The Grange

Subject: The Grange Sun 17 Jun 2007, 5:41 pm

Hello, everyone ...

I would like to have a better understanding of what it meant to families in Texas to belong to the Grange -- how membership was experienced by them; how it affected their lives. The 'Handbook of Texas Online' contains a fine outline of the waxing and waning of this organization's influence in the state, as well as points to some of its offerings for families. But might anyone be familiar with more detailed sources .... perhaps even have knowlege of the Grange first- (or second-) hand?

Also, I recall there being a specific, frame building near Eureka Springs, Arkansas, which was designated as a 'Grange Hall,' when I visited the area some years back. Were there similar examples here in Texas?

Many thanks!

Holly
_________________
The woman of the frontier made the best of her situation, for she had developed a respect for the land that gave her freedom as well as the courage to live in it.
~~~ from the perspective of Anne Seagraves

Subject: Re: The Grange Wed 20 Jun 2007, 9:04 pm

Was that like in Home Home on the Range? Just kidding Holly. At first I thought that's what you meant but did a search and saw there really was a GRANGE. Where did they get that name anyway? Never heard of them.

M

Subject: Re: The Grange Fri 22 Jun 2007, 12:21 am

Madelyn ... I had to do an 'about us' search, too, as -- though at least one of my great-grandfathers was a member of the Grange -- I am a blank slate.

The Grange still hosts active chapters, and recounts its history at:

http://www.nationalgrange.org/about/history.html

The title seems to originate with the 'Old French' for those necessary grains which people harvest from the earth.

Such an interesting mixture of traditionalism and progressivism, has been the Grange!

Your google is as good as mine, and thanks. Details are welcomed!
_________________
The woman of the frontier made the best of her situation, for she had developed a respect for the land that gave her freedom as well as the courage to live in it.
~~~ from the perspective of Anne Seagraves