Central Grange 1650, which meets at the Goodwill Fire Company, Germansville, invited the presidents of the Lynn-Heidelberg and Weisenberg-Lowhill historical societies to the group’s Jan. 6 meeting for a special presentation.

“All the work put forth to preserve our rich heritage in the local townships is greatly appreciated,” Grange Secretary-Treasurer Elaine Hoppes told the historical societies’ representatives. “Central Grange is pleased to present you with a check in the amount of $1,000 to help you, and to be used where the need is greatest.

“We applaud all the time and effort put forth to accumulate artifacts and information.

“Your good work will not go unnoticed. It will enable future generations to appreciate the hard work and culture of our ancestors.”

Don Breininger represented Weisenberg-Lowhill and Co-Presidents Neil Oswald and Willard Snyder represented Lynn-Heidelberg.

Snyder said they appreciated the donation and will put the money to good use.

For Lynn-Heidelberg that means finishing the basement of the barn, which had been moved from along Route 309 to Ontelaunee Park.

Breininger said a major project is to renovate the display shed at Werley’s Corner so it is more available to the public and the money will help with that.

Granges are grassroots, non-partisan, non-sectarian, fraternal organizations with roots in agriculture. It has evolved to include people from all walks of life who want to make America a strong and caring country. It promotes programs for rural communities on the local, state and national level.

Central Grange has always been associated with the Germansville Fire Company, including celebrating its 100th anniversary two years ago when the fire company did.

The grange’s major fundraiser over the years was making and selling shoo-fly pies. After 60 years, the project was turned over to the fire company.

The grange exhibits canned and fresh produce at local fairs, including the Great Allentown Fair, adding some informational material.

Members also set up a refreshment stand at Beck’s Tree Farm, Slatington, each year.

The grange is a place for people of all ages with a Junior Grange for youngsters ages 5-14. Many contests are held with some people going on to state and national sessions.

There is a state Grange Camp for families to attend in summer.

Contests for the local grange adults are talent (singing, instrumental and other performances), baking, sewing, crafts, and photography. Scholarships are donated to graduating seniors at Northwestern Lehigh High School.

Central Grange 1650 meets the first Wednesday of each month at the Goodwill Fire Station.

For information about the grange call President Harold Hoppes at 610-767-4400; Doris Koenig at 610-767-3778; or Shoanna Pfeifly at 610-767-7420.

Information is also available at pagrange.org.