Walter Boomsma, Director, Maine State Grange

“These photos reflect over 150 years of the Grange, a national organization with American values and hometown roots. Grange halls like these served as meeting places and social centers around the state. With an emphasis on rural America and agriculture, meetings often included discussion regarding public policy, family values, and personal growth.

Times have changed and so has the Grange—as has our state over 200 years of history. But some things do not change. Maine is still a rural state, perhaps the most rural state in the nation, with a high percentage of residents living outside of urban areas. Today’s Granges continue to serve as social and community centers. While still focused on agriculture and farming, family and community are the real foundation. Many Granges are finding different avenues for building and supporting rural communities. The outlook for Maine and its Granges is bright!”

Walter Boomsma is author of the book Exploring Tradition—Celebrating the Grange Way of Life. He currently serves as Communications Director for Maine State Grange. He loves working with children and is a proud member and program director of Valley Grange in Guilford, where they work closely with school districts in the area. They believe that building strong communities means building strong kids and building strong kids means building strong communities.