The Grange in Evans Valley
by Dorothy Deckard, Spring Term 1961, History of the Pacific Northwest, Dr. Haines
Oliver Hudson Kelley, a Minnesota homesteader, credited as father of the Grange movement, 1866 Isaac Newton, Commissioner of Agriculture, authorized this member of the newly-formed Department of Agriculture to survey farms of the south n order to determine extent of damage as a result of the Civil War. December 4, 1867, Kelley and 6 other men formed a ritualistic and partially secret organization. Kelley's niece, Miss Caroline A. Hall, offered "revolutionary idea" of allowing women to join the organization on an equal basis with men. formally known as The Patrons of Husbandry, now called the Grange, kept as a non-partisan organization. Mr. Buick established several Grange in southern Oregon: 1874 Harmony Point Grange by Central Point, thought to help start Grange in Evans Valley but author couldn't find records. Alliance Grange, Number 246 was primarily a social organization held in Oak Grove School down the creek from Menthorn Covered Bridge--disbanded around turn of the century. Mrs. Rudy Heller has a few receipts for dues, while most of record books were lost (and no state records because they failed to pay any state Grange dues. Grange probably organized in 1890, as Wagner Grange was organized in that year, with nyumber 240. Enterprise Grange number 489, oldest Grange in Jackson County still in existence (in 1961) formed April 29, 1912. first meeting June 1, 1912 said to be formed to give people some social life. (any food left over after meetings, was given to people needing food at the time--part of their "missionary work") Grange meetings included some entertainment, with speakers from colleges, engaged a soil expert and had an definite interest in politics.
charter members: Fred Menthorn (Secretary), EP Chandler, M M SCott (Steward), Y.J. Owens, S F Potter (Master), Mrs. S. F Potter, (Chaplain), Mrs. Y J Owens (Lady Asst. Steward), Mrs. EP Chandler (Lecturer), J.R. Smith (Gate-keeper), O.B. Steward (Overseer), W.K. Godding (Asst. Steward), Mrs. W.K. Godding, D J Sharp (Treasurer), Mrs. D J Sharp, Miss Alvie Scott (Pomona), Miss Alice Chandler (Flora), Miss Helen W Chandler (Ceres)