The Grange, also known as the Patrons of Husbandry, is America's oldest farm-based fraternal organization. Established in Washington, D.C., in 1867, by Oliver Hudson Kelley, the organization spread rapidly throughout the agricultural Midwest, attracting more than 850,000 members by 1875.
Originally conceived as a social and educational organization, the Grange soon became a potent political advocacy group for farmers and rural communities. Over the past 136 years, the organization has evolved to include people of all occupations, and is focused on educational/social events and community service.
The exhibit features a representative sampling of Grange meeting accoutrements and regalia, as well as materials from the MSU Libraries' collection.
Exhibit produced by Anita Ezzo
Grange artifacts courtesy of Roland and Beulah Winter
(members of the Michigan State Grange Historical Collections Committee) and the Fredonia Grange.
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Michigan State University Libraries
http://www.lib.msu.edu/events/GrangeExh.html Last updated: November 4, 2003 Page Editor: Darren Meahl |