Celebrating 100 Years of
Cannon Grange No. 152 P. of H.
A History of Cannon Grange
By Charles P. Gilliam
(Copyright 1999 Charles P. Gilliam. All rights reserved)
On April 27, 1899 a group of people met at the home William B. Smith in Cannondale to discuss organization of a new subordinate grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, better known as the National Grange.
The meeting was adjourned until May 4, 1899 and at that time, with 53 charter members and an assist from the established Norfield, Westport and New Canaan Granges, Cannon Grange No. 152 of the Connecticut State Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry was established.
Cannon Grange was neither an original concept nor a new organization. By 1899 there were already 82 subordinate granges in Connecticut. The National Grange had already made its most prominent marks in American history books, had been through its most turbulent years and was in the process of a long and slow recovery from its nadir. Read more about the History of the National Grange.
The Lecturer's Hour
The Lecturer is responsible for a program at each regular meeting. The program could be serious or humorous, formal or informal. There could be a guest (recent guests have included congressmen and seeing eye dogs) or an outside program. At the end of each meeting it is traditional to enjoy refreshments and pleasant conversation around the table.
Cannon Grange Hall
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It is common for Subordinate Granges to own a building for meetings - called a Hall - and the building is often an old, interesting and historic structure. The Cannon Grange Hall is one of the best. It is located in the Cannondale section of Wilton at 25 Cannon Road just east off of Route 7 (Danbury Road). The Hall is a very short distance from Route 7 on the south side of Cannon Road between the railroad track and the Norwalk River.
The Cannon Grange Hall was constructed in 1899, the same year Cannon Grange was organized, as a community building for Cannondale. The building was purchased by Cannon Grange in March 1933. The mortgage was burned in 1939. Cannon Grange has met continuously in this building since 1899. The Hall is available for rent for special occasions. Read more about the History of the Cannon Grange Hall and how to rent the Hall. |
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Being nestled on the bank of the Norwalk River had its one time disadvantage. Cannondale Bridge was wiped out and the Hall flooded in the great Flood of 1955. Today, Cannon Grange provides park benches along the river for the enjoyment of trekkers. |
Specifications for the 1899 construction of the new building in Cannondale included
"Timber. Girder 6x8 Chestnut. Siles 6x6. Posts 4x[?]. Plates 4X6. Joists 3x8. Rafters 2x6. Trustes 4x6. Studding 2x4 set 18" to centers. Ceiling Joist 2x6 set 2' to centers and spiked to Rafters. Rafters 2' to centers. Ceiling Joist to be fastened to 4x6 Truses.
Sheathing. The Building to be covered with 8" Nor Col Matched.
Siding. All siding to be clear and well lapped.
Roof. Covered with Washington Red Ceder.
Flooring. To be 11/4 thick not more than 4" wide of first quality Georgia Pine.
Chimmes. To have 2 two chimmes 1"x16" of hard Brick laid in morter and cement one part morter one part cement.
Workmanship. All work done in a smooth and workman like manner and job left sound and complete.
Painting. All Wood work on outside to be Painted 2 coats of White lead and Linseed Oil in colors as may be directed. Inside to be finished with 2 coats of Hard Oil finish."
In about 1927 the existing well was dug (prior to that water was ported in by hand) and in 1937 a kitchen added to the west side of the Hall as well as was a furnace and rest rooms. Originally the Hall was lit with kerosene lamps suspended from the twenty foot ceilings. Later lamps were added to the side walls and now there is of course electric lighting.
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Cannon Bridge as it were. Construction believed to be as of around the turn of the 19th Century. |
In the 1960s the original stage was removed, extending the floor space by about one-third and bringing the Hall to its current configuration - sixteen hundred square feet in the main hall and a completely open floor plan, ideal for Grange meetings, banquets and other Grange and community activities.
