USA > New York > The History of New York State Grange, 1934-1960 > Part 7
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Although space does not permit listing names of Secretary- Treasurers, mention should be made of the heavy responsibilite they carried, and the impetus they gave Juvenile Grange work.
The following Juvenile Deputies have been elected to State Office: LECTURERS: Mrs. Jay Keller, Mrs. Lorenzo Palmer. FLORAS: Mrs. Wilber Cleveland, Mrs. Emma Case, Mrs. Spencer Duncan, Mrs. Mildred VanWagenen; CERES: Mrs. Frederick Merk, Mrs. Walter Goff, Mrs. Loren Muck, Mrs. Floyd Swift, Mrs. Lloyd Wyant, Mrs. Leon Failing, Mrs. Theron Brown; POMONAS: Mrs. Marion Salisbury, Mrs. Russell Harris, Mrs. Henry Bower; LADY ASSISTANT STEWARD: Mrs. Jay Keller, Mrs. Wilber Cleveland, Mrs. Isaac Graham, Mrs. Floyd B. Gage.
There is a Rumanian proverb that reads: " Work is a golden bracelet. "We can well say that the work of the Juvenile Deputy is a golden bracelet in the renown of the Order of Patrons of Hus- andry.
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3. SPECIAL SERVICE RECOGNITION
THEODORE ARTHUR DELANCEY, R. D., Oswego, can trace his ancestry in a direct line to Colonial New York. One of his ances- tors was Lieutenant-Governor by appointment of the The Crown, yet his chief glory is The Grange. Known to countless Patrons of Husbandry as "T. A.", Mr. DeLancey had been Master and Lecturer of Domestic Grange No. 98, and later Overseer and Master of Oswego County Pomona Grange. His wife was Secre- tary of Domestic Grange and also Pomona Grange. In 1950 Domestic Grange surprised them with a golden wedding celebra- tion at the Grange Hall, and not only gave gifts but supplied the bride with wedding gown and corsage.
Mr. DeLancey wrote down some of his experience which re- veal reasons why his was distinctive service. In 1919, when Sher- man J. Lowell was National Master, he recognized potential values of Grange extenson, but was confronted with that old bug bear, lack of funds. Mr. DeLancey's story reads:
"Ira Sharp" (Lowville Grange No. 71, Chairman New York State Grange Executive Committee) "came to the rescue with a substantial personal contribution which was matched by the National Grange Executive Committee. To Ira Sharp goes the credit for starting extension work."
National Master Lowell and the State Grange Executive Committee selected Mr. DeLancey as the first National Master's Special Deputy. A mid-west State, Missouri was given initial try-out. "And tough Shawnee country at that," asserted Mr. DeLancey. "At the end of the first six weeks I had six new organizations to my credit, and Josiah Betts, an Onondaga Patron of the highest principles, long in Grange work, was added as the second National Master's Special Deputy; we both served in that capacity during the entire Lowell administration."
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As National Deputy, Mr. DeLancey organized Granges in Delaware, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.
In 1939 State Master Raymond Cooper appointed Mr. De- Lancey New York State Special Deputy. He served eleven years, assisting Mr. Cooper and State Masters W. J. Rich and Henry Sherwood.
Mr. DeLancey described special deputy duties: "At first this consisted largely of expanding membership by organizing Granges and increasing membership of others; thus the Order was strengthened by many hundreds of new members. Each was secured on the merits of the Grange itself, never by suggested monetary inducements. I did not stress what the Grange could do for them as much as what they could do for the Grange and the community. I wanted them to be fully aware of the wonder- ful opportunity the Grange provided for community service, for team work 'where the welfare of each is bound up in the welfare of all.' "
His letter continued: "It soon became apparent that it was as essential to turn our attention to reorganizing dormant Granges and re-activating others, encouraging the renewal of interest of old members, enthusing and instructing new ones. Many of those re-organized and revitalized became a far greater asset to the community than ever before."
"My work was varied. Much time was devoted to helping secretaries to collect back dues. The secretary and I went to- gether and took the Grange dues book. In nearly every instance where we went, the member came to the rescue as soon as he understood and thus membership was retained."
In the words of State Master Henry Sherwood, "T. A. De- Lancey was employed to work in any section of the State where he was needed." Occasionally he came to the rescue as "trouble- shooter." in cases where differences of opinion had developed. Then it was that "T. A." helped Patrons to remember "their former pledges of eternal friendship and brotherly love."
