History of Danville Junction Grange #65 (1874-1974)
Compiled by one of the daughters of the late Charles
Stairbird of Danville, Maine 


Contributed by Danville Jct Grange # 65 and the
Androscoggin Historical Society
http://www.rootsweb.com/~meandrhs Copyright.  All
rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm

On the cold and frosty evening of December 5, 1874,
under a blanket of stars and a silvery moon which
shone on snow-topped roofs and fields., a procession
of people from Danville and her out-lying farms
could be seen winding its way to the old schoolhouse
on the hill. Some trudged on foot, others rode in
horse-drawn sleighs, but each person moved with
resolve and purpose, and that purpose was to
organize a grange. Two gentlemen from Poland Grange,
Worthy Master Charles H. Cobb and Worthy Lecturer
Hiram Waterhouse., met with them as organizing
officers. After receiving instructions, the thirty
members present, namely: Jeremiah Stinchfield, James
Hicks) Leonard Hicks,, P.M. Austin,, Charles
Thurston, Daniel Field., William Robinson, Judyer
Robinson, Eldridge Robinson, Charles Robinson,
Jonathon Flagg, James Ford, Benjamin Ware, Frederick
Goss, Dyer Goss, Orville Swett, N.H. Hood, George
Woodbury, George Arris, Moses Fitz, Addie Swett,
Christina Goss, Ada Bane, Hannah Fitz,, Sarah E.
Thurston, Hannah Field, Hattie Robinson, Almeada
Flagg., and Louise Ware, paid their dues and elected
officers with Jeremiah Stinchfield being elected
first Master. Other officers elected that evening
were: Daniel Field Overseer Moses Fitz
Secretary Charles Thurston Lecturer P.M. Austin 
Gatekeeper Judyer Robinson Steward Ada Bane
Ceres James Ford Asst. Steward Hannah Fitz
Pomona William Robinson Chaplin Sarah
Thurston Flora Leonard Hicks Treasurer
Hattie Robinson Lady Asst. Steward The signs,
salutations, and passwords were given, and the first
meeting of Danville Junction Grange No. 65 was
adjourned. The Grange was a logical step for the
community. Since the coming of two railroads in
1848, the Androscoggin and Kennebec (later the Maine
Central line), and the Atlantic and St. Lawrence
(later the Grand Trunk), Danville had become an enterprising community, and a fairly busy
trading center, with a grist mill and several brickyards. Such an
environment naturally attracted progressive citizens, and the
desirability of a broader range of social contact had become apparent.
 
The infant Grange was ambitious and very concerned with community
welfare. At its fifth meeting, the members voted to send to Washington
for books to be used in establishing a public library, which existed for
many years in Danville.
 
Our first Grange members were aware of the advantages of co-operative
buying and selling., and in the spring of 1875 they voted to buy grain
and groceries in large amounts for resale to the members. Because this
proved to be such a saving for the members,, the demand for these
commodities grew and in December of that year the Grange voted to build a storehouse. As soon as funds became available, a small store was built and
the grain and grocery co-op was carried on for some years. Then in 1887
a vote was taken to sell the store for $100 and the goods were auctioned
off to the Grange members.
 
The new Grange was fortunate in having quarters in the hall over
Danville's early schoolhouse. For the first twenty-four years these
quarters, though cramped, served as the Grange home. During much of this
time, however., the idea of building a permanent meeting place was often
considered. Finally the school attendance became so great that it became
necessary to utilize the upper hall in the school as classrooms. After
much deliberation by the Grange members, the present lot was selected as
the building site and a hall was built. The total cost of the hall,
including the lot, was $1,923.45. On January 20, 1898, the Grange hall
was dedicated during one of the worst snow storms of the winter. The
storm was so fierce that some members lost their way in returning home .
 
Now that the Grange had a permanent home., it also needed
a large stable for the Patrons' horses. Accordingly one was
built, and after this had been paid for an addition to the rear
of the hall was erected, housing the present stage and kitchen
areas.
 
As the years rolled on., and the country entered the age of the
automobile, it became unnecessary to maintain a large stable, as
more and more patrons began driving "horseless carriages". The
question of what to do with the old stable., now in a sad state of
disrepair, became a thorn in the side of the Grange. Finally a
solution was found. Brother Burnham, then Master of Danville
Junction Grange, offered to buy half of the building. On acceptance
of this offer, Mr. Burnham moved his half of the stable onto a
nearby lot and converted it into a house. This house is now owned by
Ervin and Flo Webber. The remaining half of the stable was repaired
and adequately met all equine needs.
 
In 1923 Danville Junction Grange voted to add to the comfort
and modernization of the hall by installing a wood furnace. But
unforeseen difficulties sprang up. It soon became all too
apparent to the shivering admirers that the furnace just did not
work. One committee after another was sent to the A.L. & E.F.
Goss Co., from whom the furnace had been purchased, but to no
avail. Finally two Grange members were able to discover the
problem, with help from the Portland Stove Foundry, and the
furnace was repaired.
 
