Golden Rod Grange No. 114 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Golden Rod Grange No. 114
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![]() Golden Rod Grange No. 114
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Location | W side NH 32, 0.1 mi. S of jct. with Eaton Rd., Swanzey, New Hampshire |
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Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
NRHP reference No. | 94000169 |
Added to NRHP | March 17, 1994 |
The Golden Rod Grange No. 114 is a special old building in Swanzey, New Hampshire. It's called a Grange hall, which is a place where farmers and their families used to meet. Built in 1916, it has been an important spot for community gatherings for a long time.
This building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. This means it's a historic place worth protecting. Today, the town owns the building, and the Swanzey Preservation Society helps take care of it.
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What is the Golden Rod Grange?
The Golden Rod Grange is located right in the middle of Swanzey village. You can find it on the west side of New Hampshire Route 32. It stands across the street from the local church and town hall.
What Does the Grange Hall Look Like?
This building is a two-story wooden structure. It has a pointed roof and its outside walls are covered with wooden boards. The building is about 60 feet long and 32 feet wide. The longest side faces the street.
On the front, the second floor has five windows placed evenly. The first floor has windows arranged a bit differently. The main door is in the middle, and there's another door on the right side.
Inside the Grange Hall
When you go inside, the first floor has a large room for meetings and dinners. There's also a kitchen. Upstairs, you'll find an auditorium with a small waiting area. In the auditorium, you can see the wooden beams that support the roof. Most of the original walls were made of plaster and pine wood. Some of these have been covered up over time.
The Grange's Story
The Golden Rod Grange was built between 1915 and 1916. It was made for the local Grange group. Grange halls like this one were common in New England. They were places where farmers could meet, learn, and socialize.
Over the years, the building hasn't changed much. Most changes have been small, like covering some of the original walls. A steel fire escape was added to the north side for safety. A cool detail is the stage curtain in the auditorium. It has a painting of a local pond!
Today, the Swanzey Preservation Society works hard to keep this historic building in good shape.