IT STARTED IN MINNESOTA

This summer, a diverse community of engaged Minnesotans is breathing new life into The Order of the Patrons of Husbandry, or The Grange.  By developing new and innovative ways to draw on both the rural backbone of home-town values and the growing movements of urban farming and sustainability, Minnesota’s New Grange is a community leader in progressive ideas. Thousands of local Granges are active on the East and West Coasts, but in Minnesota, only six local granges remain with a membership of around 130 persons.  At the disbandment of one of these Granges, Minnesota will lose its voting rights within the National Grange. 

The Grange wont have a quiet death in the state that fostered the organization’s ideas of progressive action for farmers and rural Americans.  Nearly a century and a half ago, Oliver Kelley--perhaps the most famous agriculturalist of the 19th century--wrote: “What I design is this. . .a social fraternity of farmers all over the country.  Encourag[ing] them to read and think; to plant fruits and flowers, beautify their homes; elevat[ing] them; mak[ing] them progressive.”  The exciting and affirming concept of this local, grassroots organization is that the members of each Grange chapter democratically set the agenda for their initiatives.  This is happening once again in Minnesota; as a positive source of community involvement and interaction.

Minnesota’s New Grange makes use of Oliver Kelley’s Minnesota farm,--a Minnesota Historical Society Site, and National Historic Landmark--holding monthly meetings; addressing issues that are pertinent to our members and our communities at local and state levels; providing fraternal and community social events such as seasonal parties, harvest dances, musical events, sporting events, classes, outings, and arts shows; supporting education through resources, mentoring, and scholarships; assisting the Oliver Kelley Farm Historic Site through work parties, outreach, and endorsement; sponsoring and partaking in community service projects; and actively partaking in the National Grange.

As excitement grows and momentum continues, now is the time to become part of this amazing group of statewide citizens dedicated to bettering the places we live and call home.