Calling on community to save the Unity Grange

By SANDY LONG

GALILEE, PA — Some things withstand the test of time. Others are tested by time’s passing. Both can be said of the Unity Grange building in Galilee, which has served the surrounding community since its construction in 1870 as a creamery, after which it housed the activities of Unity Grange No. 1710, formed in 1916. The wear and tear of those years has left the massive building on the path to a somewhat uncertain future. But efforts are afoot to change that.

When grange secretary Melissa Rutledge realized that the organization was facing a depleted bank account with less than $10, she contacted fellow grange members with the dire news. A plan was hatched to save the historic structure and requests for donations were sent to area businesses. Now the small group is reaching out to all members of the community to assist in saving the beloved building.

Granges formed in the latter part of the 19th century across the country in response to the needs of the agricultural community, in part, as a means of upholding the interests of farmers against the power of the railroad industry. The Unity Grange is a member of the Pennsylvania State Grange organization and advocates at local, state and national levels for farmers and agriculture.

Longtime member June (Keesler) Marzani, who serves today as Master of the Unity Grange, can recite the storied history of the place, describing memorable rituals that include special titles, ceremonial sashes and other regalia. Sometimes passwords were required for entry, and a peephole in an upstairs door provided an extra measure of protection against the threat of railroad thugs. “If you made trouble, there could be trouble,” explained Marzani.

She also has fond memories of the social events that transpired there as entertainment for the farm families whose long hours allowed little time for recreation. “It was all about getting together and helping one another,” she said.

The farming aspect has evolved and broadened as agricultural communities across the country declined. At one point, there were 13 granges in Wayne County. The Unity Grange is one of six that remain. “I got involved because I’m concerned with the collapse of farming,” said member Randy Wright. “The grange has become an anachronism for that.”

Granges that survived have done so largely by becoming resources to their surrounding communities for purposes as varied as those they serve.

Today the Unity Grange is host to events such as chicken dinners, contra dances, food and yoga workshops, poetry readings, concerts and elections (see sidebar for upcoming events). But the facility has undeniable needs for upkeep. The kitchen ceiling is peeling off. The counters are from the 1930s. The windows, electric, plumbing and roof are all in need of updating. And the climbing taxes are getting harder to pay every year.

Community businesses and individuals are stepping up in response to the letters. Bedrock Quarries will donate four loads of modified stone for the front parking area. Rutledge’s husband and father will haul and level it. The antiquated kitchen will receive new countertops thanks to Boyce Products and fresh paint from the Agway in Callicoon, NY. Others like Intercontinental Avionic and Instrument Corp., C. Neer and Sons RV Sales, Cochecton Mills and more have donated cash.

All of it would please Rutledge’s grandfather, J. William Gager, who joined the Unity Grange at age 11 and devoted himself to it for the rest of his life. “He really loved the grange,” said Rutledge. “I’ve got to do everything I can to save it, because I don’t want to hear about it when I get to heaven.”

The grange can be rented for $50. Donations in support of its ongoing restoration can be made payable to “Unity Grange” and sent to 133 Galilee Road, Tyler Hill, PA 18469. For more information contact Rutledge at 570/224-4661 or mmrutledge@verizon.net.

Coming up at the Unity Grange

• Multi-family yard sale, July 30, 1:00 to 6:00 p.m., July 31, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., August 1, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

• Monthly Contra Dances by the Patrons of Husbandry, Saturdays, August 21, September 18, October 16, November 20. From 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. with a pre-dance beginners workshop at 7:00 p.m. Consists of several partnered folk dance styles in which couples dance in two facing lines of indefinite length. It is a “called” dance (like square dancing). Admission is $5 per person, $10 per family. Potluck snacks at half-time. For more information: 570/729-7141 or galileestudios66@yahoo.com.

• Traditional foods workshops with Lucia Wright are being planned. Pickling, sauerkraut, fermented drinks, sourdough and sausage-making are some of the possibilities. Email lucia@lrw.net or call 570/224-4653 for more information.

• The popular Old Time Fiddlers perform twice a year to capacity crowds on the second Fridays in May and October.