This old wooden building sits in the farmland of southern Michigan near the town of Quincy. Above the door is a faded sign that reads “Fourtowns Grange” It looks as if it has been a while since the old building haas been used for a Grange Hall.
The National Grange, a prominent agricultural advocacy group, was established in the United States in 1867 following the Civil War. Officially known as the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, it is a social organization that encourages families to unite to improve their economic and political standing, particularly within the agricultural sector.
As the oldest American agricultural advocacy group with a national reach, the Grange has a long history of political activism. They successfully lobbied for crucial legislation, including the Granger Laws, which aimed to regulate railroad rates, and the establishment of rural free mail delivery.
In 2005, the Grange boasted a membership of 160,000, with a presence in over 2,100 communities across 36 states. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., in a building constructed by the organization in 1960, the Grange continues to play a vital role in many rural communities. Numerous towns still maintain Grange Halls, serving as social and community centers for local farmers and their families.
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