| AUGUST 11, 2011 -- Over the years the Connecticut State Grange has been blessed with talented State Lecturers. Often they were excellent musicians as well! Louise Chapman was a leader with many capabilities. If you couldn’t march to the piano when played by Louise, you couldn’t march at all.
You never would have thought of her as a pianist as her fingers and hands were small- not “piano” fingers at all- but oh, how they flew over the keys! She often wore little black Mary Jane shoes- and the girls of the Rose Drill loved to watch what they called her little Minnie Mouse feet dancing over the pedals. She could play anything- with or without music. Her skills as State Lecturer were remarkable. Not only did she write music, but her pen was responsible for skits, poems, games and clever quizzes. If you have ever enjoyed taking part in the “A Number Contest” at your Grange, you can thank Louise. She started that category for competition and the five State Lecturers who have followed her into the office have seen fit to continue it.
Louise was calm, soft spoken, warm and friendly to everyone. We don’t know if she was always that way at home- guess you’d have to ask Richard or a member of the family about that, but she had a great sense of humor and chuckled at everything.
Her Grange life was a full one from the time she joined Norwich in 1957. She served as Lecturer and Master of the Subordinate for several terms and was Pomona Chaplain as well as Lecturer. In addition to her ten years as State Lecturer she was a Junior Deputy and on the State Publicity Committee. When National Grange met in Hartford in 1972, Louise was chosen as pianist for the session. The Rose Drill enjoyed her at the piano for many years- and she played for several installation teams. She got away from the piano- at times such as being one of the first Directors of the Connecticut Agricultural Fair. Who will ever forget her as pianist for the Norwich Grange Family Band. Oh, the stories she could tell about those many years. Did I just hear someone chuckle?
Do remember Louise! |
