In 1867, after the Civil War, and into the early decades of the 20th century, the Grange – officially known as the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry – was the heart of rural community life in America. Grange meetings and social events offered relief from the monotony and isolation of farm work. On the national level, the Grange represented the farmer in Washington, D.C., advocating fair prices for farm products, rural electrification, and rural free mail delivery, among other things. As other organizations rose to present agricultural interests exclusively, the Grange saw an opportunity to devote more of its efforts to local community life through service work and social events.

Organized on May 4, 1899, Cannon Grange No.152, has its roots in the rural and agricultural history of Wilton, Connecticut. Cannon Grange continues to be a community-based organization that seeks to provide community service, fellowship, and family activities for its members. Aside from certain schools and churches in Wilton, Cannon Grange is Wilton’s oldest organization still in existence, and continues to meet in the historic Grange Hall located at 25 Cannon Road, diagonally across Cannon Road from the Cannondale Railroad Station. One of the main objectives and financial obligations of Cannon Grange is upkeep of this historic building in the heart of Cannondale Village.

A major source of pride for Cannon Grange is the annual Agricultural Fair which is held in the Grange Hall and on the grounds surrounding the historic building. The Fair heartily recalls Wilton’s rural past and presents to the community an authentic Agricultural Fair for children and families to enjoy.