Farming. Saturday, April 20. 1974 A Century of Service (Continued from Paft 1| schools, and whether or hot women should be school directors. Is it more profitable to own registered cattle or common cows, they asked. Should there be lights on vehicles? Do the signs of the times indicate the downfall of the American farmer to European peasantry? In 1925, when radio was in its infancy, a radio set was brought to a meeting so that all could listen' to the dawning of the electronic age. The history, which was written by Norman Wood and Charles McSparran, does not reveal whether or not a TV set was similarly examined by members. Today there are some 260 members of Fulton Grange, and many of its members have distinguished them selves over the years. Many have been active in local politics, serving as school directors, road supervisors and election officials. Some have risen to serve on the state level. John A. Mc- Sparran was Pennsylvania’s secretary of agriculture under Governor John Pin chot. Norman Wood was a 42- year member of the Stat f House of Representatives, and his place was taken in 1962 by another Granger, Sherman Hill. In May, of 1948, a Juvenile Grange was organized, with 25 members and Ray Mc- Sparran as the first Master. Ihe Junior Grange, as it’s now called, is still going strong, and still meeting twice a month. Three McSparrans have served as officers of the Pennsylvania State Grange. John A. was master from 1914 to 1924, James G. was overseer for six years in the late 19th century. J. Collins McSparran, son of John A., server as master from 1956 to 1962, and was state secretary before that. Jesse Cutler served on the state finance committee from 1948 until 1954, and Clifford Holloway Jr. is presently serving as a member of the executive committee. Citizens of the southern Front Row (left to right) Thomas Galbreath, Assistant Steward; Walter Wood Trea ; jrer, Charles Ambler, Steward; Russel Hartsoe, Overseer, William Ar -er. Master, Edna Groff, Lecturer; Jennette McCummmgs. Chaplain IvicSparren, Secretary,, ean Moss, Lady Assistant Steward, Back Row “to right) Mary Grffin r Flower Comm , Sara Etta Boyd, Librarian ,ph Armstrong, Gatekeeper, Martin Eshleman and Lewis Beck Exec e Comm ; John Galbre. Finance Comm , Ruth Ann Arm strong F Sarah (Weaver) Ja n. Ceres, Betty (Brown) Hill, Health care in the southern end has been another prime concern of the Grange. In J 1970, the group recognized a problem arising out of the fact that there were not enough doctors in the area. They began a drive that ended little more than a year later with the establishment of a family health center, housed in a former Presbyterian parsonage in QuanyvUk. A new center is currently under construction and will be opening its doors for business in the near future. Speaking of the first century in his introduction to the Fulton Grange 100-year anniversary book, Master Charles G. McSparran said: “Fulton Grange has served this community for 100 years. “In that time it has saved its members thousands of dollars, but its true worth cannot be measured in dollars and cents; rather in the good it'has done as a fraternal organization working as one large family, supporting those things that were for the good of all and opposing things that might prove harmful and at the same time exhibiting a spirit of friendship and com passion surpassed by no other organization. “Its many ac complishments and the high moral standard it has upheld are a challenge worthy of emulation. May the records of our next 100 years show that the same spirit of friendship, cooperation and high moral fortitude exists then as it does today. “It behooves each and every one of us to accept the challenge of the past and make this Grange and example for all who come after us.” 75th Anniversary Officers end owe a great deal to the Grange for their early support of telephone and electric service in the area. Hie Norman Wood Bridge over the Susquehanna River connects southern Lancaster and York Counties. Grangers lobbied strongly for the bridge and it was named after one of their own. The “Fulton Squares" which won a blue ribbon atPenna. Farm Show. Left to right; Stanley Stauffer, Dorothy (Black) Stauffer, Gerhart Neustadter, Nancy Groff, Earle Gilbert, Jr., Beverly (Styer) Fryberger, Clair Murphy, Cathy (Gilbert) Cochran. Presentation of American Flag to the State Grange Headquarters m Harrisburg in 1953. Front Row (left to right); Evelyn (Richardson) Probst, Lena Coates, Beatty Demit, State Master, Laura McSparran, lla Jackson. Back Row (left to right): Mabel (Brabson) Kreider, Thomas Galbreath, Master, Walter Wood, Charles Tindall, Sr., Charles Ambler, Ruth Ann Arm strong. Members of Fulton Grange Who Have Served as Officers of The Pa. State Grange John A. McSparran Master J Collins McSparran Secretary Master 1960 Grange Square Dance Clifford W. Holloway Jr. Executive Committee member at present earn Norman Wood Bridge James G. McSparran Overseer Jesse Cutler Finance Committee member
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers