Are there any Grange members on here????

[XS1100 Newbie]

Just thought i would ask. Most people don't even know what the Grange is, or does.

[Rasputin]

Had to do a google search just to find out what that was. No I am not a member

[Ivan]

There was a strong Grange influence in Nebraska among the older farmers, if that is what you are talking about.

Most of what I understood about it was there to help each other out, making the community of farmers stronger as a whole than the sum of the individuals. Sharing ideas and helping with labor made the entire system produce more and everyone benefited. Eventually it led to the string of Double Circle Coop stores, that were, at least in the beginning membership owned.

Also, as I understand it, that is where Granger (the company that sells everything from grease zerks to septic tanks) got its name.

[xs11jack]

I know what they are,

but they had died out in Wisconsin, where I grew up. Our little village, 68 people, used the old grange hall for town gatherings. We had the Midland Co-opertive in town, I owned shares in it for years. As interested in history as I have alway been, I never found anyone in the area that had been a member. Too late now.
Ole Jack

[XS1100 Newbie]

I know they are dieing out, we only have 12 left in my county. They used to be in almost every state in the union. Ivan is right about it being formed to help all the farmers, and ranchers. They did start the co-ops, but it was for the benefit of the farmers and ranchers, not to make a big income. The Grange is heavily involved in state and federal issues. Last year was the first year here in Washington for a very long time, that we did not have to vote along party lines. The Grange took it all the way to the Supreme Court to win the right for us. They still do a lot for us, even though the agriculture in this area is all but gone. When things get bad enough that we have to grow our own food again, then you will see the Grange teaching the states how to survive. Can you believe that there are kids out there that have no idea where milk comes from. What a sorry state we could be in.

[Guy_b_g]

I grew up in rural Northeast Oregon, and lived out in the country outside of Elgin. I was right across a country road from the local Grange Hall, which was converted from an old one room schoolhouse. They sure had a good time over there square dancing. Too bad it's dying out.

[melbxs]

Sounds like a great idea. Could do with a few things like that these days.

I suppose this website is an online Grange. There's plenty of us couldn't survive without the help of the others.

[crazy steve]

The Grange became basically a 'farmers union', going on to fight 'big business' (the railroads, elevator operators). Washington state supposedly has the largest remaining membership.

They still have 'Grange' auto/home insurance available here and it's pretty good as well as being considerably cheaper compared to the 'national' brands.

'78E original owner

[Ivan]

Oh... I just remembered. The Grange is Bruce Hornsby's band!

[CatatonicBug]

Can you believe that there are kids out there that have no idea where milk comes from.

It comes from the back wall of the Supermarket, in those refrigerated cases! I think they make it in the back room, 'cause I see guys back there adding new bottles to the shelves sometimes.

[Ivan]

Milk comes from cow tits. I thought everyone knew that.

I worked at a dairy for a while when I was in high school. I DO know where milk comes from, and I no longer drink it.

[CatatonicBug]

I worked at a dairy for a while when I was in high school. I DO know where milk comes from, and I no longer drink it.

But yet you still will drink beer?? Now THAT's a nasty process!

[Ivan]

But yet you still will drink beer?? Now THAT's a nasty process!

Uh, no. I drink sissy blue colored drinks according to SOME people.

[CatatonicBug]

Uh, no. I drink sissy blue colored drinks according to SOME people.

Ah! Tropical Punch flavored Kool-Aid! I prefer the grape myself.

[crazy steve]

I worked at a dairy for a while when I was in high school. I DO know where milk comes from, and I no longer drink it.

Heh heh... yeah, work around any food processing plant and it'll put you off your feed for a while. Meat packing will almost convert you to vegetarian even if you have a strong stomach.

Beer? Cleanest place I ever worked (Oly brewery), and besides; alchohol kills germs so how can it be bad for you? LOL!!

'78E original owner