In 1987 two old iron cook stoves were removed and a new gas range installed to meet government regulations. In 1990 a new kitchen floor was laid and rest room facilities upgraded. In 1993 the building exterior was sandblasted and re-painted white with green trim, the colors traditionally associated with the building. In 1975 the hardwood floors were refinished for the first time since the 1955 flood. The floors were re-done again in 1994. In 1996, as another major capital project, layers of old roof was removed and the building was sub-roofed and re-roofed. The roofers affirmed that the roof timbers still measured true square, attesting to the fine craftsmanship of the original construction.
One of the main objectives and financial obligations of Cannon Grange is upkeep of this historic building. The recent capital improvements were funded from years of saving money obtained mainly by the support of local people through proceeds from the Grange's annual agricultural fair and Hall rental.
Annual Agricultural Fair
Cannon Grange has a tradition of holding an annual agricultural fair. The first annual fair was in 1933 and continued until suspended during the Second World War. The fair was reinstated in 1975 and has been held annually ever since. Read more about the History of the Grange Fair.
The fair is 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. always the last Sunday in August, rain or shine, at the Cannon Grange Hall.
Fair admission is only one dollar for adults, children under twelve are free of charge.
As one would expect of a small town country fair there is an exhibition of baked and canned goods, crafts and collections, vegetables, flowers, needlework, farm animals and photography, all submitted by local citizens for fun and the hope of winning a blue ribbon or, failing that, a red, white or green one.
Children especially enjoy entering their exhibits. It delights Cannon Grange to see the excitement on the faces of children to see which ribbon they won. The fair is produced primarily with children in mind. Read more about the next Grange fair.
The general departments for exhibits submitted by the public are:
Baked and canned goods (cookies, brownies, bars, pies, decorated cakes, sponge or angel food cake, coffee cake, yeast bread, quick bread, muffins, jam, jelly, fruit butter, relish, pickles, canned fruit, canned vegetables);
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 Program of special events at the 1934 Cannon Grange fair.
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Crafts and collections (this is a popular department for children);
Vegetables and fruit (snap beans, beets, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, egg plant, cucumbers, onions, peppers, potatoes, squash, tomatoes, melons, pumpkins, parsley, berries, corn, radishes, herbs);
Flowers (asters, cosmos, zinnias, marigolds, dahlias, sunflowers, gladioli, salvia, snapdragons, roses, arrangements and collections);
Sewing and needlework (clothing, quilts, hand knitting, crocheting, afghans, needlework, rugs, novelties and household items (e.g. pillows, toys, decorative aprons));
Poultry and fowl (large fowl, bantam, water fowl, exotic and game birds);
Rabbits (any breed) (popular for children with pets);
Draft Cattle (not usually children with pets);
Photography (Color and black and white with a special category for a theme photograph which for 1999 is In My Garden.
Each year prior to the fair a premium book is distributed to various public places in the community prior to and is available free of charge. The premium book may be consulted for more information.
Anniversaries
The first known anniversary celebration of Cannon Grange was the 15th on May 7, 1914. Invited guests were Worthy Master Sherwood of the Connecticut State Grange, Worthy Master Mrs. Mitchell of the Fairfield County Pomona Grange and Worthy State Deputy Northrop of the Connecticut State Grange.
There was a program of addresses and music and presentation of a play My Turn Is Next, a one act farce, enacted by Frederick S. Sturges, George Lillie, Nelson S. Hurlbutt, Samuel Sturges, Mrs. John W. Mace, Mrs. Nelson S. Hurlbutt and Mrs. Lewis R. Ambler.
A booklet was published for the occasion which contained a short history of Cannon Grange. That history follows.
In the early Spring of 1899, a few of the residents of Cannon who had heard of the interesting and useful work done by Granges in this vicinity, decided to ascertain public sentiment regarding the organization of a Grange in Cannon.
It was the ideal time to launch such a project, as the Cannon Real Estate Co., which had but recently been organized, was busily engaged in perfecting the plans for the erection of a hall. The need of an organization of this character which would be open to men and women alike had long been felt in our little community. Accordingly, an informal meeting was called to meet at the home of Brother William B. Smith to discuss the advisability of such an undertaking.
