Murphy Grange

1877 (July) - organized at the home of Thomas J. Callen, Piney Township. Meetings held at member's homes until 1882 when final plans were made to build a grange hall.

1877— Murphy Grange established in Piney Township. Officers of the Murphy Grange

Master—William A. Magee

Overseer—James McDowell

Lecturer—E.F. Lerch

Steward — A. Smith

Assistant Steward — William McEwen

Chaplain — W.W. Wyman

Treasurer—Henry Smith

Secretary — A.B. Lerch

Gatekeeper — F.C. McEwen

Ceres — Clara Callen

Pomona—Philestia Smith

Flora — Catherine Lerch

Lady Ass’t Steward — Mary Magee

1883 (March) -- E.L. Over donated the ground for the new hall and D.A. Myers donated the stone for the wall; P.M. Fox offered to donate chestnut timber for the plank but the grange was to pay for sawing; Abner Myers furnished brick at .40 per 100; shingles for the roof cost $3.75 per thousand; John Mateer and John Barto were paid $1.25/day for labor.

1883 (June) - Union Grange of Reidsburg united with the Murphy Grange; first meeting in the new building was held.

1886 - 20' planks were purchased from Krauss and Betz Co. at a cost of $11/1000 ft. Nails to complete the building cost $10.56; window glass cost $15.00

1889 - costs of labor/materials: janitor - 30-cents/month, unless he scrubbed the grange hall, at which point he received an addition 75-cents; one gallon of oil and 5 bushels of coal for 43-cents; beef was 8-cents/lb, tax for the building was 82 cents.

1947 - remodeling work done to the building; first floor turned into a room for juveniles, electricity and coal furnace installed.

1951 - lot purchased from Jay N. Callen and plans/work started on a new hall.

1952 - heavy rainfalls caused one side of the basement to cave and by 1953, the wall was rebuilt with a cost of $514.00 for blocks.

1954 - first meeting held in basement of the new hall; women were busy sponsoring socials, fairs, dinners, making saurkraut, quilts, candy, apple-butter, etc., to help pay for mounting expenses. Bonds were sold to meet increasing financial demands.

3/7/1957 Clarion County Holstein Breeders To Hold Annual Meeting March 21

CLARION - The Holstein Breeders of Clarion County will hold their annual meeting on Tuesday, March 12, at 7:15 p.m. in the Reformed Church at Curllsville. All persons interested in the Holstein Breed are urged to attend this meeting.

Speaker will be Arthur W. Nesbitt, Secretary Field Manager for the Pennsylvania Holstein Association. He will show slides on subjects related to the Holstein Breed.

In order that the ladies of the Curllsville Church will know how many to prepare for, reservations must be made by Friday, March 8, with any of the following: H.L. Smith, Mayport, RD; Grant King, Summerville RD; C.J. Snyder, West Monterey; Paul Kirkpatrick, New Bethlehem RD; Dale Rhoads, Emlenton, RD; L.L. Neely, Jr., Emlenton, RD; Raymond McCall and the County Agent's office, Court House, Clarion, Pa.

The annual banquet for the Senior Extension Club will be held Wednesday evening, March 13, at 7 p.m. in the Murphy Grange Hall on Route 68, located 4 miles north of Sligo or 8 miles south of Clarion.

Speaker for the evening will be Rev. Howard Edgar, Punxsutawney, who in addition to being minister is a magician and will perform along these lines also.

Reservations must be made by March 9 with any of the following:

Donald Platt, New Bethlehem RD; Rudell Henry, New Bethlehem, RD; Nancy Lou Mong, Knox, RD; James Elder, Strattanville RD; Joyce Whitehill, Van RD; Lorraine Smith, Mayport RD; William McCall, Parker RD; Wilson Marshall, New Bethlehem RD; Jerry Brown, New Bethlehem RD; Marilyn Barlett, Clarion; Ralph Minnich, Fairmount City, RD; Gale Minnich, New Bethlehem RD; Flora Swartzfager, New Bethelehem RD; Mark Weaver, Clarion RD2; Walter Whitling, New Bethlehem RD; Dean Wiant, New Bethlehem RD; Thelma Over, Sligo RD; James Fiscus, Summerville RD; Peggy Beers, Clarion and the County Agent's Office, Court House, Clarion, Pa.

