The Belgrade Historical Society

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.