August 20 – Agricultural Granges, Belknap

The Grange, also known as the Patrons of Husbandry, was nationally organized in 1867 to assist farmers with purchasing machinery, building grain elevators, lobbying for government regulation of railroad shipping fees and providing a support network for farm families. The Grange is credited for the Rural Free Delivery program of the United States Post Office. It was founded on the teachings of agriculture and was the first organization to give women an equal vote with men (in 1867).

Grange members once in existence in Belknap County were located in Laconia, Meredith, Gilford, Alton, Gilmanton, Belmont, Center Harbor, New Hampton, Barnstead, Sanbornton, and Tilton. Many members of the ‘local Grange’ later became involved with Conservation Districts when they were established in the 1940’s.

There are still a handful of Grange Halls in existence but not all are still held by the Grange. Some halls have been converted to residential homes such as the one in Laconia on Elm Street.

Granges are gaining somewhat of a resurgence with the newest member being Barnstead forming the Barnstead Community Grange #360 in year 2016. You can find them on FaceBook and also the Wicwas Lake Grange #292 located in Meredith.

Don’t forget to visit with your local County Conservation District, there’s one in each county. Coos, Grafton, Sullivan, Carroll, Cheshire, Hillsborough, Merrimack, Strafford, Rockingham, and of course Belknap.