Master Mahlon Christman of Big Creek Grange #1559 said he was glad to see so many people attending the 100th anniversary celebration on April 28.The day included longevity awards, a county proclamation and plenty of good food.

George White, one of the 50-year members, said his story begins when he came home from the Air Force, and then home from two years with the CIA. He planned to bum around a while and get another job but cousin Willy Kemmerer talked him into attending a Grange meeting.He attended a church picnic and met a blonde. She and her brothers were socializing. He joined the group and went on hikes, square dance competitions and exploring the region."Here we are 47 years later. It has been a great marriage," he said. "We developed a relationship through the Grange." They helped at picnics and card parties, but drifted away from the Grange as he traveled more for business. Ten years ago Marie's cousin pushed him to get active in the Grange again.Carbon County commissioner Wayne Nothstein said it is a great thing to be at a place that is so family oriented. He said Granges are disappearing but Big Creek is healthy. On a proclamation it read: It helps members to grow as a family, serves as a wide community that helps other organizations, provides scholarships and loans for members and supports local 4H clubs. He presented the proclamation in the name of the Carbon commissioners.Commissioner Tom Gerhard said 100 years is impressive. The Grange is a great attribute of Carbon County. In 1866 Granges were formed to survey farms in the south and now there are 235 Granges - a product of what you continue to do.Andrew Kieffel represented the state at the celebration where he is assistant steward. He began his talk by congratulating Big Creek. He said he was part of the youth Grange for ages 5 to 15, and did various types of community service. Three Penn State scholarships are given each year from the state and $500 interest-free loans also help pay for education.The big thing on the state level is property tax on Grange land. Since the reassessment in Lehigh County, the Schnecksville Grange was required to pay $14,000 in taxes. The reassessment was appealed successfully. In Berks County, where he is from, Granges are not required to pay property tax. It is in the legislature now to make that statewide.William Kemmerer, a past master, joined with his parents in November 1958. Lee Dreisbach had invited the family. They had to wait in the entryway because there was a ritual for membership. At the time there were 20-30 members which was up to 130 members in 1963.There was no water in the building and the basement was dug in 1930. He said a furnace was put in the basement, but that there must have been an upstairs stove earlier though there is no record of it.Adam Diehl was master in 1938 when electricity was brought in. The church down the hill was wired at the same time.The bathrooms were outside by the fireplace. He is not sure if it is rumor or true that a woman dropped her baby down the toilet and that a man hung himself there.When picnics were held boards were placed over some posts. That was the refreshment stand. The Mahoning Valley band played. The Grange also went to indoor picnics at Eckharts in Harrity next to the school. The Parryville band played there.Since then a refreshment stand and pavilion were built.In 1959 an auction was held of church equipment that remained in the building. Kemmerer said he could kick himself for not buying more of the pieces such as lights with reflectors and a complete set of ironstone china.He became janitor in 1960 and held the position for 48 years. He was master for 37 years.A letter sent to his mother said the family was locked out of the church and Mr. Dreisbach got angry. He went home and brought an ax and broke the door down. He was required to pay damages.However, the anger remained and he donated land and money to repair and add to the buildings at what is now the Grange home, which it bought in 1915.Kemmerer had a ribbon from the Palmerton Grange that was worn on special occasions. For funerals it would be turned around and the back was black.Charles Ingalls of "Little House on the Prairie" wore one when he traveled to Grange conventions.In 1915 there were Granges at Hudsondale, Big Creek, Lehigh at Rockport, and Packer in Carbon County and Monroe, Pocono, Smithfield, Kresgeville, Mineola and Hamilton in Monroe County. The Monroe ones are all gone.He asked nonmembers who come to help make bean soup to stand for recognition.Pins were presented for 45- and 50-year members. Ella Mae Christman, who is 95 years old, earned her 75 year membership pin but there is so little call for them that it had to be ordered and will be presented later. She received a bouquet..Alfred Feuerstein gave the prayer before the meal.Beginning in June meetings will be held the first and third Tuesdays.