State Deputy Iverson C. Fanton, Brothers Pease and Blakeman of Fairfield, Brother and Sister Sipperly of Westport were in attendance. They gave such an interesting description of the grange work, that those present were unanimous to organize, which they immediately proceeded to do by the election of officers . . .
Directly after the election those present received the obligation, which, according to the words of the meeting, "brought it up to 12 o clock, so it was voted to adjourn the meeting one week from to-night at the same place (the home of Brother William B. Smith), where the installation of officers took place."
At the meeting held May 4, 1899, Cannon Grange was the name adopted for the newly formed organization, which was formally organized with 53 charter members, whose names appear on another page in this booklet. It was voted to hold the next meeting in the school house, on May 17th. This being the first regular meeting of Cannon Grange , No. 152, Brother and Sister Sipperly of Westport, who were present, aided materially in conducting the meeting. Mrs. B. F. Brown was appointed pianist, and has always been prominently identified with the musical part of our programs, which help to make any Grange a success. The second regular meeting was held at the home of Brother George F. Brown on June 7th, when it was voted to hold the meetings on the first and third Wednesday evenings of each month, at 8 o'clock. Brother Brown's kind invitation to meet at his home until the completion of the hall was accepted. The By-Laws of Cannon Grange were adopted August 16, 1899. An agreement was entered into with the Cannon Real Estate Company for the rental of the hall, beginning August 15, 1899. The first meeting held in the hall was on Wednesday evening, Aug. 16th. The time of meeting was afterwards changed from Wednesday to Thursday evening.
The Grange since its organization in Cannon fifteen years ago, has steadily grown in numbers and strength. It has filled an opening that no other organization could, and has helped the social life and those interested in agriculture, materially. We are glad to report on an occasion of this kind that Cannon Grange has 93 members, is free from debt and has a substantial balance in the treasury. The outlook for continued prosperity in our Grange is very bright. We have an enthusiastic set of officers and the members are all willing workers, and this combination, with few exceptions, makes a prosperous Grange. It is a fitting time to mention the hall in which we are meeting to-night. This Hall is the property of the Cannon Real Estate Co., and is without doubt the finest hall for a place the size of Cannon in the State.
We urge the recipients of this little booklet, if they are members, to attend the meetings regularly; if they are visitors, to visit us often, and thus foster the good fellowship of Patrons of Husbandry. It has been truthfully said that members will get as much out of the Grange as they put into it. We hand you this little booklet in the interests of good fellowship, and ask you to join us in the future prosperity of Cannon Grange.
Cannon Grange's twenty-fifth anniversary was in 1924. By that time there were 290 past and present members of Cannon Grange. (In 1986 many of the ancient records of Cannon Grange were lost forever, thus there are gaps in the original historical archive record. Detailed information is not available for this period.)
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In 1935 Wilton celebrated the Tercentenary of the settlement of Connecticut and Cannon Grange played its part in the program. |
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Some of the members of Cannon Grange in a 1937 or 1938 group photo
Front row kneeling - Eugene O. Olmstead, Gunnar Johnson, Andrew E. Monroe, William H. Monroe, Lloyd E. Scribner, Karl Ellmer, Hubert L. Smith, Lawrence S. Olmstead. Second row - Mary Watson, Jenette Butler, Grace Andrews (front), Grace Scribner, Elsie Ellmer, Suzanne Johnson, Myrtle Scofield, Phyllis Scribner (front), Estelle M. Andrews, Samuel M. Andrews, John F. Goetjen. Third row - Charles Tanner, Iva O'Neill, Doeothy Beck, Forothea D. Hubbard, Robert Plassmann. |
By the time of Cannon Grange's fiftieth anniversary past and present membership totaled 497 souls.
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 In 1949 Cannon Grange celebrated its 50th anniversary. Here Mrs. Charles Scofield (left) and Mrs. Lewis R. Ambler receive their 50 year membership Golden Sheaf certificates from Master Stanley B. Gregory (center) and Overseer (later Master) Arthur B. Saunders. Mrs. Ambler was the daughter of the first Master, Samuel J. Miller.
