Oregon State Granges
Founded in 1867, the Grange has a rich history. Learn about the accomplishments of the Grange, and discover some famous members.
They were in the Grange?
At the beginning, membership in the Grange was restricted to farmers and ranchers, and the Grange continues to focus on rural areas today, away from the glamor and renown of larger media markets. However, there are still some famous names that belong, or have belonged to the Grange.
Grange members include Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman. Henry Groseclose, who founded the Future Farmers of America was a member. Other notable members include Norman Rockwell and Eleanor Roosevelt. Krist Novoselic, best known as a founding member of Nirvana, is a Grange member.
Notable Oregon Grange members include Abigail Scott Dunaway (suffragette), Mark Hatfield (educator and US Senator) and Clara Waldo (first woman named to a Board of Regents, supporter of women’s rights and namesake of Waldo Hall on Oregon State Campus).
Why Join?
Anyone 14 years or older who wants to network within the local
community, participate in service projects, vote at Grange meetings to influence Grange policy, and develop personal leadership skills is welcome to join the Grange. Grange Insurance has not been a membership benefit for many years, but the National Grange offers a long list of membership benefits and some Community Granges provide additional member benefits. But most who join the Grange do so because of a desire to improve their community, build stronger bonds with community members and to have fun