Exploring Traditions–
Celebrating the Grange Way of Life
About the book
“These essays by Walter Boomsma unpack the teachings of the Grange and relate them to today’s world and our everyday lives,” writes Betsy Huber, National Master (President) of the Grange. Many people, including Grange members themselves, seem to be wondering about the relevance of this 150-year-old organization in modern society. They may find some answers in Exploring Traditions—Celebrating the Grange Way of Life, a series of essays encouraging readers to understand the basis of Grange ritual and tradition. This is not a “guide to the Grange,” it truly is an exploration of some of the words and actions found in the Grange ritual and tradition. Included are the Grange Mission Statement and Declaration of purposes, allowing readers to take away from the book a new and deeper understanding of the Grange—not merely as an historical organization, but also an organization that teaches a way of life that aligns us with nature and creates community.
About the book–others say…
“As a member of the Maine State Grange Executive Committee for four years, I have worked closely with Walter. I have never seen a person more passionate about the Grange or more creative than Walter… His mind is always at work and never seems to stop! His writing is sometimes “out of the box,” which requires us to come up with different ways of thinking of things each of us could do to support our Granges and help them to grow. Very interesting and uplifting reading!”
Glenys Ryder, Danville Junction Grange, #65
“Thank you, Walter, for educating and reminding us of the real measure and meaning of the Grange. Time and repetition tend to dull our senses and glaze our eyes about what is clearly before us. The words of the Grange are true, honest and inspiring and are to be heard again and again. Your book should be read by all Grangers and non-Grangers alike.”
Larry N Bailey, Master, Ocean View Grange
About the author
Walter Boomsma is also the author of “Small People—Big Brains: Stories About Simplicity, Exploration, and Wonder.” He has served as Communications Director for the Maine State Grange since 2014 and has been a member of Valley Grange in Guilford Maine since 2003.
In 2015, he began writing a monthly column designed to explore some of the rich tradition and history of the Grange. Several of those columns have been reprinted in Good Day!™, the magazine of the National Grange and are now gathered together in this book.