Proclamation of the oldest grange in the state.
By: Joseph Harvie
Pioneer Grange 1 in Dayton is still looking for new members.
To meet that end, the Rev. Robert Turton, one of the pastors of the Fresh Ponds Chapel and steward of the Grange, urged the Township Council April 12 to declare April Grange Month in the township.
And that’s what Mayor Frank Gambatese did Tuesday.
Mayor Gambatese said the township is proud to have the oldest grange in the state located in Dayton and would consider passing the proclamation.
The Rev. Turton said Grange Month is one of the ways the organization is trying to gain new members, not only in Dayton, but across the country.
The Dayton Grange has about 35 members and is looking for more so it does not lose its charter.
According to William Steel, president of the National Grange headquartered in Washington, D.C., if membership in a Grange group drops below 13, then it could lose its charter.
Mayor Gambatese said that the township has had preliminary talks to purchase the Grange Hall on Ridge Road as a way to preserve an important piece of South Brunswick’s history. He said the township would use the building as a community center for residents to enjoy. Mayor Gambatese had said if the building is bought by the township, the Grange would still be able to meet there.
In addition, he said that if the organization’s members do not want to sell the property, then the township would not try to obtain it.
The Rev. Turton said there are many members of the Grange that would like to see the property remain in the hands of the fraternal organization.
The Rev. Turton said the Grange is a fraternal organization that was instrumental in bringing electricity and better public education to rural areas. He said it was also one of the first organizations to encourage the empowerment of women.
"The Grange is a good, wholesome family organization," the Rev. Turton said. "It was also one of the first organizations to give power to women. Not only voting power, but leadership positions."
The Grange movement began in 1867 as a way to give farmers a political voice. The movement grew quickly during the 1870s, especially in the Midwest where low agricultural prices, growing debt and discriminatory treatment by railroads caused economic hardships, according to a "Reader’s Companion to American History."
The Rev. Turton said the Dayton Grange is the oldest in New Jersey, founded in 1872, and has had some prestigious members over the years, including the late H. Norman Schwarzkopf Sr., the father of retired Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf, who led American and coalition troops in the first Gulf War.
The elder Mr. Schwarzkopf was the first superintendent of the New Jersey State Police when it was founded in 1921.
The Grange meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at its Grange Hall on Ridge Road, between Georges Road and Route 522. Its meetings begin with a covered-dish supper at 6:30 p.m., followed by a regular meeting and program beginning at 7:45 p.m.
The Rev. Turton said membership to the Grange includes a $10 application fee, and $12 in annual dues. Anyone interested in joining should make checks payable to Pioneer Grange No. 1. Gladys Errickson, Treasurer. P.O. Box 55, Dayton, N.J. 08810-0055.

