand on Grammar Road in Sanford, judges the vegetables this way: “I look with the idea ‘Would I put this on my farm stand?’” he said of the vegetables on display – There were two Grange exhibits to view – Bauneg Beg Grange of North Berwick and Pleasant Valley Grange of Milton Mills, N.H. Grange entries are judged on the quality of the produce, the quantity displayed, the general appearance of the exhibit, the arrangement itself and neatness and orderliness. Displays must include a Bible and a flag. The Pleasant Valley Grange exhibit was done up with a red and white gingham background, and contained displays of colorful gladioli, fresh vegetables, mason jars of pickles and preserves and was trimmed at the sides with green comstalks. “I bet this is Silver Queen,” said Shain, as he examined the stalks. Bauneg Beg Grange’s exhibit contained examples of farm yields from walnuts to eggs, com and tomatoes to herbs, jars of preserved vegetables and fruits and bore the slogan, “The Lord provides a bountiful harvest.” On Wednesday afternoon, farmers were bringing in their animals and vendors were setting up getting ready for this morning’s opening. From today through Sunday, fair-goers can take in a number of agricultural exhibits from llama showmanship to a llama costume parade, to draft horse, pony and mule exhibitions to 4-H events like dairy showmanship. The midway, operated by Fiesta Shows, opens at noon each of the four fair days. Tonight at 7:30 p.m. folks can take in the Kid Farmer Olympics, aimed at those 15 years old and younger. On Friday, the day when senior citizens will be admitted for $2 until 4 p.m., among the offerings are steer and ox pulling events starting at 9:30 a.m. dairy judging and milking demonstrations. At 8 p.m., Miss Acton Fair will be crowned. Saturday’s events include a grand parade at 9:45 a.m., rabbit judging horse pulling, various 4-H events, like goat and sheep showmanship, a chocolate chip cookie contest, hay contest, Adult Farmers Olympics and more. An interdenominational church service is set for 8:30 a.m. Sunday followed by events that include a farmer’s lawnmower rodeo and the popular noontime pig scramble. At 1 p.m. Sunday, there is an antique tractor pull followed by a pedal tractor pull at 2 p.m. As well as the midway and fair food – from fish and chips to Sanford Springvale Rotary Club’s chicken livers to fried dough mouth-puckering lemonade and sausage sandwiches – several entertainers are on tap. They include the Donahue Children’s singers, an escapologist, a magic and mirrors performance and a ventriloquist. Country singer Kayla Wass of Hampden is scheduled to perform at 3 p.m. Saturday and The Maine Hysterical Society featuring Downeast humorists Randy Judkins, Barney Martin and Steve Underwood will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday (Sanford Journal-Tribune (Biddeford, ME), August 27, 2009).
References:
David R. Haine Real Estate. (2024). 1 Jug Hill Road. Retrieved from www.davidrhainerealestate.com/listing/4709667/1-jug-hill-road-milton-nh-03852/
Logan Banx. (2022). A Converted Grange Hall in Milton Mills, NH. Retrieved from loganbanx.com/realestate/2022/2/23/a-converted-grange-hall-in-milton-mills-nh-330000
NH State Grange. (1892). Journal of Proceedings of the New Hampshire State Grange. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=nmkkAQAAMAAJ&pg=RA5-PA34
NH State Grange. (1899). Journal of Proceedings of the New Hampshire State Grange. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=rRY1AQAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA35
NH State Grange. (1911). Journal of Proceedings of the New Hampshire State Grange. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=NxQ1AQAAMAAJ&pg=RA4-PA39
Wikipedia. (2024, April 2). National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Grange_of_the_Order_of_Patrons_of_Husbandry
Milton Observer 