Plans have been made by the County Agent's office to hold an all day Building Clinic at the Murphy Grange Hall (Route 68, 8 miles south of Clarion, 4 miles north of Sligo) Thursday, March 14, beginning at 10 a.m.

Program schedule is as follows: 10 a.m., feed storage (to include trench silos); 10:30 a.m. ventillation; 11:15 a.m., masonry block construction; 12 noon, lunch: Sandwiches, pie and coffee, etc. will be sold by the ladies of the Murphy Grange. 1 p.m., mechanical gutter cleaner and silo unloaders; 1:30 p.m., lightning protection; 2:15 p.m., farm wiring; 3 p.m. paving barnyards; 3:30 p.m., adjournment. Source: Derrick, 3/7/1957 Transcribed by Pamela Grewell.

1965 - the grange held a mortgage burning ceremony with approximately 100 people attending.

5/15/1969 Derrick — 200 Attend Homemaker's Day at Murphy Grange

CLARION - Nearly 200 women gathered for the Homemaker's Day on Wednesday at Murphy Grange.

Beginning at 11 a.m., the day was geared to the olden days, with displays of old things along with stories of their use placed throughout the room. Such things as old dishes, coffeemills, old buggy lamps, wooden potato mashers, apple parers, shoes, flat irons, lap robes used in horse and buggy days, and various other items presented quite a display and created much and many comments.

Main speaker for the event was Mrs. B.M. Davis of Clarion, a charter member of the Clarion County Historical Society, who spoke on "Early Clarion County History."

Kathryn Hall, home economics supervisor from Penn State, also made some remarks.

During the afternoon a style show of old-time garments was presented.

Table decorations were made by each homemaker. They were antiques used as containers for flowers and foliage. Favors were made by the Kingsville Homemaker's group.

Wentling Corners Homemakers were in charge of the affair and luncheon was served by the ladies of the Murphy Grange. Transcribed by Pamela Grewell.

8/8/1969 Derrick -- 2 Join Murphy Grange

SLIGO - At the regular meeting of the Murphy Grange twenty-two members were present and two new candidates were obligated in third and fourth degrees.

A card was signed by those present to be sent to a hospitalized member.

Due to the special Murphy Grange Anniversary observance, the lecturer's program was not presented.

Approximately 80 persons, grange members from several counties and the public, attended the 92nd anniversary of the grange held in the Murphy Grange Hall.

The meeting opening consisted of the seating of officers and the presentation of the Bible and the Flag.

State Master Wayne Reddinger and his wife, were introduced by Master John Barto. Also introduced were State Deputy Master George Cole and his wife, and Pomona Master, Lee Reitz and his wife.

The program opened with the group singing, followed with a reading of "History of the Grange," given by Mrs. Lydia Slaugenhoup.

Mrs. Mary McCall presented a poem composed by Mrs. Slaugenhoup on Murphy Grange, written for and read previously at the 10th anniversary of the new hall. A memorial program was then observed in honor of the deceased members.

Presentation of pins was made by State Master Reddinger to Ruby and Ray Shook for 50 years; to Charles Eaker of Murphy Grange for 25 years; and Raymond Brown of Prosperity Grange, 25 year pin.

Two members eligible for 35 year pins but unable to attend were Mrs. Jane Bartley and Quay Lerch.

After presentation of pins State Master Reddinger gave an address to the group. Transcribed by Pamela Grewell.

7/13/1970 Grange Holds Visitation Night at Sligo Church

SLIGO - Visitation night was held at Murphy Grange with three members present from Asbury, two members from Limestone, six members from Prosperity and nineteen members from Murphy.

Mrs. Russell McHenry was in charge of the program which opened with group singing. A reading was given by Mrs. Clara Eaker.

Mr. and Mrs. John Barto then presented a skit. A game of Hollywood Squares followed with the following participants: Mrs. Mary Slaugenhoup, Mrs. Dagmar Slaugenhoup, John Barto and Mr. and Mrs. Frampton, all of Murphy Grange; Paul Gruver of Prosperity; Mr. and Mrs. Lou Sigworth of Limestone. Contestants were Mrs. Simpson of Asbury and Mrs. Evelyn Barto of Murphy with Mrs. McHenry being the narrator.

Group singing closed the program with Murphy Grange serving refreshments following the close of the program to their guests. [Derrick] Transcribed by Pamela Grewell.

