About the Grange
Let us show you what the Grange is about.
The Rowley Grange encourages anyone who is interested in the Grange and its work, to
attend any of our meetings. Meetings are held the first and third Wednesday of each
month. Let us show you what the Grange is about, and how we have an effect.
The Rowley Grange has been named to the Action Grange Program by the National Grange.
This Program, which requires a 3-year commitment, focuses on bringing new life to
the Grange and making the organization preeminent in today's world. We will be
trying new ideas in order to gain new members and provide greater benefits to existing
members.
Our Mission
The mission of the Rowley Grange is to improve the quality of life through community service.
At the end of the Civil War, Oliver Kelley conducted a survey of agriculture and
realized the need for a national organization to help farmers, who where facing great
difficulties. He gathered six friends and formed the National Grange (the Order of
Patrons of Husbandry) on December 4, 1867. The name comes from the root for grain
and was taken from the early name for English farms. One unusual feature of the new
organization was full voting membership for women, long before women were allowed to vote
in US elections. This was due to the efforts of Caroline Hall, who participated
actively in forming the Grange. The Grange is a fraternal organization.
| State Grange History |
 |
On December 4, 1873, six years after the birth of the National Grange, the
Massachusetts State Grange was organized with T.L. Allis of Conway serving as Master.
Rowley Grange History
Rowley Grange #204 was organized in 1894 by Mary Q. Kinsman. She was a deputy
appointed by the Massachusetts State Grange. Ms. Kinsman visited a number of people
in town and recruited members. Descendants of the original charter members still live in Rowley and the
surrounding towns.
Recent Awards
| Action Grange Appointment - April 2001 |
| Certificate of Appreciation from the Rowley Selectman - 2000 |
| National Grange Community Service Award - 2000 |
2004-2005 Officers
| Master |
Ann C. Prest
master@rowleygrange.org |
| Overseer |
Aldene Gordon |
| Lecturer |
|
| Steward |
Casey Groder |
| Assistant Steward |
|
| Lady Assistant Steward |
Mary Ouellette |
| Chaplain |
Eleanor Haley |
| Treasurer |
Marianne Vezerian |
| Secretary |
Barbara Gaspar |
| Ceres |
Mary Ellen Mighill |
| Pomona |
Thelma Maynard |
| Flora |
|
| Musician |
Marie Magliozzi |
Committees
| COMMITTEE |
CHAIR |
| 111th Anniversary |
Barbara Gaspar |
| Agriculture |
Allan Gaspar |
| Community Hall |
Board of Trustees |
| Community Outreach Program |
Ann Prest, GRTM Team |
| Community Service |
Barbara Gaspar |
| Family Activities |
Marianne Vezerian |
| Home and Community |
Barbara Gaspar |
| Legislative |
Allan Gaspar |
| Membership |
Joy Baig
membership@rowleygrange.org |
| Scholarship |
Allan Gasper |
| Topsfield Fair |
Mary Ellen Mighill |
| |
| Executive Committee |
Allan Gaspar |
| Elizabeth Clogston |
| Joy Baig |
| Budget Committee |
Allan Gaspar |
| Elizabeth Clogston |
| Joy Baig |
|
