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Although many of the Granges that once dominated social life around the turn of the century are long gone, Woolwich Grange #68, which was organized December 15, 1874, has been going strong ever since.

The Grange building on the Mountain Road, built in the late 1800s, is still the place to be once a month for their famous bean suppers where people stand in line to enjoy a family style meal of baked beans, coleslaw, hot dogs, pickles, and home made pies.

This past Monday evening the group held a potluck supper and awards ceremony to recognize the longevity of their members.

Grange Master John Hauck recognized Margaret Gardiner, who will be given her 80-year membership pin next year.

According to a family member, Margaret joined the Grange when she was just 16 years old, because her mother would not allow her to join the Camp Fire Girls. She is the daughter of former Governor William Tudor Gardiner, who served from 1929 to 1933. She is also the owner of the Morgan Horse Farm in Woolwich.

Seventy-year membership pins were awarded to Marion Bailey, John Sutter, and Grace Smith. A sixty-five year membership pin was awarded to Charlotte Sutter.

A fifty-year pin was awarded to Jesse Chubbuck. Ray Dugan, Sr. who was not present at the meeting, will also receive a 50-year pin.

Members receiving 45-year membership pins were John McPhail, Lillian McPhail, and Donna Baxter. Tina Moison, and Peter Chubbuck will also receive 45-year pins at a later date.

Wayne Leeman was presented with a 40-year membership pin. Susan Ackerman, of North Carolina, also has been a member of the Grange for 40 years and the pin will be sent to her.

Members present receiving 25-year membership pins included Tammy Ramsey, Barbara Chubbuck, Penny Durgan, Jim Chubbuck.

Other members receiving the 25-year award, who were not present, include Donna Chubbuck, Karen Brown, Heidi Baise, Kenneth Chubbuck, Hazel Dunkling, Reggie Dunkling, and Patty Chubbuck.

Edna Lord, who recently celebrated her 100 th birthday, will receive her 80-year membership pin next year.

On a sadder note the local grange mourns the lost of Mary Soule Bateman, who passed away in August. Mrs. Bateman had been a member for 35 years. She was also the last recipient of the Boston Post Cane, being the oldest resident of Woolwich. She was 98 years old at the time of her death.