Looking Back

Posted 2/22/17

The Patrons of Husbandry Charter was issued April 13, 1948 by the State Grange of New York to recognize the subordinate grange organized in 1915 by David Muirhead to become Fosterdale Grange No. …

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Looking Back

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The Patrons of Husbandry Charter was issued April 13, 1948 by the State Grange of New York to recognize the subordinate grange organized in 1915 by David Muirhead to become Fosterdale Grange No. 1371. An excerpt reads, “Now know ye, that we the National Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry, for the purpose of diffusing the benefits of the Order, and of promoting the interests, welfare and happiness of its members do issue this Charter to Fosterdale Grange No. 1371….” 


Neighbors of all trades from Fosterdale and nearby towns met at the Grange Hall across from the Fosterdale United Methodist Church. The Ritual of the Order included farming news, helping friends during difficult times, patriotic songs sung marching in formation with the Grange banner and American flag and, of course, refreshments. There were plays, poems, musicals and dances. 


The last recorded members to receive their 4th degree were Shirley and Fred Bunt and Jean and Tom McCoach in 1970. Lack of membership forfeited the charter in 1978. Other organizations offering special interests and the invention of the television may have had an influence. The hall was sold to the Fosterdale Church for $1 in 1978. 


The Cochecton Preservation Society will meet Tuesday, March 7 at 7 p.m. at the Cochecton Town Hall (upstairs) at 74 Smales Rd., Lake Huntington, NY. Visit Cochectonpreservationsociety.com, email cps12726@gmail.com, or call 845/932-8104. Tours by appointment.

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