Exeter, N.H.      The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance’s 2025 Seven to Save list has been announced and includes both threats of demolition and opportunities for community and economic development. The announcement was a major feature of a statewide conference in Exeter that attracted over 150 people from across the state to explore the role of preservation in creating housing, community, and economic vitality, as well as resource conservation strategies. 

 

Each year, since 2006, the Alliance highlights irreplaceable landmarks around the state that are of historical significance and underutilized or threatened by neglect, insufficient funding, or insensitive development. The significance of some of these places isn’t always obvious to many people, even residents of the towns and cities where these properties stand. To date, over one hundred significant places have been listed to Seven to Save, with more than half saved.​

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                                                    We are so pleased to announce that the

                                                                 Golden Rod Grange is one of the seven.

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                                                                 Thank you to the NHPA and to all those

                                                                 who have rallied to save this important 

                                                                 Swanzey landmark.

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                                                                  You have made a difference!

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The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance on the Golden Rod Grange #114

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In the heart of Swanzey stands the Golden Rod Grange #114, a National Register–listed building that has been at the center of community life for more than a century. Built in 1915–1916, the Grange was designed specifically for Grange activities, with a stage for performances, a dining hall, and a kitchen. From agricultural fairs to socials, meetings, and suppers, the building was always meant to bring people together.

 

The Grange movement itself grew after the American Civil War as a way for farmers to support one another—organizing for fair prices, advocating for education, and creating social and cultural opportunities that helped ease the isolation of rural life. Women were welcomed as full members, and Grange Halls became gathering places across the country. Golden Rod Grange was no exception, serving Swanzey families through the 20th century with a strong membership and a lively schedule of events.

 

But like many Granges, membership declined in the late 20th century. Farming diminished, younger generations moved away, and by the 1980s the building was hard to sustain. In 1992, ownership passed to the Town of Swanzey, and the Swanzey Preservation Society was formed to care for it.

 

Unfortunately, the building has seen decades of deferred maintenance. In the early 1990s there were some attempts to repair and renovate the building, but these efforts petered out. The windows and trim need repair, paint is peeling, and interior restoration is overdue. A recent full roof replacement, including the rafters, was an important first step forward. While the structure remains remarkably intact, it will take significant investment to make it safe and fully functional again.

 

Today, the Swanzey Preservation Society is working hard to revive Golden Rod Grange. Their vision is to return the building to its original purpose: a place that breaks the isolation many feel today by bringing people together. Plans call for a senior and community center, once again making the Grange a hub for social, cultural, and civic activity in Swanzey.

 

The Seven to Save listing will help shine a light on this important building—raising awareness, drawing resources, and ensuring that Golden Rod Grange #114 can once again serve the community, just as it was intended more than a century ago.

 

To learn more about the Golden Rod Grange #114 and Seven to Save, contact

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Lillian Chirichella, member, Swanzey Preservation Society, chellas2@twc.com 

Eileen Longe, member, Swanzey Preservation Society, longeeileen1@gmail.com

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Generous sponsors of the Seven to Save program 

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Anagnost Companies, Chinburg Properties, Hutter Construction, NH PBS, and SMP Architecture. American Steeple & Tower Co., Inc., Ciborowski Associates, Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. Northern Masonry, Savings Bank of Walpole, Samyn-D’Elia Architects, and Turnstone Corporation.  Altus Engineering, Inc., Banwell Architects, Dennis Mires, PA, The Architects, Irish Electric Corp., Jim Fafard Custom Carpentry, KCS Architects, Misiaszek Turpin, PLLC, Nobis Engineering, North Country Architect, Norton Asset Management, Stewart Associates Architects,  Stibler Associates, Tasker Landscaping, Udelsman Associates, and Union Bank.​​​​​