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The Museum Memorial Brick Walkway &
Grange Memorial with Flagpole Project was dedicated on Sunday, October 26, 2008
during State Session.
2008 Walkway Dedication Pictures. If anyone has
pictures that were taken and would like to have them posted
please email them to the webmaster.
Introduction:
Jerry Batsford It is
fitting to dedicate this sidewalk to the Granges in New York
State and to their faithful members and friends. There
is a permanence to a sidewalk. Made of concrete,
bricks or stones, it often outlasts its original purpose.
Sidewalks provide a firm foundation for our steps as we go
about our daily lives. However, they are always
changing. Cracks may appear and weeds spring up in the
spaces between the stones. Sometimes we can't see the
end of the sidewalk so there is mystery to what lies ahead.
The sidewalk we are dedicating today is a symbol of the
Grange - the foundation of its past, the energy of the
present and a vision for the future.
Past: Carol Bailey
I dedicate this sidewalk to the past. With the
organization of the first Grange at Fredonia, our
predecessors began the arduous task of building a strong
organizational voice for rural New York. Throughout
the history of Grange in New York, brothers and sisters gave
much time, talent and treasure for the advancement of the
order. They have given us that firm foundation on
which to tread. many are memorialized in the bricks of
this sidewalk. "Well done, good and faithful
servants." Present: Barbara Hill
Today we walk on that sidewalk that was put down by those
who came before us. It is our responsibility to pay
close attention during our time on the sidewalk. What
do the cracks, dips and bumps tell us? What effort is
needed to make the way smooth? Knowing where the
cracks of experience are located will keep us from stubbing
our toes. Sidewalks often intersect and sometimes
merge. As Grangers, we can walk the path with others
for the common good. I dedicate this sidewalk to the
honor of Grangers throughout New York State who are working
to make our communities better.
Future: Oliver Orton We don't
always know where the sidewalk will lead. The Grange
will continue to build a sidewalk into the future. We
have a firm foundation behind us, energetic people and
unscathed dirt ahead. We can lay the bricks in anyway
we please. We can explore new directions and even add
new ingredients to the bricks. But we must always take
into account the mistakes and successes learned from the
sidewalk behind because that is how we will grow. With
respect for those who have gone before and thank you to
those who are currently walking on the sidewalk, I dedicate
this sidewalk to the future of the Grange. |
