An organization for the purpose of promoting better farming
and farm life to Michigan in 1872. It was called the Patron’s
of Husbandry and the local unit was known as the Grange. Here in
Ensley, it was established in 1875. The members were urged to
support political candidates who would pass legislation favorable to
farming interests. Michigan Patrons were inclined to be a bit
conservative. They also promoted cooperative stores, selling all
kinds of goods its members. The venture was not particularly
successful and in a few years died out. But the Grange continued to
flourish.
The Ensley Grange at first held their meetings in a building at the
Center. In 1880, on land donated by the Hillman family, a hail was
built, still in use today. Sometime later a membership drive brought
in several young couples and a number of single young people. At
their urging the Grange began sponsoring dances to provide a measure
of recreation for the members and their friends. he Grange is
strictly prohibitionist and liquor is sternly forbidden. The range
provides an insurance policy for its members, if they wish to avail
themselves of it. County Pomona is held annually for a period of two
days, the local holding the Pomona playing host.
The Ensley Grange celebrated its centennial in 1975 at which time
several members of sixty years standing were presented with pins.
Matie Hanson has been a member for close to sixty-seven years. Those
receiving pins were Mr. and Mrs. Mike Denton, Hans Hanson, Bertha
Nelson and Ellen Bennitt. Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Lehnert were given
recognition for their twenty-five years of membership.
(GRANGE) NORTH EAST ENSLEY
Jan. 11 was such a fine day
Some went with buggies, some with sleigh
But all drove toward the Grange Hall
To hear the speakers, both short and tall.
For this was the farmer’s institute
And it was extra good to boot
And Oh! the good things they 1tad to eat
Would certainly be most hard to beat.
We all joined In a picnic dinner
And what was left wasn’t stole by a sinner
Good order was kept throughout the house
Everyone as still as a little mouse.
There was no racket over our head
You certainly could hear all that was said
Mr. Bassett of Fennville talked very fine
While Mr. Thompson’s speech was sublime.
The program
was fine all through
A good deal of credit to all is due
Next year we will all meet there again
Whether it snow or whether it rain.
Everyone come with their baskets full
Then altogether we will pull
Do like the children in the drill
And work together with a will.
Author unknown
The Northeast Ensley Grange Today
(Photo
taken
by Verduin Webs)
Copyright 2009 - Ensley Township - All Rights
Reserved
.JPG)
