Grange honors two women for 75 years of service

By Maura Zurick | For The Times

NEW SEWICKLEY TWP. — Two local women were recently honored for 75 years of volunteering at the Big Knob Grange in New Sewickley Township, but the two have been friends even longer.

Zelda Parks, 92, of New Sewickley, and Lois Brenner Miller, 91, of North Sewickley Township, joined the Grange when they were 15 and 14, respectively, back when it was founded in 1936. They were original members, along with their parents and friends, and at that time is was known as Knob Grange, one of many in the county.

“Lois and I met when we were in the first grade at New Sewickley Country School,” Parks said. “When the time came and the Grange was started, I was glad to be able to become a member and share those memories with a friend.”

Parks said she did not continue school after 8th grade, but the Grange gave her a chance to socialize and meet people from all over the county. Miller joined for the same reasons.