What a story it would make could we unwind from the reel of Time the whole story of his influence! That lasting good re- sulted, we know. In the Fiftieth Anniversary Booklet of Pine Bush Grange No. 1014, special reference is given to Mr. De- Lancey's efforts: "April 23, 1949, was the day of all days, the dedication of the new Grange Hall. The dedication officer was State Master Henry Sherwood. Nearly 300 attended, including State Deputy DeLancey, who reorganized Pine Bush in 1941." Deputy John Thew of Orange County affirmed: "Brother De-
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Lancey worked tirelessly with Pine Bush, and had to overcome hard knocks, but he finally succeeded."
This was only one of several fine Grange Halls erected as the result of Mr. DeLancey's services. Norwich Township Grange No. 1581, with which "Ed" Evans of Norwich Township gave valuable assistance, is an example. In all cases in this State the County Deputies cooperated.
Mr. DeLancey's crowning achievement was the organization of Maple Leaf Grange No. 11, Quebec, Canada. The story is re- counted in another Chapter.
Past State Master Raymond Cooper paid a touching tribute to this man. "It is my thought," a letter stated, "that T. A. DeLancey's work is of far greater importance to be recorded in Grange history than anything I have done."
Thus the arrow points to real Grange worth in the back- ground of both leaders. Well done, good and faithful Patron.
CLIFFORD RUGG
A wise person said we do not see emerging patterns because our noses are so close to the warp and woof of our work. Does this describe our great State Farm, the Grange, and our share in it? Do we see how tall stands our neighbor farmer, how verdant his field of Grange clover, the result of his good tillage? There is story-book charm in the following story, of which we can give bare outlines.
Clifford Rugg lives in his boyhood home, on a 150 acre dairy- general crop farm. His great great grandfather built the farm- house in 1802. When fourteen he joined Bacon Hill Grange No. 828, of which his parents and grandparents were charter mem-
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bers. He had the good sense to choose as a wife, Marion Peck, daughter of charter members and Grange Lecturer. He was steeped in Grange environment.
He cites highlights of his Grange membership: 1924-26, Master of Bacon Hill; 1931-35, Deputy Master Saratoga County; 1936-42, Deputy National Grange Master appointed by National Masters Louis J. Taber and Albert Goss.
While Saratoga Deputy he organized several Granges: State Master Fred J. Freestone said in 1934; "Schenectady County is again placed on the Grange map; through efforts of Deputy Clif- ford E. Rugg, three fine Subordinate Granges have recently been organized, Duane No. 1528, Scotch Church No. 1529, a Pomona Grange. It is many years since New York State has had the privilege of reporting a new Pomona, so great interest is shown in surrounding counties."
Deputy Rugg succeeded in organizing Schenectady Pomona, and also helped re-organize Gallupville Grange No. 893, Schoharie County, and assisted in the organization of Georgetown No. 1540, Madison County, and Stony Creek No. 1546, Warren County.
He organized over 100 Subordinate and Pomona Granges in New York, Texas, Missouri, South Dakota,Illinois, Wisconsin and Virginia, and had special assignment duty in Kansas, Iowa and Minnesota. He stood before countless altars of new Granges. He obligated and instructed thousands of initiates, men, women, young people, in Grange principles of faith in God, loyalty to America, and respect for the dignity of agriculture. Many of these initiates served as officers in their respective State Granges and three presided as State Masters. One became National Grange Steward.
As Mr. Rugg traveled these different roads, he exerted a fraternal spirit that won people to the ideals of the Grange. Con- sider his contrasting experiences: In August, 1936, he installed the officers of Texas State Grange. The temperature rating was 108 degrees, "a rough assignment for a New Yorker."
In a vacant store in the Ozarks, South Missouri, he installed the officers of a new Grange while sixteen inches of snow fell and drifted. "No car could move under its own power. Some 65 Grangers were marooned. The ladies were quartered in the few homes of the little village, and the men decided "by push and shovel, to move one car at a time to the home of the Grange Master, about two miles. We arrived there at 2:00 P.M. with three cars. Two days later, with six mules ahead of my car, and six or eight men with shovels, we made the seven miles to the State Highway."
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Thirteen Subordinate Granges were organized in Virginia. The National Grange Monthly said: "The good showing is due largely to the energetic extension work done by Clifford Rugg, National Deputy of New York, who spent considerable time in the Old Dominion State, and was successful in creating Grange interest."
Deputy Rugg remembers December 6, 1941. He was stalled high in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. "The invitation to take shelter with a mountain family whose large home was heat- ed with fireplaces, was very welcome. The fact that the income of the family was derived from the manufacture and sale of moonshine did not deter me from a good night's sleep. A few hours after getting off the mountain the next morning, the news of Pearl Harbor swept across the nation."
