By Isabel Morse Maresh
October 12, 1989
The history of the local Grange Hall in the community is closely woven into the history of the town.
The first Grange in Lincolnville was named "Farmer's Pride," and was in the upper part of the town in a section called "The Grange" in the area of Hills Cemetery. The hall burned in 1901.
The Grange given the name of Tranquility was organized on April 25, 1898, at the Old Town House in Lincolnville with 27 Charter Members. In these days Granges were organized to be agricultural organizations.
The loyal Grangers built a second hall on the Belfast-Camden road above Lincolnville Center. This building was nearing completion and was ready for the plasterers when it burned in 1908.
The Waldo County Hearld of 1908 reported that Tranquility Grange was anything but tranquil as a third grange had burned under suspicious circumstances. A detective from Lewiston was hired by the Grange to investigate the fires. A bloodhound was brought from the State Prison. Some of the clues found were trampled grass, footprints across a plowed field, a sack of kerosene-soaked shavings, and a prohibition whiskey bottle smelling of kerosene.
All circumstantial evidence pointed to a Mr. Clark, aged 22 years. The motive was alleged to be that Mr. Clark owned a concert and dance hall and that the weekly Grange dances interfered with his business. He also drove a stage between Lincolnville and Belfast.
Mr. Clark was brought to trial before a courtroom filled with Lincolnville residents. Seventeen witnesses stood ready to testify against him. They considered it evident that Mr. Clark had committed the foul deed, however, it seemed impossible to tack it on him.
It was testified that Clark did some strange deeds. He had arrived at the Grange fire on a cold night attired only in underclothing and an old raincoat. No hat, no shoes, nor stockings. He was asked why he didn't go closer to the fire to stop his shivering, and he replied, "I'm as near as I want to be."
The tracks in the soil were reported to be Clark's size, but it was noted that others in Lincolnville wore the same shoe size. It was rumored that three members of the jury were for acquitting and nine were for convicting Clark. According to my father, Mr. Clark was not convicted.
The present Grange Hall was built on the same site and holds many fond memories for the Lincolnville people.
Come out and join the Founders Weekend festivities on Oct. 14 and 15.
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