BANGOR DAILY NEWS • August 4, 2024
Originating in the state 150 years ago, Granges met to connect farmers, advocate for them and provide resources. About 90 Granges remain from 600 operating at their peak. In the early 20th century, Maine had more members per capita than any other state, upward of 55,000; membership is less than 3,000 now. Some local Granges are staying active by finding new roles as community centers, often without programs connected to their agricultural roots. They reckon with challenges faced by community groups across rural Maine as former farming areas change: aging membership, adapting to a less locally connected society and difficulty attracting new people.