In 1932 an ambitious and able group of Grange women organized
a Ladies Degree Team with Sister Edith Ingersoll as first Master.
Sister Lydia Edwards was the second Master and Sister Gladys
Mooney was the final Master, holding that post for almost twenty
years. Regalia and special costumes were purchased., and an
auxiliary organized and trained. Their work was done to such a
degree of perfection that the team became widelyknown and admired. However, due to lack of time and conflicting
interests many years later., the Ladies Degree Team was
dissolved. In actuality" this had been Danville Junction Grange's
second Ladies Degree Team., the first having been organized in
1915 by Sister Annie Gray. Unlike the second team, the first
never was firmly established, and existed for only a short time.
 
The Juvenile Grange was the first organized youth movement in
the nation, and on May 13, 1939, Danville's own Juvenile Grange was
organized with Sister Annie Woodbury as Matron. There were thirty-
two charter members enrolled at that time, namely: Beverly Gilbert,
Annette Morin, Joyce Olson, Lucille Levesque, Yvette Levesque,
Mildred Bickford, Virginia Parsons, Phyllis Peaco, Shirley Gilbert,
Lorraine Hicks., Lillian Burns, Madeline Goding, Ann Small, William
Small., John Hicks., Jr., Roger Pearl Stanley Pearl, Harold Parker,
James Keene., Ellery Keene, Kenneth Thurston, Lewis Thurston,
Cedelle Goulding, James Goulding, Harold Coolidge, Richard Mooney..
Francis Mooney, Madolyn Redmun., Janice White,, Lilian Bickford.,
Effie Coolidge, and Alvin Gilbert. The following officers were
elected for that year:

 Alvin Gilbert Master Ann Small Secretary
 Stanley Pearl Overseer Harold Parker Gatekeeper
 Janice White Lecturer Mildred Bickford Ceres
 James Keene Steward Annette Morin Pomona
 John Hicks, Jr. Asst. Steward Lorraine Hicks Flora
 Lillian Bickford Chaplin Joyce Olson Lady 
 Asst. Steward
 William Small Treasurer

A total of eight meetings were held that first year.
 
Danville Junction Grange was also aware of the religious
needs within the youth group,, and had a large part in organizing
the present Sunday School at Danville Union
The 1930's, 1940's and 1950's were very active years for Danville
Junction Grange. Minstrel shows, dances., and card parties were held often, providing a source of both pleasure and income. Dramas were performed
by the Grange, often preceeded by a supper and then dancing to 
round out the evening. Many other granges also used our hall for their own 
shows.
 
During the war years, the Grange supported the war effort by
buying several War Bonds, making donations to the Red Cross.,
conducting first aid classes, and holding monthly card parties at
members' homes to benefit those in the service. Boxes were sent to
our friends in uniform on various occasions and proved very
welcome. It was voted by the Grange to draw up an Honor Roll
bearing the names of all Grange and community members having
served their country. The Honor Roll was framed by Emil Vezina and
erected on Grange property, and was dedicated on April 24, 1943.
 
The new Juvenile Grange was also busy at this time. Our
first Youth Degree Team was organized in the 1940's by Sister
Gladys Mooney, and the work was much enjoyed.
 
It was decided by the Grange members that incorporation
papers should be drawn tip for the good of the Grange, and on May
27, 1954, Danville Junction Grange was declared incorporated.
 
During many of its active years, the Juvenile Grange held
some of its meetings and social events in the old Library
building located beside the Grange hall. After the smoking room
downstairs in the hall had been converted into a Juvenile room.,
the Library building was empty for many years. In 1962 the
Danville Library Association sold the building to Auctioneer Rene
Lavoie for $30, and donated this money to the Grange.
 
In the fall of that year, the Home Economics Committee
established a fund for the purchase of a new refrigerator for
the kitchen. Various projects were undertaken to raise money,
and the new refrigerator was bought that December.
Also in 1962, Danville Junction Grange voted to enter the Grange Community Service Contest. One of the community projects the Orange
supported was the organization of the Danville Volunteer Fire
Department. For this and other community efforts,, the Grange was
awarded a plaque and a $50 bond. Encouraged by this recognition of
their labors, the Grange decided to enter the contest for 1963, and
for the second time received the $50 bond.
 
More improvements were made on the hall during the 1960's A
new oil furnace was installed in the summer of 1963, replacing the
old wood-burning giant downstairs in the hall, and two of the
three wood stoves in the building were sold. At the meeting of
October 24, 1963, Brother Herbert McAlister reported finding water
near the Grange hall. This was a most important find for the
Grange because prior to this time water had to be carried to the
ball. A Committee was organized on the water project, a well was
dug, and in July of 1964, it was reported that water was running in
the sink. A donation of $250 was received during this time from
the Danville Evening Extension group and was placed in the
building fund. Bathrooms and fire escape were also installed.
 