9/1/1970 Derrick - Guests Attend Murphy Grange

SLIGO - Guests at the recent meeting of the Murphy Grange was State Deputy Master George Cole and his wife of the Limestone Grange. Cole spoke on Pamona Grange to be held on Saturday, Sept. 12 at Murphy Grange afternoon and evening. Fifth degrees will be conferred at the evening session.

State Grange will be held at Meadville the last week in October where the Sixth Degree will be conferred.

Jefferson County Pomona will present a program at Prosperity Grange Hall September 26.

A work night has been scheduled for Murphy Grange, followed by a wiener roast. Transcribed by Pamela Grewell.

9/28/1970 Derrick - Sligo News — Murphy Grange Installs Officers

SLIGO - Installation of officers was held by the members of the Murphy Grange at their Friday meeting. Mrs. Lula Gourley resigned as lecturer and Mrs. Mary McCall was elected to fill the position.

On Saturday evening approximately 150 guests attended the Golden Agers dinner. The program opened with "Guess-A-Song," with selections being played by Mrs. Mary Slaugenhoup on the piano. A humorous fashion show was presented by the ladies of the grange.

Gifts were presented to the following: The lady with the most pennies in her purse; the man with the most keys in his pocket; man with most half-dollars in his pocket.

The members of the Murphy Grange Kitchen Band presented several selections, followed by a game of Truth-or-Consequences. Couples participating in the game wre Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Clark, Mr. and Mrs. Brady Weaver, and Mr. and Mrs. Clair Elliott. The wives were asked what they thought their husbands would take along if they ever went to the moon. The couple winning the prize were the Brady Weavers.

Mr. and Mrs. Homer Myers played several selections on the piano and accordion and the program ended with group singing.

10/9/1970 Grange Plans for Booth

SLIGO - The new master, Russell McHenry, conducted the recent meeting of the Murphy Grange and chairs were filled by all new members.

Plans were completed for the booth at the Autumn Leaf Festival. It was announced that the Clarion County Granges will present a program to the Jefferson County Granges at Ramseytown on October 17.

The representatives from Murphy Grange to the meetings of the Sligo Area Recreation Board gave a report of the meetings held recently.

The new lecturer, Mrs. Paul McCall, opened the program with each member relating the highlights of their vacation. A poem "The Kindly Touch" was read by Cledia Hilliard and another poem was read by Mrs. Iona Botzer. A short skit was presented by John Barton and Harry Frampton. A reading was presented by Mrs. Helen Dixon and Mrs. Dagmar Slaughenhoup read "The 10 Commandments of Human Relations." Mrs. Gladys Myers read "Be Careful What you Say" and Mrs. Evelyn Barto gave a reading "In The Good Old Days." The program closed with the lecturer reading "The Joy of Being Lecturer." A social time and refreshments were enjoyed at the close of the meeting. Transcribed by Pamela Grewell.

1/11/1971 Murphy Grange Members Plan Benefit Event

SLIGO - A discussion was held by the members of the Murphy Grange concerning a benefit performance for the Clarion County chapter of the Red Cross. Members have held benefits for this cause in the past. It was decided to discuss this project further and obtain a response from the public before definite plans are made.

Russell McHenry, master, conducted the meeting attended by 20 persons. A report was given on the collection of coupons from the public. The coupons will be used to secure a "kidney machine" for a man in Jefferson County. The machine will later be donated to the Brookville Hospital. The response to date has been satisfactory and coupons may be given to Mrs. Paul McCall or Mrs. John Barto.

The lecturer's program opened with group singing. Mrs. Lillian Frampton read a poem followed by readings by Mrs. Eva Callen and Mrs. Clara Eaker.

Mrs. Mary McCall lecturer, gave a reading. An exercise was presented by a group of the ladies.

A ceremony with all members participating closed the program.

1/26/1971 The Derrick — Report Given on Collection of Coupons

SLIGO - A report was heard by the members of the Murphy Grange from the Jefferson County Grange regarding the collection of coupons for a kidney machine for a Jefferson County man. The coupons must be in by January 29 to either Mrs. Paul McCall or Mrs. John Barto.

It was stated that this machine will go to the DuBois Hospital when no longer needed by the patient. All donations will be greatly appreciated and thanks were expressed to anyone who saved for this worthwhile cause.

A report was given by Mr. and Mrs. John Barto on their trip to the Harrisburg Farm Show.