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At Cannon Grange's seventy-fifth anniversary there had been a total of 579 brothers and sisters. By now annual dues were up to five dollars. Today dues are still affordable at only twelve dollars.
A 75th anniversary celebration was held. According to the minutes of the meeting "a program was arranged by the Worthy Lecturer Sister Miriam Saunders and all officers were in their respective stations when Worthy Master, Brother Daniel Palmieri called the meeting to order at 8 P.M." The National Anthem was sung. Visiting dignitaries were introduced.
Brother Stan and Sister Pat Gregory gave the Grange a set of new sashes in appreciation for many years of pleasure and friendship enjoyed through their membership in Cannon Grange. These sashes are still in use on the occasion of the 100th anniversary.
"The Rank and File, a Danbury choral group under the able direction of Nancy Beazley entertained with a varied program of currently popular songs, presented in a most lively and enjoyable manner."
Sister Phyllis Palmieri read a brief history of Cannon Grange from the booklet published for the 15th anniversary program.
Brother Gregory expressed appreciation on behalf of Cannon Grange to the many people, not members of Cannon, who have helped over the years.
The Mighty Cannon Players (aka Brother and Sister Gregory) presented a humorous skit concerning the ethics of a typical rural tradesman.
There was a candle lighting ceremony involving officers, past masters and Golden Sheaf (50 year) members. Blest Be the Tie That Binds was sung by all.
"Distinguished guests were introduced who responded with congratulations and remarks appropriate to the occasion. The entire assemblage joined in the singing of Auld Lang Syne." "Following the meeting a pleasant hour of sociability and refreshments were enjoyed." Present were 156 persons, including representation from 21 other granges.
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In 1976 Cannon Grange hosted the Wilton Bicentennial Ball. Shown here are Stanley Gregory (seated) and Miriam (Mrs. Edward G.) Saunders co-chairman of the event and both past Masters of Cannon Grange with David P. Barry (left) and Daniel LaBella. |
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Cannon Grange Centennial Anniversary Celebration
The 100th Anniversary celebration was Saturday May 1, 1999 at Cannon Grange Hall. Donald Offinger, Master, headed up a committee to plan and organize the festivities for this milestone anniversary. There was a formal program at 4 P.M. with distinguished quests from the Grange and town of Wilton making presentations.
Wilton First Selectman Robert Russell read and presented a proclamation declaring May 4, 1999 Cannon Grange Day in the town of Wilton. The minutes of the first meeting of Cannon Grange were read. The Drum Hill Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented a flag which had flown over the United States Capitol and the Wilton Historical Society made a presentation.
Membership certificates were presented to Sister Miriam B. Saunders, 65 years, Brother Donald J. Comes, 50 years, and Sister Betty R. Johnson, 25 years. Each officer of Cannon Grange took part in the program. Following splendid refreshments dancing went on from 7 P.M. until 11 P.M.
By May 1999 there were 867 past and present members of Cannon Grange. Currently members reside in Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk, Redding, Ridgefield, Stamford, Westport, Wilton plus a few members outside the local area.
The longest serving member of Cannon Grange is Linda Davies with seventy years combined membership at Cannon and previously at Ridgefield Grange.
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Cannon Grange Drill Team, Cannon Hall July 9, 1903. |
Good Neighbors
Cannon Grange has enjoyed a good relationship with its neighbors occupying the lot and building directly behind the Grange Hall.
For many years until 1990 the building was owned and occupied by the Southwestern Connecticut Girl Scout Council. When the scouts moved a medical practice was established in the location. In 1992 DiagXotics, Inc. (www.diagxotics.com), a producer of health care products for aquaculture and veterinary medicine moved into the building. These good neighbors have graciously allowed Cannon Grange to use parts of their lot for the annual agricultural fair and other events.
