Westport Grange to steer a new course

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Community Events of Westport

These past few decades, the Westport Grange Hall on Main Road is a little quieter, and fewer farmers drop by to share opinions on the structural shift in the nature of Westport agriculture. “I’m not exactly sure when in the last 50 years Westport farmers became disconnected from the Grange,” said Ed Horky, Grange Master.

Escalating property development has put Westport farmers under increasing pressure to reevaluate the use and disposition of their farms. Fortunately, town Community Preservation efforts involving land trusts and agricultural restrictions are protecting more and more of Westport’s open farmlands, but not necessary as active produce farms but for hay or corn silage production. Unfortunately, Westport Granges are bearing the brunt of this change in land use. Recently, Watuppa Grange No. 365 on Old Bedford Road became inactive. In the past, junior Grange members became the next generation of Grange leadership. With current leaders now retiring or passing on, and the next generation moving away from farming as a way of life, many Granges across the state are being forced to close.

Founded in Fredonia, NY in 1867 the Grange was a farmers' movement involving the affiliation of local farmers into area "granges" to work for their political and economic advantages, culminating in the successful regulation of railroad and grain warehousing costs. Granges have always been open to non farmers, and have played a large role in providing community events. The Westport Grange had corn chowder suppers, flea markets, dances and stage entertainments, and was frequently used as an ad hoc community meeting place, especially in pre-television times.

Westport icon, Carlton “Cukie” Macomber, a 19-year old Grange Master in 1947, recalls the Tuesday night square dances held at No. 181; ”During the war with rationing nobody had extra gas to go to movies or such. We had to have a place to go and the Grange was it.” He called to mind how the Army boys, down at Gooseberry manning the enemy vessel detection cable that was strung underwater over to Cuttyhunk, would come to the dances. “We sure had some great times! I met my little woman at a Grange dance.” Cukie thought for a moment and laughed. “My accomplishment as Grange Master in ’47 was putting the toilet inside the Hall!”

The official name of the National Grange is the Order of Patrons of Husbandry. Westport Grange No. 181 (the 181^st Grange chapter in Massachusetts) was founded in 1890. Fraternal in nature, many Granges have developed into a social and educational organization, sponsoring fairs, dances, golf and bowling tournaments, and church and youth activities that contribute to the development of social skills lacking in the chat room era of the internet age. However, with so much entertainment available at home - the Grange has struggled to find how to serve the community at large.

At one time there were more than 400 Granges in Massachusetts. This number has dwindled to 81 with just 6 Junior Granges.

The Westport Grange Farmers’ Market Committee is trying to steer clear of that fate. For many months now they have been planning for the opening of a Class A Farmers’ Market. Committee members Deana Chase, Barbara Smith, Helen Beaulieu, Cindy Manchester, with Ed and Beth Easterly, his wife, want to run it as a community service not a business enterprise. “We want the vendors to make a lot of the decisions. All items for sale will be produced or made locally (Class A). Our vision is that the market over the next few years will become vendor driven and run,” Beth, the Market Coordinator, said.

Westport farmers are progressively growing more specialized products such as herbs and produce for gourmet restaurants, to compete in markets not dominated by large-scale agribusiness. Ironically, the cost of national distribution is once again a worry of local growers. “National food distributors, a vital link in marketing these products, are requiring participating growers to lease expensive and complex internet-based software programs,” said a concerned Ed Horky. “As a result, it’s becoming harder to sell to the larger distributors.”

The committee is helping reshape Grange efforts to offer area farmers another outlet to sell their locally-grown goods. On April 14^th a lively flea market helped launch an effort to rejuvenate Grange No. 181. “The Grange is a vital asset to our community, and is certainly worth revitalizing,” Beth said. “The Hall is a centrally-located, wonderful building that can serve the needs of non-farmers as well as agriculture.” A non-profit organization, the Grange is revenue dependent on contributions and sale dollars from fundraising events like the flea market. “We need the community’s help,” Beth added.

The current Grange Hall was built in the early 1900’s. Prior to that time, Union Hall served as the Grange headquarters. Ed recalls that the Grange may have initially met in the old Town Hall building across the street that is now a church parish building.

Beth’s eyes brightened as she talked about the upcoming Farmers’ Market. “There will be up to 10 to 11 tent stalls positioned in front, with an additional 6 to 8 truck stalls on the south side of the building.” She gestured around herself. “Inside the building local artisans and craft makers will display and sell their artwork and creations. We will give preference to local growers and artists, but also encourage producers outside the area to participate in this wonderful enterprise,” Beth, and artist herself, said.

Ed outlined a planned renovation of the building beginning with the installation of a stone driveway to the building’s south side. The Westport Grange Building and Grounds Committee anticipates that exterior repair will be done by a skilled student group. Even Girl Scout Troop 1145 offered their considerable talents as 18 scouts held a bake sale, a story-telling event, and a Halloween gig featuring “musical tombstones!” Not afraid of getting dirty, they are finishing up the cleaning, priming, and painting of the Grange’s stage, and plan to landscape the north and west side of the building. “They are a God-send,” praised Ed. The Grange plans to present them with a Community Service Award in recognition of their outstanding contributions.

According to The Federation of Massachusetts Farmers’ Markets, “Massachusetts farmers' markets connect local consumers directly with fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, baked goods, and other products grown or produced on local farms. In addition to providing a healthy shopping experience, markets provide a natural setting for special events and build community in the neighborhoods where they take place.”

Nina Planck, former Times reporter and accomplished author on farmers’ markets, says, “We need to develop and expand the market for regional and traditional foods to benefit farmers and eaters.”

Suze Craig, local author, spinner, editor of the WRWA newsletter, and small farmer remarked, “I think it’s wonderful that Westport will have a farmers’ market. The need is there as some farm stands in town are closing, and it will be nice for me to be able to sell our extra produce, herbs and flowers.”

Other local growers planning to take part in the Farmers’ Market are: Dartmouth Orchards, John George, Paradise Hill, Canuel Farm and Susan’s Greenhouse. Expected operating hours will be Saturday mornings from 8 to noon, beginning July 7 and ending September 29. “Some spaces are still available,” Beth was quick to point out.

Dartmouth Grange No. 162 on Fisher Road has re-energized itself with the implementation of a ‘community shared-use kitchen’ where local growers and aspiring entrepreneurs can rent and use the Grange’s cookery resources to prepare and package value-added food items for resale.

All is not gloom and doom for Grange No. 181. There is a national movement towards Farmers’ Markets, and the expanded Federal ethanol requirements for gasoline inclusion bring promise to local corn production. “Our renovated Grange building will also be utilized or rented for approved community service,” Ed pointed out.

With Grange Master Ed Horky at the helm, Westport Grange No. 181 is beginning to sail out of troubled waters. The project has attracted the interest of the Westport Economic Development Task Force, Westport Arts Council, and the Westport Agricultural Commission who gave them a jump start and offered a wealth of information from farmers who have been selling in markets near and far for years. Much is yet to be done, but with the support of the growers and the area’s consumers, this once essential organization can again contribute to the agricultural community and the vibrant social fabric of Westport.

For more information, to participate in the Farmers market, or to make a donation, call Ed or Beth at (508) 636-4427, or email them at eaae@verizon.net.

http://www.nationalgrange.org/

http://www.massgrange.org/

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