Deputy Rugg recalled the Grange "organized in the treetops" of felled trees, and the picnic lunch he enjoyed with eighteen men deep in the woods. The men were cutting the winter supply of fuel for the parson. Three women brought the "picnic." The Deputy sat on a stump and told the grand old Grange story. That night Jefferson Grange, Missouri, was organized with 132 charter members, the largest Grange organized that year. Later Mr. Rugg set up the Randolf County Mutual Fire Insurance Company for that area.
We have saved a treasured memory until last. In June, 1937, Mr. Rugg was the speaker of the day at the Minnesota State Grange picnic held at the historic Grange shrine, "The Kelley Homestead." He tells the tale.
"I had the thrill of walking on that hallowed soil, of speaking to hundreds of assembled Grangers, while a few yards away the mighty Mississippi flowed along on its journey of more than 2,000 miles to the sea. It created a picture that will always linger in memory lane."
. Clifford E. Rugg-Patron born and reared in the Empire State, product of Grange spirit and its value to the community, recipient of one of the prized National Grange Deputy Recogni- tion Award certificates, counts his greatest reward in service rendered. Bacon Hill Grange, Saratoga Pomona and New York State Grange may well be proud of this Grange son.
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FRED D. RUMSEY
"Age is opportunity no less than youth itself, though in another dress," said Samuel Longfellow.
Fred D. Rumsey was born July 25, 1870; in 1897 he joined Enfield Valley Grange No. 295. Former Master of Tompkins County Pomona, in 1920 elected State Grange Gatekeeper, 1922- 28 State Steward, 1934-35 Tompkins County Deputy, in 1946 appointed Special Deputy by State Master Henry Sherwood, he is still serving in that capacity. He has worked under eight State Masters. He and his wife, Cora, have been married over sixty- eight years. They have attended forty-one State sessions.
Assigned to meetings in forty-six counties, he has installed at least 250 sets of officers, and dedicated two Grange Halls, De- Ruyter No. 651, Madison County, and Granger No. 1116, Allegany County. He has spoken at Youth Schools, Alfred, and Deputies' School,Ithaca. A guest speaker at Pennsylvania State Grange, Mr. Rumsey spoke on Grange work in Florida, and substituted for the State Master at Chautauqua. Connected with Tompkins County Agricultural Society for seventy-six years, he is now Vice- President. He is the oldest active agent in years, in employ of the National Grange Mutual Insurance Company. A member of the Baptist Church, he is prominent in Masonic and Eastern Star circles. He is held in high regard throughout this State.
Mr. and Mrs. Rumsey have found joy in Grange tasks. His memory is remarkably clear. A choice recollection he holds is of six special sessions where he substituted for the State Chaplain. His favorite themes are ritualism, the spiritual lessons of our Order, and their values in human relations.
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ROBERT AND ELIZABETH WOODHULL
Interwovne in the finest Grange fabric of this great State is the contribution of outstanding Patrons who have given a life- time of devotion to our Order.
Noteworthy among these are the names of ROBERT AND ELIZABETH WOODHULL, of Webster Grange No. 436, Monroe county. Known to hundreds of Patrons in this State and National- ly by the affectionate terms of "Uncle Rob," and "Aunt Lib," their influence for good has something undying in it.
The 1952 State Grange "Gleaner" said, "It's wonderful to have Mr. and Mrs. Robert Woodhull at this session," and the 1957 "Gleaner" added: "Uncle Rob and Aunt Lib Woodhull were on hand for the 85th session. It is believed that no other couple in the State has attended so many State sessions."
The Woodhulls have attended thirty-two National Grange sessions, from East to West. They are loyal Grange members. Once, at a Pennsylvania National Grange Session the gatekeeper asked Mr. Woodhull to replace him for a few moments. A gentleman without the password approached and was refused admittance. He turned out to be a distinguished session speaker, a Grange member. Later on, when Mr. Woodhull apologized to Governor Gifford Pinchot, he was reassured with: "I am glad to find a Gatekeeper who knows his duty."
Behind the fact that Webster Grange for long had the dis- tinction of being the largest Grange in the world, is the great achievement of Mrs. Woodhull in taking in "over 800 applications, and then," she confessed, "I lost track of the number." Her first application was for Robert Woodhull, "the first man I ever took in," she remarked with a twinkle. Of course "Uncle Rob" helped secure this remarkable record of endorsement of candidates.
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While Deputy and Juvenile Deputy of Monroe County, 1930- 35, the Woodhulls organized thirteen Juvenile Granges. Each and every Grange member may well ask searchingly, "What kind of a Grange would our Grange be, if we all had working Grange spirit like our "Uncle Rob" and "Aunt Lib?"