In 1965 a vote was taken among all granges to change the name
of "Juvenile" Grange to "Junior" Grange. Although our delegate
voted against it, the name was officially changed to Junior Grange.
 
In 1969 Danville Junction Grange entered the "Pride in Maine"
contest and won second prize, which was $125.00 Our Deputy,
Charles Gibbs, won $75 as hie share of the prize., and this money
he kindly donated to us.
 
It was during 1969 that the Danville playground area was
established, and it was voted to let the children use the Grange
facilities for this purpose. Worthy Master Dwight Tripp., working
with Mr. Norris Ingersoll of the Auburn Parks and Recreation
Department, was responsible for bringing a playground to Danville.
The entire community, especially the children, will always be grateful for Worthy Master Tripp's contribution.
 
The Orange voted to again enter the "Pride of Maine" contest.
Projects completed for the 1970 contest were the erection of three
school bus shelters, a skating rink, a donation to Auburn's Knight
house, the merger with Danville Union Church for monthly suppers,
the erection of street lights at both entrances to Danville, road
signs directing travelers to the Orange and the Church, the
enlargement of the playground., the purchase of additional
playground equipment., the paving of a basketball area in the
yard, a donation to the church for their Shingle Fund, the
painting of the hall, the observation of Family Night, the removal
of dead elm trees in the neighborhood, and repairs made to the
Sunday School annex. The Androscoggin County Civil Defense was
also notified that the Orange hall was available for emergency use
in this area.
 
In 1971, Danville Junction Junior Grange was honored by
being asked to work degrees at the State Grange session in
Augusta. Their degree work was ably and impressively carried
out. Also that year, the Junior Grange had the distinction of receiving
an award for fifteen straight years of National Achievement.
 
1974 marks our 100th year in this community. Grange
membership is on the rise, with our number now totaling ninety-
two., an increase of nineteen members over last year. Our fund-
raising efforts have been extremely successful,, enabling the
Grange to further benefit the entire community, and the
community has been grateful.
 
In April of this year, the Junior Grange expressed its
gratitude to Brother Erwin Webber by presenting him with a
plaque and a pin for eighteen faithful years as Patron of the
Junior Grange.
 
In October of this year, a brick and granite monument was
erected in place of the Honor Roll. The inscription reads
simply, "In memory of those from this community who have served their country 
faithfully."

Townspeople and representatives of American Legion and V.F.W. posts 
and auxillaries took part in the November 11 dedication ceremonies., 
at which Brother Erwin Webber was master of ceremonies. Addresses were given 
by Reverend Albert C. Niles of Danville Union Church and Retired 
Brigadier General Ralph Skinner of Auburn. Worthy Master Dwight Tripp was in
charge of the arrangements.
 
November found the Grange members industriously working to
renew the stage in the hall. The work has been completed and is
a most welcome change from the old.
 
Throughout its existence, Danville Junction Grange has been
proud of its many outstanding patrons and the loyalty they have
shown, both to the Grange and the community. Their faith and
enthusiasm has been handed down through the years and enabled us to
carry on our work here in Danville. Our late beloved Sister and
neighbor Nellie Thurston was a 60-year member of Danville Junction
Grange and served as its Chaplin for the last twentyeight years of
her life. Danville greatly misses Brother and Sister Dunlap, whose
services to the Grange and Church benefited the entire community,,
and Brother Eugene Greely, Sr., whose work in the Grange was
outstanding. Our present Secretary, Sister Gladys Mooney, has held her
post for fourteen years, and she deserves the respect of all. Our
present Chaplin, Sister Inez Hicks, served as Secretary for
thirteen years. Both were so loyal that they walked to and from
Grange meetings, a total distance of a mile and a half.
 
Lastly, our humble thanks extends to Worthy Master Dwight
Tripp and his wife, Worthy Ceres Marion Tripp., whose courage
and strength has brought us so far. Without the efforts of these
two people, Danville's community spirit might have wavered and
died.

As we come to the end of our first 100 years, let us not dwell on
our past performances too long. Let us instead rise to the tests of our
future, and our children's future., and their children's future.
God grant that Danville may always be a strong community,, and God
grant that Danville Junction Grange may always be here to help that
community grow.
 
 
GOLDEN SHEAF MEMBERS
 
Hazel Rawstron Ruth B. Parsons Elizabeth Annie
Woodbury Howard N. Parsons Julia Carver Inez E.
Hicks Alice Edwards Myra Redman Gladys Thurston
James L. Keene Mildred Donahue Irene White John S.
Hicks Leonard H. Starbird Thelma B. Hicks Doris T.
Keene Marguerite Ervin
    
Danville Jct Grange # 65
and the Androscoggin Historical Society
http://www.rootsweb.com/~meandrhs