| JANUARY 24, 2010 -- Lively music and dancing stirred the quiet hamlet of Ellsworth Saturday night. Inside the Taghhannuck (pronounced Taconic) Grange Hall, caller David Kaynor led 30 people in contra dancing, to music by Home Grown Band.
Grange Master Barbara B. Prindle described contra dancing as square dancing in a line. The crowd ranged from children to seniors who declared, "I can't dance, but I'll sit and watch."
Prindle said the event was not a fundraiser, but a fun way to spend an evening, as well as an opportunity to introduce people to the Grange. The effort proved successful with four people submitting applications for membership.
The National Grange was established in December 1867 just after the Civil War to unite citizen in improving the ecnomic and social position of the nation's farmers. Its focus is on a wide variety of issues, including economic development, education, family endeavors and legislative design to ensure a strong and viable rural community. Over the years, its mission has expanded to take in non-farm and rural families and communities.
As with many longtime civic organizations, membership has dwindled. While the Taghhannuck Grange once served Sharon, it now takes in Cornwall and Warren as well. Prindle estimates the roster numbers between 40 and 50. Its legislative committee follows issues on the state and national level dealing with agriculture. The group has a dictionary project, providing copies to all third graders in the three towns. Dinners are held periodically and one in the spring recognizes a citizen of the year. Members meet twice a month, a little less during the winter, at their Grange Hall, which is a former Methodist church. Lectures are often part of the program. Those interested in joining or receiving information should contact Prindle at 860-364-5373.
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