In their over sixty-eight years of Grange life, the Woodhulls have entertained in their lovely farm home, every High Priest of Demeter, every National Master, Past National Lecturer James Farmer, the State Masters of Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin; every New York State Master, and past and present State officers. All treasure their memories of the Woodhulls, their wise counsel and gracious hospitality.
February 14, 1958 dawned on the sixty-fifth wedding anniver- sary of these Veteran Service Patrons. The accompanying photos was taken on that occasion. On February 14, 1960, they received congratulations from President and Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Mr. and Mrs. Woodhull are especially happy because their own Grange, Webster, has given to State Grange several State officers, among them Fred Hecker, State Assistant Steward and Steward (1915-22); Rev. John Rein, State Chaplain; Rev. Robert Root, past Chaplain, is a former Webster Grange member. Monroe County has had the following State Grange officials, in whom the Woodhulls take much pride: Florence Auchter, Flora and State Juvenile Deputy; Margaret Thorne, Lady Assistant Steward; State Chaplains Rev. Edwin Tucker and Rev. Fred Dean.
All Patrons who had the privilege of witnessing State Lec- turer Fern Palmer's fine program at the 1958 Saratoga session, were happy to see this wonderful couple seated on the stage in the episode "Twilight Rose." When Elizabeth Woodhull asked Robert Woodhull if he thought they could cross the State to this session, he replied: "It's liable to be the last one. Let's go." We hope there may be many more to come, because we need their vital Grange spirit.
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HOWARD WIGHTMAN.
Friendship, Special Deputy 1959-61, was born in 1908 on his great-grandfather's farm. He, his wife and two daughters live on what was his grandfather's farm. He is a graduate of Richburg Central and Alfred Agricultural and Technical Schools.
In 1922 he joined Inavale Grange No. 1248, where he was Assistant Steward, Steward, Lecturer, Overseer and Master. He was Deputy State Master 1938-42, and again 1955-58. In 1958 he was President of the Deputies' Association. For eleven years Superintendent of Highways of the Town of Wirt, from 1954-61 he has been a Director of the Allegany County Fair Board. In 1956, poor health forced him to quit farming, and he began to re- present the Farmers and Traders Life Insurance Company. In 1930, Rochester session, he took the Seventh Degree. A forceful and interesting speaker, Mr. Wightman is a loyal Patron, and has been one of the teaching staff at Grange Leadership Schools. With him, church takes first place, then Grange. Here is a sample of his Grange philosophy: "The Grange, as no other organization has ever done or will ever do, has proven its unquestionable right to be the promoter, the participant, the spokesman of Agri- culture."
Two other Special Deputies of the current period, deserve mention. They are Walter Gardiner, of Amsterdam, and Orville Hayes of Dolgeville. No one who has ever seen their impressive Installation ceremonies is likely to forget.
Much to our regret, it is impossible to name all who have rendered outstanding service in their own or neighbor communi- ties. It is fitting that all possible have mention:
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EARL N. WILLIAMS, Machias, was Secretary Ischua Grange No. 953, in 1920-23; Pomona Master, 1923-25; Deputy Grange Master, Cattaraugus County, 1928-36. Recipient of the coveted National Grange Recognition Certificate in 1939, State Master Raymond Cooper appointed him Special Deputy. Mr. Williams is deceased.
HARRY CARPENTER, Interlaken, Deputy Seneca County 1932- 38, appointed Special Deputy by State Master W. J. Rich, served 1939-41. He succeeded in getting 15 new members in one Grange, obtained a number of reinstatements, stirred up much interest. In one community Mr. Carpenter took time to help put paper on a ceiling, and so obtained four new members. "One Grange had the habit of eating supper and then starting Grange about 10:00 P.M. I finally induced them to begin at eight."
REV. J. SCOTT KING, Little Britain, for 33 years Lecturer of Orange County Pomona, Moderator of the New York Synod of the Presbyterian Church, said to be first to suggest a State Con- stabulary, (June, 1914). He was active as assistant to Mrs. Blanche Alexander, when she was State Lecturer, and upon Mrs. Alexan- der's death in 1922, finished her term of office until the election of 1923. (February)
ETHAN COON, Rhinebeck, 1938-46 Dutchess County Deputy, had an unusual knowledge of Grange ritualism and procedure, and was widely called upon for advice and council. Called "The Violet King of the World," he gave liberal assistance in decorating Pomona's and Flora's Courts, especially at Ogdensburg, 1937, with an outstandingly beautiful Court.
