The curtain at the Lamoine Grange was painted by Maxwell Leland (c. 1923) and Elise Witham (c. 1958). It features a vista of Mount Desert Island from Marlboro, looking over Raccoon Cove.
The curtain at the Lamoine Grange was painted by Maxwell Leland (c. 1923) and Elise Witham (c. 1958). It features a vista of Mount Desert Island from Marlboro, looking over Raccoon Cove.
Georgiana Pulver Photo
Carol Mason portraying Tommy Carothers, for a performance of a section of “Tommy’s Wife, a farce in three acts,” (c. 1905).
LAMOINE — Ever wonder that the Grange is about? You know, those old clapboard buildings that every local town seems to have? Well, Lamoine Grange has put together an afternoon’s entertainment for Sunday, Feb. 26, about the organization to inform — and hopefully delight — audience members about that organization which started after the Civil War to give farmers a voice in national government. Though many chapters have closed, many others, like Lamoine’s Grange, have redefined their focus for the 21st century.
The Lamoine Grange front-stage curtain, painted on 100-year old muslin, shows a landscape looking toward Mount Desert Island from Marlboro over Raccoon Cove. This beautiful painted curtain graces the stage of the 105-year-old building. The Feb. 26 program will begin with members recounting aspects of the national Grange’s mission, practices and entertainments over the years and how Lamoine’s chapter started soon after Lamoine separated from Trenton. Those in attendance will hear stories of the Lamoine Grange’s activities, both old and new: of dinners and community service, songs Grangers sang and one of the many comic plays they did on the hall’s stage decades ago.
Among the highlights of the show will be a performance of a section of “Tommy’s Wife, a farce in three acts,” (c. 1905), complete with period costumes and the surprising way in which Grangers of old performed their plays. The Lamoine Grange’s adaptation of “Tommy’s Wife” will last about a half hour, rounding out the program on a hilarious note. The show will conclude with more songs, refreshments and an informal question and answer period.
The Grange Show takes place Sunday, Feb. 26, in the Lamoine Grange Hall on Route 184 at the Lamoine Corner. The event is free, although donations are always appreciated. Reservations are not needed. Masks are optional. Doors open at 1:30 p.m., and the two-hour Grange Show begins at 2.
