Jonesboro Grange #357 is one of five being recognized nationally for outstanding service to the community as well as its commitment to keeping alive the history and relevance of what a Grange is today. National Grange Community Service Director Peter Pompper listened to updates provided on Facebook by members of five Granges from across the country on how they are adapting to both cultural change and the pandemic. Jonesboro native Rebekah Hodgson spoke on behalf of Jonesboro. "The national Grange saw via social media what we were doing to revive our Grange and reached out to recognize all of that effort," she explains.

A part of who we are
      “I joined the Grange in the spring of 2020," says Hodgson. "My grandmother, Helen Brooks, has been an active Grange member for over 50 years. My father, John Cox Jr., is the Grange master for Jonesboro and encouraged me to join." Hodgson admits she kept putting the idea off until she realized she could learn while volunteering to bring events to Jonesboro. "I love to get creative in planning the community events and fundraisers for the Grange," says Hodgson.
     The Jonesboro Grange was organized in 1900, although construction of the building did not start until 1904 and was completed in 1916. The entire building was then moved 18 feet in 1956 to accommodate road construction.
     Over time the Jonesboro Grange fell into disuse. The state Grange decided to put the building up for sale, but residents responded by coming together and reopening the building in 2019. Today there is a buzz of activity coming from the building and its grounds along the Chandler River despite the pandemic.

An important piece of Maine history
     According to Maine State Grange (MSG) there are currently 102 active Granges throughout the state. Helen Brooks, the Washington County deputy for the Maine State Grange, says there were about 15 active Granges in the county just 20 years ago. Today she notes there are only five -- Alexander, Jonesboro, Perry, Jacksonville and Cooper.
     "The decline of the Grange is worrisome, but if we can get young people more involved -- like what's happening in Jonesboro -- we can turn things around," says Brooks. Brooks has been a Grange member since the age of 14 and is also a committee member for promoting Junior Grange. She believes technology has played a major part in the decline of the Grange. "We are losing that physical contact we once had and need as a community," says Brooks. "Seeing how Jonesboro is actually using technology as a tool to communicate and bring people back together is very interesting. Perhaps there is hope."
     The Grange was formed by farmers just after the Civil War and was vital in the fight for farmers' rights during the period of Reconstruction. "The farmer needed a voice in Washington at that time," says Brooks, "so they organized to get that voice heard. The Grange was the only organization at that time which valued the whole family as a unit, especially women."
     "I can say I had grown up in Jonesboro and passed by the Grange hall almost every day of my 31 years on this planet but never had I fully appreciated what that building represented or the rich history it holds until now," says Hodgson. "Being part of the Grange has only ignited a burning fire inside me to help make the Grange an important part of the town once again."

Meeting needs of community
      “I hope that the Grange will become popular once again and that I will inspire those around me, especially the younger generation, to do good in their communities," says Hodgson. "I cannot do it alone, but together we can!"
     And so far the community of Jonesboro has put words into action by hosting and attending a number of events, even through a pandemic. By holding events outside or using a drive by format, Hodgson and others are giving a voice to that old building once again. In 2020 the Grange successfully held four outdoor craft fairs and community gatherings.
     With many local summer festivals cancelled again for 2021, Jonesboro Grange is moving forward with a bevy of outdoor fundraising events. They include: Saturday, May 15 -- Holiday Do Over and craft fair; June 19 -- Father's Day craft fair; June 20 -- Touch a Truck; June 27 -- Crush Cancer 5K race -- in honor of Grange Master John Cox Jr., who is currently fighting bladder cancer; July 17 --Lobster Festival and craft fair; August 21 -- Blueberry Bash and craft fair.
     "Our craft fairs accommodate up to 20 crafters, and we are full for our May 15 show," says Hodgson. "Each craft fair is paired with a free community event. This helps bring in a large crowd for our crafters, and many have had record sales at our craft shows."
     Both Hodgson and Brooks believe the Grange can make a difference in the future of any community. "The community should care about and support their local Grange because the Grange exists to serve them," says Brooks.
     "It is very important to keep the history of the Grange and hold traditional meetings, but change can be a good thing," says Hodgson. "By meeting the needs of your community, more individuals are going to join, and your local Grange is only going to become stronger."
     Proceeds from events and fundraisers will be used to drill a new well and begin repair projects to portions of the historic building.
     For more information on events, membership or how to support Jonesboro Grange #357, visit its Facebook page.