BROAD BROOK CHRONICLE

1. 1896—from Vermont Phoenix:
The people of Guilford are to be congratulated
on having such a live, energetic order as the
Broad Brook Grange, for through their efforts
a handsome and substantial building has been
erected as a monument to their fidelity and
perseverance. One is impressed with the solid
appearance and convenient arrangement.
Numbered hooks will accommodate 150 articles
of clothing. A kitchen is equipped with all
the modern conveniences for a crowd.
All the rooms are finished in hard pine.

Upstairs is a seating capacity of over 300;
a stage with a good assortment of scenery,
all that amateur plays will call for.
It has a handsome drop curtain with a scene
from Ben Hur, “the chariot race.”
Everything about the building is first class
and one good granger said, “It is too good for us,”
but we don’t agree with him.
The opening drama, “Bound by oath,”
was followed by a dance and chicken pie supper.
The building was packed to suffocation….

2. Squares and Reels
With foolery and fortitude
In winters past, our neighbors wooed.

They scoffed at blizzards, slung on chains
To swerve and mingle at the Grange,
Fiddle, flounce, then strike a match,
Converse, rehearse, propose, attach.

“We made a go of it, I guess,”
That sweet momentum after “Yes!”
Years do-si-do then promenade,
The caller halts, the piper's paid.

Ah, foolery and fortitude—
What precious wisdom we've accrued.

Tend what’s old, and make it sound—
Raise the Grange Hall. Set it down
Stronger ever than before.
Let spirits dance across the floor—

Ken and Pat who drilled our wells,
Mimi who picked chanterelles,
Margery, back with Emery,
Promenade through memory—

Lucy and Abijah Prince,
Driven out and honored since.
For eloquence and bravery
We mark their place in history.

3. October: the Ah!! before the B-r-r-r.
Sun, bless us as we gather—
Weary of wariness, sick of malaise,
Giddy with gratitude, primed for praise.
There’s majesty on every ridge.
(Who spoke of drought-dull foliage?)

As Autumn doffs her golden gloves,
Let’s say Nature’s labors of love
Are matched by Neighbors’ hearts and hands,
With skills and wiles such work demands—
Rend, transcend, amend, and spend
To resurrect our treasured friend.

O, Broad Brook Center, splendid Grange,
What secrets lodge within your change?
Who dug the ancient stone-lined well
Below the crawl space? None can tell.
How did your rituals unfold,
To lighten the load of winter’s cold?

Who recalls that New Year’s Eve?
250 revels caused the heave—
A sinking feeling and a crack!
Eleven years propped on a jack.

Where is the lift? We must be shown
To elevate our ancient bones.
What new farmers will fill your larder,
Move the produce, sell or barter?
How did you shift from bricks and mortar,
From “shiver my timbers” to apple pie order?

Who will script your future scheme?
We’ll stitch together common dreams,
And reawaken, cellar to rafter,
Guilford’s happily ever after.