MRS. W. W. Ware (Etta) Batavia, former Lady Assistant Steward, at the Jamestown 1938 session had attended 44 State Grange Ses- sions. Born May 17, 1853, she lived to be 104 years old.
FRANK CARMAN, Deputy Tompkins County, for long "Dean of the Deputies," attended 44 Grange sessions.
PAUL TABER, Ithaca, member Ulysses Grange, No. 419, in 1945 received the United States Junior of Commerce Distinguished Service Award for outstanding civic service in Ithaca, 1944. Presi- dent of the New York State Junior Chamber of Commerce, in 1946 he was Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture of the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce. He served as Assist- ant to National Grange Master Albert S. Goss. Mr. Taber has given most valuable assistance in Deputy Schools and State Lecturer Schools held in Ithaca.
MRS. EMELINE GROVE joined Kendaia Grange No. 64 in June, 1880, and later transferred to Interlaken No. 160. This is her 81st year of Grange membership, 1961. Hat's off to this wonderful Granger, a pioneer in Grange service.
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Chapter 5.
EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
1. STATE LECTURERS
In 1867, nearly one hundred years ago, Oliver Hudson Kelley wrote to a friend, as related in his "Origin and Progress of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, "We want to bring in the whole farming community,-get the brains inside the vineyard, then put ideas into the brains,-set them thinking, let them feel that they are human beings, and the strength of the nation, their labor honorable, and farming the highest calling on earth."
This lay in the background of the thought expressed by Charles M. Gardner, when High Priest of Demeter, as he placed emphasis on the Lecturer's task: "To the Master is given supreme authority, to the Lecturer supreme opportunity." No officer has contributed more to the "great and crowning glory of the Grange," in educating and elevating the American farmer, than the Grange Lecturer. All, as many have, should heed the advice found in The National Grange Monthly, "If peradventure the Worthy Lecturer shall ask thee to take part on the program, turn not a deaf ear."
Sherman J. Lowell, later State and National Master, when Lecturer of New York State Grange, originated Regional Lectur- ers' Conferences. It was he who said: "Our duty to the Grange is to help round out the education of all so far as we are able. Some may need one thing, some another. Everything has a beginning; let us not be discouraged if we begin in a small way, for 'in due season we shall reap if we faint not.'"
The general duties of a State Lecturer, with some variation from term to term, include: Supervision of approximately 900 Subordinate and Pomona Lecturers in their work; suggested out- line of educational, inspirational and recreational programs; let- ters innumerable, preparation of the annual Handbook, indexing semi-annual reports, supervision and occasional revision of the Loan Library of books, plays, bulletins; required schools and con- ferences; arrangement of Monday night programs or get-to- gethers at State Grange sessions; readiness when required to supply occasional program numbers or relaxers at State Grange sessions; attendance at National Lecturer's conferences or Grange Leadership Conferences in New York, Washington, or elsewhere. The State Lecturer is a member of the New York State Council of Rural Women. Competent participation with many groups whose purpose is rural welfare, is expected.
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The caliber of the six women who have held this position in New York State Grange, since 1934, has been high. With pride and esteem all look to them as worthy standard bearers. Their annual themes challenge study. We glimpse the scope and reach of program value, when in unison across the State, Subordinate and Pomona Lecturers have developed abilities of young and old by "encouraging the young and the diffident" through study of various facets of thought provoking subjects. By encouragement of individual initiative, in regular and group meetings, the latter open to the public, a rich harvest of educational informative, in- spirational and recreational material has been presented. This scope is indicated by the 1936 report of State Lecturer Stella Miller, when the Fraternity Chain was used, that by conservative estimate, 75,000 people attended group meetings. Her report of a later year showed an equally conservative estimate of 80,000 total attendance.
It is well that we consider the personal attributes and resul- tant contribution, if it can be measured, of these six gifted State Grange Lecturers.
STELLA FAYE MILLER was State Lecturer from February, 1934, through the December Session, 1939. The Rumanian proverb has it: "Over thy creation of beauty there is a mist of tears." Born March 1, 1880, she died January 12, 1953. She was the wife of E. Bernard Miller, West Chazy, Clinton County, who gave service as Pomona Master and Juvenile Deputy. Stella Miller, Deputy Grange Master 1929-34, served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Deputy Association. At the 1934 Lake Placid session Mrs. Miller received the coveted National Grange Deputy Recognition. As State Lecturer her work had a quality of brilliance.
In 1936 Mrs. Miller announced the receipt of 725 reports for the first half of the year, and 626 for the last half, study of which supplied no small amount of understanding of the Granges of the
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