Broad Brook Grange will present a benefit supper and contradance on Saturday, December 5, beginning at 5:00 pm at the Grange hall in Guilford Center. The proceeds will benefit a local farm which suffered a barn collapse due to a weather event.
On Thursday, October 29, a rare “microburst” hit the town of Guilford, with unusually high wind gusts, bringing down the roof under construction on a new dairy barn at the Clark Farm, injuring a family member and carpenter Tom Henry of Guilford. Saturday’s fundraiser will assist the Clark Farm, as well as Mr. Henry.
The evening begins with supper served from 5-7 pm, which will include homemade chili, spaghetti, breads, salads, dessert, featuring apple crisp, and beverages prepared by Grange and community chefs.
The supper is followed by a 7 pm dance, featuring contras and squares, with Fred Breunig, caller and fiddle; Andy Davis, caller, piano and accordion; and Laurie Indenbaum, fiddle. The dances will be community friendly. All are welcome. Fred Breunig will be calling some classic southern Vermont squares that he learned from the legendary “Smitty.” Andy Davis will be calling some contras and squares. The evening will also include several waltzes and polkas.
Admission to the full evening of activities is $10, and $5 for kids under 6.
Granges were founded by and to support farm families, and thus the Guilford organization feels this is a most appropriate benefit fundraiser.
Broad Brook Grange is at 3940 Guilford Center Road, 4 miles west of the Guilford Country Store.
Andy Davis
Granges
We have a Grange Songbook from long ago. It’s very political and activist, aimed squarely at farmers.
Songs like “Stay On The Farm” were messages warning upstart youngsters to be wary of city life, bu there were others extolling the virtues of labor and work, and getting your farm in order.
You can get a PDF copy here, it seems.
From “Help It On”:
“There’s a good time comin’, help it on, help it on… When you find a noble cause, help it on, help it on…. The Right at last shall win, help it on, help it on…”