ROCHESTER—For 100 years, the Sippican Pomona Grange has served the people of Rochester and is still going strong. The Sippican Pomona Grange celebrated its 100th anniversary on Saturday, April 1.

The Sippican Pomona Grange #31 is a regional grange consisting of granges in Acushnet, Dartmouth, East Freetown, Rochester, South Middleboro, and Westport. 

According to State Grange president Glenn Gibson, although the granges primarily focused on agriculture community work, members of the Sippican Pomona Grange have contributed to a number of community needs including support for veterans, affiliation with local Boy Scout troops, agricultural fairs and more.

The Rochester Grange was founded in 1906 by Allen Ashley and the hall was constructed in 1924, according to Rochester Grange president Christine Day. 

“Our first agricultural fair was held in 1909 and included local produce from farmers and gardeners,” Day said. 

According to Day, the Rochester Grange has participated in “words for thirds,” a charity event where members donate dictionaries to third graders. 

“We’re a small group with big hearts who enjoy the camaraderie with our fellow members,” said Day.

Sippican Pomona Grange was first established in 1923 by Reid Dana Macafee of the Marion Grange according to Sippican Pomona Grange president Sue LaFleur. 

Gibson said that  the Sippican Pomona Grange is known for its “impressive fifth degree,” a ceremony performed by grange members to begin or “open” a meeting. 

“Reaching our 100th anniversary in 2023 is an accomplishment and a source of great pride for the members of Sippican,” Gibson said. “Their commitment to the organization and their donation of time and resources to prepare and share information and their sponsored programs have benefited the community.”

Although membership has dropped across Sippican Pomona granges since the beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic, said Gibson, he is hopeful for the grange's future. 

“We will persevere,” he said.