The Belgrade Grange Hall in the Depot was used for many community events.
Belgrade Grange 212 Depot Road
Nothing brought Belgrade people together more than their chapters of the Patrons of Husbandry, commonly called the Grange. The Belgrade Grange at the depot was originally organized in 1887. It was a center for social interaction, yet its primary mission was to support agriculture in the town, supporting farmers through fairs and gatherings. These community organizations embodied the town’s agrarian spirit.
It had its own orchestra and plays and other events were held in addition to weekly Saturday meetings.
When the Dionnes acquired the property from “The Patrons of Husbandry” on July 9, 1990, the deed included a stipulation that if the property were to be sold, the local Grange or the Maine State Grange would be granted the right of first refusal, followed by the Town of Belgrade. In 1998, the Dionnes assumed full control of the entire property, without conditions. It later became a daycare center. In 2003, it was sold again to Dru Aslam of Belgrade.
A second Grange was organized in 1906, when the Salmon Lake Grange in North Belgrade was chartered. Over the years, Salmon Lake Grange sponsored several fairs which included horse pulling, while the Belgrade Grange at the Depot and the Ladies Aid had indoor fairs with a supper. The Salmon Lake Grange Hall fell into disrepair and burned, and sadly we have no extant photograph of the building.
The third Grange was located in Belgrade Lakes Grange at 47 Main Street and was organized in 1930. It was formally the earliest schoolhouse in Belgrade Lakes (District 21 in Belgrade) was known as the Mills Schoolhouse. It stood on the north side of Route 27 at the West Road intersection and served as a school until 1929. In 1930, the building was sold to the Adams-Cobb-Stevens Post of the American Legion for use as a Legion Hall, which became the organization’s home for more than 50 years. Charles Hill, manager of the nearby Belgrade Hotel, generously assisted the Post in raising the $810 purchase price. A second floor and a rear extension were soon added.
In 1990, Martin and Nancy Dionne purchased the property with the condition that the local Grange retain full use of the first floor. The Dionnes reconditioned the old hall, added a basement, which they lived in, and later built an upstairs residence. Renovations included new siding, windows, insulation, interior walls, and a heating system. Nancy used the Grange Hall to teach dance and movement to both children and adults.
In 1993, the building was sold to Mary Miller which she later leased to Dockside PT from 2005 to 2024. It was purchased in 2024 and opened as The Cork and Cow in 2025.