The lecturer's program opened with a poem by Mrs. Dagmar Slaugenhoup, Mrs. Gladys Myers gave a reading, followed by a skit by Paul McCall and Mrs. Helen McHenry.

Mrs. Eva Callen presented another reading, followed by a quiz with all members participating. Mrs. McCall, lecturer, gave a reading and a game concluded the lecturer's program.

Mr. and Mrs. Homer Myers then presented several selections on the accordion and piano with the music being written by Stephen Foster. Transcribed by Pamela Grewell.

9/2/1971 Hunter Safety Course Slated

SLIGO - A Hunter Safety Course will be held Saturday, Sept. 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Murphy Grange, located five miles south of Clarion on Route 68.

Any first time hunter between the ages of 12 and 16 is invited. Any students desiring to submit anterless deer applications must complete the course and have application in on Sept. 20.

The course is being sponsored by Murphy Grange.

9/16/1971 New Officers Elected at Grange Meeting

SLIGO - Ted Dixon was elected master at the recent meeting of Murphy Grange.

Other new officers elected were: Harry Frampton, overseer; Mrs. Evelyn Barto, lecturer; Ardell Lerch, steward; Russell McHenry, assistant steward; Mrs. Mary McCall, chaplain; Mrs. Clara Eaker, treasurer; Jane Bartley, secretary; Art Botzer, gatekeeper; Mrs. Ardell Lerch, ceres; Mrs. Gladys Myers, Pomona; Dagmar Slaugenhoup, Flora; and Mrs. Tillie Hilliard, lady steward.

Walter Slaugenhoup was elected to the executive committee and Mrs. Dorothy Myers was elected to the finance committee.

All officers are requested to be present for the installation of new officers Friday. Installation will be conducted by George Cole, state deputy. (SD)

4/18/1972 Program Date for Benefit Set by Grange

SLIGO - The members of the Murphy Grange set a tentative date of May 15 for the Red Cross Benefit Program to be sponsored by the grange. Any person or group willing to participate should contact Russell McHenry in in New Bethlehem at (phone#), Walter Slaugenhoup in Sligo at (phone#), or Mrs. Clara Eaker in Sligo (phone#).

There will be a snack bar and proceeds will be donated to the Clarion County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Russell McHenry presided and plans were made to serve a dinner Thursday for the DCSA and April 20 for the Eastern Milk Producers.

Grange members are interested in saving Betty Crocker coupons and the Brookville Hospital has contacted concerning the need of a kidney machine. It was stated that at the present time they are working on the rehabilitation of stroke patients. This project requires a machine also.

Further investigation will be made with the hope that the coupons can help in this respect.

The lecturer program opened with a talk on pollution by John Barto. Readings and poems were given by Mrs. Mary McCall, Mrs. Dagmar Slaugenhoup, Mrs. Jessie Shirey, Mrs. Jane Bartley, Mrs. Alda Jane Lerch, Mrs. Clara Eaker, Mrs. Evelyn Barto, and Mrs. Iona Botzer. Mr. and Mrs. Homer Myers concluded the entertainment with musical selections on the accordion and piano. (SD)

Oil City Derrick, Tuesday April 18, 1972* (year very smudged, could be different). Telephone numbers purposely omitted from transcription. Submitted by Pamela Grewell.

1977 — 100th Anniversary of the Murphy Grange. Current officers of the Murphy Grange are:

Master — Earl R. Stewart

Overseer — John Barto

Lecturer — Evelyn Barto

Stewart — Frank Campbell

Assistant Stewart — Walter Slaughenhaupt

Chaplain—Iona [Dixon] Botzer

Treasurer—Gladys [Thompson] Myers

Secretary — Clara Eaker

Gatekeeper — Harry Frampton

Ceres — Bea Kennedy

Pomona — Shirley Phillips

Flora—Dorothy Krauss

Lady Ass’t Stewart — Lula Gourley

Financial Sec. —- Muriel Stewart

Junior Matron - Joyce Hummel

Murphy Grange, est. 1877, which was seated near where the Sligo Sporstmen’s Club now stands. Unknown date of photo.

“In my very young years it left a kind of negative impression on me. They had lanterns hanging around the place where they met -- with the flickering shadows and all, it seemed kind of spooky to me and I was glad when my folks said it was time to go home!” — Recollection of Clayton D. Harriger.