82-Lanc<istef Farming, Saturday, November 1, 1997 Four-Generation Family LOU ANN GOOD Lancaster Farming Staff READING (Berks Co.) —Hun- dreds of Grangers gathered this week for a “family” reunion. “Grange is family,” said Brian Ebersole, a college student, who was attending the five-day conven tion of the Pennsylvania State Grange. Held Oct. 25-29 in the Scottish Rite Cathedral, Reading, the 125th anniversity session marked Brian’s grandfather, Paul Britcher Sr., 60th year as a member. “I wanted my five children to always enjoy the Grange so I gave them lifetime memberships,” Britcher said. His gift is not considered coer cion but a valued opportunity for the four generations of his family who attended this year’s convention. “I wouldn’t know my best friends if it weren’t for the Grange,” said Brian’s sister Stacy. Brian and Stacy grew up know ing that vacation always merit attending a Grange convention. They are enthusiastic and vocal about Grange membership. The two previously won appointment as national public speakers and 9 -m jr -m - ■ — a. hi « _ _ The state convention is only one mmmmm ■jl J I. '* I*| ' ff week of the three that the Bricker 9 II f /1/1 t m r" A-l m I offspring spend with their “Grange » iVXjL f JL ■ 11/ family.” In the spring, they take off ■JL JEL -r- . —i ■-]« ■ -i a week for Grange camp and in two I m y f weeks they will attend the national I ■ mm r" Grange convention in jL w Massachuset. Women’s Director Finds Grange Patriotic, Religious, Family-Oriented, Just Plain Friendly LOU ANN GOOD Lancaster Farming Staff READING (Berks Co.) Behind every successful organiza tion are dedicated hard workers. Rebecca Michalka is one of those for the Pennsylvania State Grange. For 13 years, she’s the person in charge of the women’s activities. This means she plans and organ izes the hundreds of needlework From left, Evelyn Cottrell of Susquehanna Co., Ruth Wallis of Lycoming Co., and Evelyn Grant of Jefferson Co the quilts Grangers made for AIDS tables. Grange Is travelled across the U.S. to prom ote the Grange. Brian, a student at Ursinus Col lege, plans to become a politician. Despite the prospect of a hectic lifestyle, Brian is adamant' “I nev er want to give up Grange.” His 24-year-old sister Stacy was graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and returned to her hometown to work in a bank and to save as master of the Perry Coun ty Pomona Grange—a position that delights her grandfather. His daughter Martha Ebersole credits him with instilling creativi ty in carrying out many Grange responsibilities. Martha is the state youth direc tor for four years. About 80 youth attended youth activities during the weekend session. Her kids credit her for transfer ring her leadership ability to them, but they also offer some advice to their mother when she gets frus trated “mothering” so many youth. They tell her: “Don’t try to be a mother to every one, just be there.” Martha’s husband Ray is also an active Granger. “He’s my best man,” Martha said of her hus band’s support of her year-round duties as state youth director. and craft projects that are entered for competition and for distribu tion at die annual state Grange con vention. She also plans annual baking contests. And, under Beck y’s organization, the Grange has printed three cookbooks. The most recent one was just released in celebration of the 12Sth anniver sary celebration of the Grange. “Becky,’’ as she is most often called, lives within one mile of the Martha selected the sunflower as the emblem for the Grange youth. She said. “I chose the sun flower because the Grange is just like it in that it is blooming and growing across Pennsylvania. The perky flowers were evident on “sunflower designed” vests, shirts, and corsages—many made by the elder Britcher. “Dad can make everything,” his daughter Isabelle Myers said of Britcher. Now 74 years old, Britcher uses the skills he obtained by working in a garment factory. He sews everything from a country rabbit used as a Grange fundraiser to the sunflower• vests worn by his daughters to promote the Grange. Britcher is typical of Grangers who believe in doing everything they can to help others. The Grange is lauded for their work with the deaf. Britcher, his children, and grandchildren have learned to sign songs as part of their Grange involvement Bricker said of his 60-year involvement with the Grange; “It’s changed in some procedures, but the Grange is still made up of close knit and kind people. I can go to a Grange meeting in any state and feel welcome wherever I go.” Washington County home in which she was bom. Church, Grange, and family activities fill her life. As a young teen-ager she became pianist and organist at the church where she now is choir director and organist She and her husband John mar ried 47 years ago and joined the Grange about 30 years ago. Becky said that she joined because she knew school friends IsSL .** - * L * Family Active In Grange Paul Brltcher Sr. Is proud that four generations of his family travel as a family to participate in Grange functions at local, county, state, and national levels. He Is surrounded by his daughter Martha Ebersole, left, and her children Brian and Stacy. Another of Brltcher’s daughters, Isabelle Myers Is at right with grandson Derek. The 74-year-old Brltcher stitched the vests his daughters are wearing and the black velvet dress worn by his granddaughter. John and Becky Michalka from Washington County like the Grange because “It’s patriotic, religious, family oriented, and Just plain friendly.” who were involved in the Grange, working at the state level.” Becky soon became women’s That was 13 yean ago, proof activity director for Washington that Becky is doing riiligmt work County. About 13 years ago, the in the appointment that is renewed state master attended a meeting every two yean, where Becky reported on the Nothing thrills Becky mm thy. women’s activities. He was quoted to see the hundreds of ,«s saying. “Igot tpget that woman (Ture k».Pw B 3). ’
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers