by Ed Belding South Brunswick Historical Society
When an organization is labeled "Pioneer" and "No. 1" it has to mean that it is the first of its kind. Yes, here is another first that South Brunswick Township can be proud of. When farmers in the Monroe/Jamesburg area formed a "secret organization" and called it the "Homestead Grange," little did they know that their organization would outlast the Rhode Hall Farmers' Alliance and the Monroe Farmers' Club. Neither did they know at that time that they would end up in Dayton. It all started on January 24, 1872, thanks to the leadership of Oliver Hudson Kelley. He later went on to serve as the first Secretary of the National Grange. Grange meeting places moved from Stelton to Prospect Plains to Cranbury, and finally to Dayton. Its fiftieth anniversary was celebrated on this day in 1922, with an all-day session at the Presbyterian Church in Dayton. Close to four-hundred Grangers attended. The Diamond Jubilee was held in 1947, on Friday evening, January 24th. By this time, the Grange had its own hall on Ridge Road. And, by this time, everyone involved insisted that this was "New Jersey's Oldest Grange." Mistress of Ceremonies, that evening, was Anna J. Alsheimer. Speakers included Franklin Nixon, Master of the New Jersey State Grange; Historian, Myra Spratford; Maurice Hagerman, Deputy of Mercer County; and James B. Kirby, Secretary of the New Jersey State Grange. Music for dancing was provided by the Paul Stewart Orchestra. A good time was had by all in attendance. The Grange Hall still stands on Ridge Road, but the Grangers are long gone--not even a Lone Granger left to bring back the good old days!
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