Neighboring Subordinate Granges
The nearest neighboring Granges are Redding re-organized in 1939, located on Newtown Turnpike just south of Cross Highway, Greenfield Hill, organized 1893 whose hall is in the Greenfield Hill section of Fairfield at 1873 Hillside Road and Norfield, organized 1896, at 12 Goodhill Road, just east of Route 57, Weston.
Cannon Grange Activities
Public Events
In the course of a year Cannon Grange holds several meetings for invited guests or the public.
There are neighbors nights where supper is served for invited guests and especially to thank the non-members who have helped Cannon Grange. Among these are the many persons who assist with the annual fair and without whom the member's labors would be burdensome indeed. In addition there are fund raising suppers for which tickets are sold not too expensively.
Deaf Awareness
The main civic program of the National Grange is deaf awareness. The Grange provides a selection of materials to interested groups. It supports financially education and medical efforts related to deafness. At Cannon Grange this activity is lead by the lecturer Josephine DeMenna.
Adopt A Spot
Cannon Grange sponsors the adopt a spot "spot" at the corner of Danbury Road (Route 7) and Olmstead Hill, Wilton. This is primarily an on-going project of past master and professional horticulturist Donald Comes.
Sponsorship
Cannon Grange sponsors a Wilton little league baseball team and other causes and events as funds permit.
Scholarship
Cannon Grange has established a college scholarship for graduates of Wilton and Norwalk high schools.
A Short Explanation of the Structure of the Grange
Or, just what is this Grange thing anyway? (Adopted from an official summary supplied by the National Grange)
The National Grange is comprised of four distinct divisions built one upon the other in logical sequence: 1. the Subordinate Grange, 2. the Pomona Grange, 3. The State Grange and 4. The National Grange.
The Subordinate (local) Grange
The local unit of the organization is built around the community. Men, women and youth are admitted on equal terms. Those who are 14 years of age are eligible for full membership. Each member has one vote. The local Grange elects its own officers and controls its own affairs in community matters. It confers the first four ritualistic Degrees: symbolic of the four seasons and life on the farm.
Although regular business meetings of the Subordinate Grange are for members only, the educational and literary programs are frequently open to the public. All Grange activities are for the purpose of developing leadership, improving community life, and expanding opportunities for all people.
Today, approximately three hundred thousand people are members of Subordinate Granges in 3,600 communities nationwide. Cannon Grange is a Subordinate Grange.
The Pomona (county or other region) Grange
Subordinate Granges within a given district are grouped together on a county or other regional basis into Pomona Granges that meet monthly or quarterly. The Pomona Grange offers the Fifth Degree of the Order, thus extending the lessons and opportunities of the Subordinate Grange. The Pomona Grange provides the leadership for educational, legislative, and business interests of the Subordinate Granges in its jurisdiction.
Members of Subordinate Granges are not required to receive the Fifth Degree but are encouraged to do so.
Cannon Grange is part of Fairfield County Pomona Grange which encompasses a total of eight Subordinate Granges from Brookfield, Fairfield, Monroe, Redding, Shelton, Trumbull, Weston and Wilton. There were once Subordinate Granges in Danbury, New Canaan, Stamford, Ridgefield and Westport as well.
The State Grange
The State Grange is a delegate body representing Subordinate and Pomona Granges. At their annual conventions, State Granges consider many important matters relating to legislation and public policy, with particular reference to agriculture, other matters of concern to rural America and the general welfare of the state as a whole. Inasmuch as State Grange policies originate in the Subordinate and Pomona units of the Order and are conveyed through their delegates, this branch is, in a special sense, expressive of Grange thought and sentiment throughout the entire state.
Voting authority is vested in the delegate body, which in most instances, is composed of the Masters of Subordinate and Pomona Granges and their spouses, if also members, each having one vote.
The Sixth Degree of the Order is conferred at the state conventions and is open to all members of the Pomona Grange.
There is a State Grange in 37 states. The missing states are in the deep South and the less-arable regions of the far West.
The Connecticut State Grange was organized in 1875. There are 96 Subordinate Granges in Connecticut.
