Hoosick Grange News

Hoosick Grange had a very busy meeting on January 9. There were lots of things to be discussed in regard to New York State Grange being held in Albany this year. After much discussion Master David Cornell said it was time for the Lecturer’s program.
It was Hoosick Grange’s 105th Anniversary. The Lecturer, Corinne Philpott, wished everyone a Happy New Year. She read a poem, “A New Chance.” She asked if anyone had made a New Year’s Resolution. She said many resolutions are on dieting. She quoted a little phrase – “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, dinner like a pauper.”
The Lecturer spoke on the subject of Christmas. She said it comes so fast we have hardly any time to reflect on it and its meaning. She read a short story on Christmas Eve in medieval times – how the bells in the churches and buildings, tolled mournfully and slowly for an hour before midnight. It was the annual celebration of the devil’s funeral. Then, just at the stroke of midnight, the bells rang out loudly, jubilantly, because it was believed that the devil died when Jesus was born. The Lecturer had a story on a little girl and her cat, reunited by the Christmas spirit. She read a great joke on lipstick, where young girls were kissing the mirrors at school, and how the principal took care of that.
In regard to the anniversary, the Lecturer reminded them how they painted and did the Grange Hall all over five years ago, on their 100th anniversary. It is now 105 years since Hoosick Grange started, in January 21, 1908, with 95 Charter members. She told how they met in the Odd Fellows Hall that is the top floor in the Thorpe’s building. They paid 5 dollars a night, that included lights and heat. That was some deal. In 1942 the Grange moved to All Saints Hall in Hoosick for 10 dollars each regular meeting, and special meetings and all rehearsals were to be prearranged. Their last move was to the new hall in Hoosick in 1960, 53 years ago. She read about the first meeting and the new elected officers.
The Lecturer had a poem, “Thanks Be To God,” and a closing thought. “A joy that is shared is a Joy made double.” – Mark Twain.
There will not be a meeting on January 23. The next meeting will be on February 13 if the weather is good. Program Chairman is Martha Babbitt. Refreshments were root beer floats and goodies.