820-Lancaster Fanning, Saturday, November 1, 1997
(Continued from Pag* B 19)
Representatives from each of
the state’s subordinate Granges
lined the perimeter of the auditor
ium and handed the torch to each
other.
As the torch made its way clock
wise around the audience, the
crowd slowly turned, people cran
ing to watch its progress. Young
and old, men and women, passed
the torch solemnly until it made its
way up onto, and across the stage,
past a banner procclaiming the
125th anniversary, to be presented
to Donald Evans (of Penn State
University) who placed the torch at
the front center of the stage, where
it remained for the duration of the
pageant
Evans served as chairman of the
125th Anniversary Committee,
along with members representing
eight Grange regions in the state:
Carol McCullon, Jennifer Viscusi,
and Martha Sherman from Region
A; James Grant and Mary Himes
from Region B; Arlan Higley,
Gloria Higley, and Gordon Hiller
The chorus of State Grange members from Region D sings period songs
(1922*1938), while Tom Purdy and Flo Hunter portray Gov. and Mrs. Gifford Plnchot.
From the left, In a skit demonstrating some of the adversities and achievements of
the members of the Pa. State Grange, are Lois Pifer, Evelyn Grant, Mary Yoder, and
Anna Gould.
. Gfange Matter William Steel stands next to the podium and holds the
the tfSSSJrftttS?’ * h ' te the 08,14)1 th * l2sth aDnlver#ar yi>afleapt gather, behind for. . a
Grange Celebrates 125-Year History
(past master) from Region C; June
Marzani, Hedy Chaffee, and
Richard Seidof from Region D;
Netter Martsolf, W. Roger Parry,
Linda Parry, and Lois Moore from
Region E; David Hay and Betty
Grove from Region F; Judy Press
ler, Brian Ebeisole, Nancy Cole,
Betty Diamond and Dr. James Dia
mond from Region G; and Clifford
Holloway, Dr. Arba Henry, and
Nettie Kauffman from Region H.
Also serving on the committee
were Grange Master William
Steel and Jim Mentzer, its public
relations director.
Having the 125th anniversary
celebration held in Reading was
signficant, because the first con
vention was held in Reading.
Evans narrated the first segment
dealing with the founding of the
Grange, followed by a segment
portraying the establishment of the
state and subordinate seal.
Just as with the other segments,
the presentation of the establish
ment of the seal was done with
pageantry, and different, costumed
j:
125th Anniversary Committee members create a life-sized version of the official Pa.
State Grange seal.
David Hay portrays Oliver Hudson Kelley,
gb of the Pennsylvania State Grange.
performers carried each element of
the seal out on stage to result in a
life-sized version of the seal.
According to the narration, “On
Jan. 7,1874, the first annual meet
ing of the Pennsylvania State
Grange' was held at the Patriarch
Grange No. 42 in Harrisburg.
Fifty-two delegates answered the
roll call.
“It was decided that all fourth
degree members in attendance be
permitted to take part in all
discussions.”
One of the discussion items was
the seal. After such discussion, it
was decided that the seal should
represent the farm and those who
toil the soil.
It was decided the seal should
have a seven-sided background,
representing the seven founders of
the order.
On the seven-skied shape was
placed a sheaf of wheat to repre
sent God’s bounty for all, and that
all should be good stewards.
A plow was included because it
breaks up and prepares the soil for
planting. According to narrator
Evans, “This should teach us to
drive the plowshare of thought
diligently through the heavy soil of
ignorance and thus prepare the
mind for the growth of knowledge
and wisdom.”
The ax was also added, because,
as it was used to clear out fields,
“Its use teaches us perserverance
in overcoming obstacles.”
A spade was added because it is
used to dig deeper than the plow.
“It is the emblem of thorough
ness,” Evans said.
The rake, or harrow, was placed
upon the seal, because as the tool is
used for more detailed work
pulverizing soil and covering
seed “It is emblematic of the
study and observation need to fully
run your life or business.”
The hoe was added because it
was used to weed and stir the soil.
It represented that "... cultivation
of the mind promotes the growth of
knowledge and wisdom.”
The spud a weeding instru
ment used to get those missed by
the hoe was added. “It is a
reminder to get rid of all dissension
and strife.”
The pruning knife or spear,
beaten into a pruning hook, was
added because it was made by con
verting a weapon into a farming
tool. It is a symbol of peace. “It
should always remind you to pre
serve peace with your fellow
men.”
A shepherd’s crook is on the
seal because, “It is emblematic of
the care and guidance need to care
for the weak and innocent”
The seal also contains a sickle.
“It is a reminder of honorable
employment preaching its sermon
of present propserity and peace. It
represents a future of plenty and
rejoicing.”
The only non-tool, other than
the sheaf of wheat on the seal is a
type of rock, agate. Agate is a
quartz rock with various, usually
with fine-grained patterns of diffe
rent colors. It is used as a sign of
friendship.
“May your principles of life be
as firmly impressed as the lasting
colors in the stone, and may your
friendships be as lasting as the
stone itself,” Evans said.
The next segments recalled the
events and circumstances of the
period and what role the Grange
played in working to better the
{Turn to Pago B 21)