Braintree Grange 262

Gordon Campbell
Email: gordon@beld.net
16 Emerald Avenue
Braintree MA 02184-5306
Home: 781-843-2833

Braintree Grange 262

The Grange is Alive

Braintree Grange 262 has had a quiet sort of existence of late, and senses the need to grow. We have become, essentially, a social organization, evolved from the farming community that once was Braintree.

We would like to become vibrant and meaningful, and have a need to expand our membership, filling in the list with younger and more diverse people. You can help by joining in the effort to grow and expand.

Our History

BRAINTREE GRANGE 262 Patrons of Husbandry was chartered on December 6, 1906 where there were many farmers, cattle dealers and dairymen. In the fall of 1906 Mr. Evan Richardson of Millis conceived the idea that the farmers of Braintree could benefit from membership in the Grange.

He felt that a Grange in this town would bring the farmers together where they could gather and discuss problems. Another advantage could be financial. By pooling their purchases of hay, grain, coal and other commodities they could buy carloads at wholesale prices.

Josephus Sampson farmed in the area of Five Corners, and because he was energetic and a public-spirited citizen he was approached by Deputy Richardson about forming the Grange here.

After much discussion Mr. Sampson and several others agreed to assist in founding the order that would include both men and women. The organization was set up at Braintree Town Hall ob November 21, 1906 and Sampson was chosen as temporary Treasurer and Salome Sanford as temporary Secretary. Committees were formed to complete the process for election of officers and to set up a meeting; the first.

On December 5, 1906 the first meeting was held at Town Hall with Deputy Richardson presiding. Thirty-eight Charter Members were obligated that day with five members of Ponkapoag Grange joining with them by the process of demit from their Grange.
There have been many meeting places around town, and here listed are those used in chronological order, beginning with Pythias Hall and then the G.A.R. Hall, Odd Fellows Hall, American Legion Hall, VFW Hall, K of C Hall, and lastly South Congregational Church Hall.

Braintree Grange held their own agricultural fairs where children were encouraged to plant and raise vegetables to be entered at the fair, as well as flowers. They would receive ribbons, prizes and a silver cup. Those who won blue ribbons were considered celebrities, and the students at Noah Torrey School were the recipients of a silver cup for their entries one season.

Baby shows were added attractions at the fairs, and floats were built for parades. Even beauty contests were held to select ''Miss Braintree''.

More later.