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The Columbia County Pomona Grange #35 is the regional, county-level tier of the Grange organization in Columbia County, New York. As a "Pomona" Grange, it serves as the vital organizational link between the New York State Grange and the active local "subordinate" chapters in the area, such as the East Chatham Grange #1066 and the historic Copake Grange #935.
Purpose and Role
- Regional Jurisdiction: While local grange halls host weekly or monthly community events, the Pomona Grange brings members from across the county together—typically on a quarterly basis—to discuss broader regional agricultural interests and community service initiatives.
- The Fifth Degree: In Grange traditions, the regional Pomona level is where members are eligible to receive the Fifth Degree (the Degree of Pomona, named after the Roman goddess of fruit and fruit trees), which focuses on leadership and broader civic responsibility.
- Fair Competitions: One of the most visible roles of the Pomona Grange is organizing agricultural and craft displays. They help facilitate the collective regional Grange Exhibits at the Columbia County Fair, where local chapters compete across categories like home-grown produce, baking, canned goods, and needlework.
Pomona means "fruit" or "fruit tree," coming from the Latin word pomum, and is best known as the ancient Roman Goddess of orchards, gardens, and fruit-bearing trees. She represents growth, abundance, agricultural plenty, and the harvest.