Algon Grange's perfect memory
Published:Saturday | March 16, 2013 | 12:00 AM
Karen Sudu, Gleaner Writer
ROSEHALL, St Catherine:
IF YOU plan to visit 91-year-old Algon Grange at his home in Rosehall, St Catherine, ensure that you have enough time on your hands because you will never be able to escape a detailed history lesson about his alma mater, Dinthill Technical High School.
Then Dinthill Practical Training Centre, Grange was among the first batch of boys to enter the institution established in 1938.
At that time, the institution's primary aim was to provide skills training in agriculture and related trades for young men ages 15 to 17 who had not qualified for admittance to secondary school.
"Wanted boys, wanted boys, wanted boys to take the place of men. Wanted boys to finish the task the men have begun, for today, what the men are doing, tomorrow the boys will be doing. Wanted boys," he eloquently recited the advertisement he said was sent out in the recruitment drive to select the first batch of boys for the institution.
"On the first day of April 1938, approximately 200 boys turned up at Dinthill, and they only wanted 40," Grange recollected.
After a vigorous selection process, Grange made it in the final 40.
"I went to Dinthill in a white, short flour-bag pants," he said laughing.
"There, we did everything - shoemaking, tailoring, upholstering, cattle rearing, pig rearing, poultry rearing, and beekeeping," he detailed.
Though challenging, he said he was dedicated to the task and successfully completely the two-year training programme.
"When I got my certificate at graduation, they gave me a piece of paper, and when I opened it, it read 'One black Aberdeen Angus cow, first prize, never absent, never late for two years," Grange said laughing.
His impeccable school record earned him an invaluable prize.
"In those days, only rich people had cows. Poor man never had cows, and a poor little boy like me owned a cow, so I was in the elite group now," the bubbly senior said proudly.
Ability to impact
Upon leaving school, he worked in several capacities, including chief security at ALCAN, now West Indies Aluminium Company; however, farming always remained his main occupation.
The father of five boys and two girls was also integrally involved in sports, as well as community activities, both in Jamaica and during his 20 years living in the United States of America.
His long-time friend Rolin Ferguson reflected on the unassuming senior and his ability to affect the lives of others in a positive manner.
"He was a sportsman. While he was working at ALCAN, he doubled up as the manager for cricket, he was the manager for football. He used to recruit people to try and get them jobs at the company," noted Ferguson.
Grange's niece Member of Parliament Central St Catherine Olivia 'Babsy' Grange hailed him as a great man.
"He is a really very special human being at his age at 91 and still farming, still has an excellent memory. He tells the stories in detail and has a clear mind as to what he wants and what he expects," said his niece.
She said the affable senior, who influenced the formation of the Rosehall Neighbourhood Watch several years ago, has inspired her throughout her life.
"There are things about him that I emulate, and I hope I live to his age," Grange added.
Among his long list of awards is the Ethelred Brown Award for outstanding accomplishments and dedicated service as president of Hartford Chapter, Jamaica Progressive League Incorporated, in October 1985.
In 2004, the City of Hartford, Connecticut, paid tribute to the eloquent elder for his contribution as president and chairman emeritus of the Jamaica Progressive League Incorporated Hartford Chapter.
In 2006, the Rural Agricultural Development Authority awarded him for his contribution to the development of the agricultural sector in Jamaica.
Though his age has slowed him down, Grange still continues at his own pace to plant various crops as he is still passionate about tilling the soil.
"The first couple of years, I was fully satisfied with farming in Jamaica, but it's not what it was like when I was young and doing it, but I still love it," he said smiling.
As for Dinthill, which has gone through many transitions, Grange said while changes were inevitable, he was disappointed that the practical training centre no longer existed.