The Connecticut State Grange runs Camp Berger, a summer (July and August) camp for boys and girls ages seven to 14, in Winchester Center
The Connecticut State Grange holds the Connecticut State Fair yearly at the Goshen fair grounds, Route 63 south of Goshen Center. For more information contact the State Grange.
There is a Connecticut State Grange Federal Credit Union for members. Two Grange related mutual insurance companies write insurance for the general public in Connecticut: National Grange Mutual and Patrons Mutual.
For more information visit the Connecticut State Grange web site at www.ctstategrange.org or write to the th State Grange. The snail mail address of the Connecticut State Grange is 78 Laning 4-3C, Southington, Connecticut 06489.
The National Grange
This is the parent branch of the Order which speaks with authority and understanding for the major branches of agriculture and rural America. All business sessions of the National Grange are open to any Subordinate Grange member in good standing. As spectators, they have no vote in the deliberations, but they do have ample opportunity to appear before committees and to testify. As the supreme legislative body of the Order, policies are developed through the channels of Subordinate, Pomona and State units, and consequently embody the seasoned judgement of the membership.
At the annual convention of the National Grange, one day is devoted to the conferral of the Seventh Degree, the highest degree of Order. This degree is open to all members of a State Grange. Degree candidates and members gather from all parts of the nation for this annual ritualistic event.
The National Grange Headquarters is 1616 H Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006 (202) 628-3507. One may visit its attractive re-designed web page at www.nationalgrange.org for more information.
Sources for this article:
Saunders, Miriam B., The Cannon Grange, published in Cannondale A
Connecticut Neighborhood pp. 142-54 (Wilton Historical Society 1987)
Publications of the National Grange.
Archives of Cannon Grange
The living memory of members of Cannon Grange.
Special thanks to Carol Russell (Wilton Town Historian).
Copyright 1999 Charles P. Gilliam. All rights reserved.
"Appendix"
Past Masters of Cannon Grange
Samuel J. Miller 1899
Rev. William E. Hooker 1900-1903
Joel Godfrey* 1904-1905, 1908, 1912
D. Henry Miller 1906
Arthur Little 1907
William B. Fearn 1909
Henry B. Cooke* 1910-1911
Rev. Eugene L. Richards 1913
Nelson S. Hurlbutt 1914-1915
Rev. Charles A. Marks 1916-1917
James O'Donnell 1918-1921
Rev. J. Howard Fairchild 1922
John F. Goetjen 1923-1924
Lloyd E. Scribner 1925-1926
Lawrence S. Olmstead 1927-1928, 1941
Hubert L. Smith 1929-1930
Walter W. Bassett 1931
Earle N. Whitney 1932
Grace M. Scribner 1933-1934
Estelle Andrews 1935
Andrew E. Monroe 1937
Richard Cowham 1938-1939, 1948
Allan W. Fuller 1940
Edward G. Saunders* 1942-1943,1980-1985, 1988-1989
Edith A. Bouton 1944-1945
Stanley B. Gregory* 1946-1947, 1949-1953, 1958-1962
Emily Plassmann 1951, 1955-1957
Arthur B. Saunders 1954
Robert H. Plassmann 1962
Patricia D. Gregory* 1963-1967
Ida Crowther 1968
Miriam B. Saunders* 1969-1972, 1992
Daniel F. Palmieri 1973-1976
Steven Meier 1977
Phyllis S. Palmieri 1978-1979
Philip J. Carvin 1986-1987
Donald A. Offinger* 1989-1991, 1993, 1995-1999 (Master at time of Centennial)
Donald Comes 1994
Douglas Shepherd 2000
* Denotes also a Master of Fairfield County Pomona Grange.
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The Second War was fought on the home front too. Food raised at home translates into better rations for the troops. Members of Cannon Grange who served in the armed forces during that war were Lawrence Olmstead, Robert Plassmann, Arthur Saunders, William Monroe, William Saunders, Daniel Sturges, Harry Winnewiser, Lowry Andrews, Charles Libonati, Allan Fuller, Alfred Slawson, Horace Shipman and William Goetjen. |
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