SELKIRK — The Bethlehem Grange Hall is in need of help.
A plaque from the National Historical Registry is mounted in front of Bethlehem Grange No 137 It was added as a historical landmark in 2002 Photo By Michael Hallisey Spotlight
Built in 1921, Bethlehem Grange No. 137 is rectangular, wood-frame two-story building with a medium-pitched hipped roof. That roof, said Grange Master Carol Carpenter, is in dire need of repair.
“We’ve been approved for a loan,” said Carpenter, “but we don’t have anyway to make payments.” She said the roof has leaked so profusely that a large portion of the upstairs ceiling has come down.
Carpenter said it will cost $35,000 to repair the roof. And, right now, the Grange is depending on donations and proceeds from functions like dinners and next week’s rummage sale.
The building expanded in 1936 to its present appearance. In 2002, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The structure still serves as a community center, as it did generations ago through The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry.
The Grange is a fraternal organization with the purpose to band community members together for the interest of economic and political well-being. The organization was originally founded in 1867 and is the oldest agricultural advocacy group in the country.
Bethlehem Grange Announcements:
Donations Accepted until May 20, 2016 for the Bethlehem Grange #137 Annual Spring Giant Rummage Sale. Furniture, Holiday Items, Christmas items, Craft items, Tools, Books, Music items, Decorative items, Household items, Jewelry. Glassware, China, Computer Items, Linens, Toys & More Accepted. No Televisions & No Tires. To Arrange Delivery or Pick-Up: Call Jo Downey 767-2985, or Caroline Wirth 424-4953, or CarolCarpenter 421-1384.
Giant Rummage Sale 5/20 & 5/21 Friday & Saturday and 5/27 & 5/28 Friday& Saturday9 AM -4 PM Indoors & Outdoors New Items Added Daily!!! Anything you’re looking for is Probably Here!!!
Bethlehem Grange #137 24 Bridge St., Selkirk, NY 12158 (Rte 396 W) Rte 9 W to Beckers Corners, Rte 396 W, approximately 1/10th mile on left from Rte 9W
Plan your meetings, family get-togethers, bridal showers, wedding showers, baby showers, birthday parties, or anything else that needs large areas. Handicap Accessible!! Use for one or several days. Seats 96+ for Dining, with Full Kitchen also Available. Many dates available! Call Jo Downey 767-2985 for more info.
New Members Welcome to join a Community Service Oriented Organization. Bethlehem Grange #137 actively organizes & participates in many different types of projects as the needs arise & change, both locally & nationally. Meetings 4th Tuesday of each month. Planned Group Social Activities also scheduled on a regular basis. For More Info Call: Caroline Wirth 424-4953, or Jo Downey 767-2985 or Carol Carpenter 421-1384.
Michael Hallisey
Michael Hallisey is managing editor of Spotlight Newspapers.
