By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Contributing Writer

Calvert Grange has a long rich history and it is the last grange in Cecil County. They take that honor seriously, and they work hard to preserve the legacy. 

Preserving that legacy translates into offering residents in Maryland and the surrounding states of Pennsylvania and Delaware with new social events.

The latest endeavor, Bingo Blitz, is sure to bring in people searching for a more exciting and very affordable game of bingo.

Bingo Blitz is held every first and third Tuesday of the month from 9 a.m. until noon. There is a very extensive list of gifts and foods donated for the game. Bingo cards can be purchased for $1 and you can have six at a time. Everyone is welcome.

But Bingo isn’t the only fun thing happening at the grange, craft shows certainly bring in the crowds.

This year, one craft show was on Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the other will take place on Dec.7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Prepare to make a day of it at the craft shows. You can grab some great refreshments including breakfast sandwiches, soups to go (crab soup and chicken and dumplings) plus a variety of drinks and desserts. And check out the raffle prizes which get bigger and better each time.

The vendors are a very eclectic group of artists and crafters. All items are hand-made and in the past have included crocheted and knitted items, jewelry, felted items, wreaths, yarn, food items, and hand spun yarn. If artwork is your thing, come see ceramic items and very unique art work. It is a great place to start your holiday shopping and to find one-of-a-kind items that are sure to please everyone.

It is a great place for would-be crafters to ask questions, find supplies, or simply see if you might want to learn a new craft.

In the spring, the grange hosts yard sales inside and out.

In 2023, the grange received their certificate for 70 years.

Calvert Grange #424, was founded in 1953. Much of the rich farmland that existed in the Maryland area may have been swallowed up by developments, but advocates such as the Farm Grange still exist to protect those few farms that provide us with their bounty. And you might be surprised to see what new farming looks like.

The original Farm Grange was founded in 1867 and continues today as a “nonprofit, nonpartisan, fraternal organization that advocates for rural America and agriculture.” They were organized after the Civil War to reunite the north and south, and to rehabilitate farms destroyed in that war.

The charter members of Calvert Grange are Walton and Mildred Mason; Grove and Arlene Miller; Roby and Fanny Wagner; William and Lillian England; Florence Brown; and Lorraine Price.

Sadly, all the charter members have passed, but the grange they started is stronger than ever.

At its inception, the Grange met at the Calvert Elementary School, then relocated to the Rosebank Church. In 1964 they built the Grange building at 2357 Telegraph Road in Rising Sun.

Eleanor Cline, current president of the organization, has been a member for 64 years.  Cline and other grange members still advocate for the farmer and still preserve this valuable asset in Cecil County.

Farming families are very familiar with granges. Most farm children spent their free time at granges participating in family events, 4-H activities, or gaining valuable knowledge about farming.
The Grange has continuously fought for the rights of farmers and rural Americans everywhere, taking hometown words and policies to the steps of Congress year after year. If not for the Granges, farmers would have had to struggle even more to get fair prices for crops, milk, livestock and other agricultural products.

Although farming and agriculture have changed tremendously in recent years, Granges continue to be a vital part of the entire community. It is impressive to see how active this particular grange continues to be and how it still serves the people of Cecil County.

Elinor Cline said, “The grange continues to welcome new members and continues to maintain their building, which includes a new HVAC system. We have plans for more improvements in this building, which serves people from Maryland, Pennsylvania and Delaware.”

She added, “We feel we provide a great venue whether you're looking for somewhere to hold your next business meeting or party. Calvert Grange has the space at a very affordable price. We rent our facility for a variety of events, including training sessions, board meetings, family holiday dinners, weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, reunions, receptions, live music performances, fundraisers, auctions, yard sales, church services, graduation parties, craft sales, and more. Your rental includes the use of the hall, kitchen and grounds outside.” 

The Grange still provides education to farmers and to students who have the dream of owning a farm someday. They are also a valuable asset to the growing population seeking knowledge on gardening, caring for their yard, or those interested in the environment.

And lest you think there is no interest in farming, you must not be watching popular cooking shows. Local restaurants have become more consumed than ever with the concept of farm-to-table. They can learn much about that process at this local grange.

There is also a growing interest in eggs. That’s right – eggs. Chefs have been flocking to local producers of exotic eggs for years. There is a growing market in producing exotic eggs that snatch a hefty price. Rare chickens, duck, goose, emu and ostrich eggs are used in many exclusive restaurants.

This particular Grange has become a haven for crafters and artists from three states looking for a venue to sell their handmade items. Vendors also sell fresh plants and flowers grown on their farms, while others fashion wreaths or other decorations with those farm-grown products. 

One thing that brings crafters to this grange is being able to buy beautiful yarns or felting wool that come directly from local sheep, llamas, and alpacas.

For more information about joining the grange, reserving the venue or signing up for events, go to calvertgrange.org or call Karen Long at: 410-441-4990.