At The Grange
BY BRUCE JOHNSON
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The Grange movement has its roots in the agricultural tradition and lifestyle of this country, and is the oldest national agricultural organization. With the decline in farming, however, in many areas the Grange has evolved into a community service organization.

The Grange still retains and fosters many of the same values and principles associated with the agrarian spirit. It seeks to strengthen communities and the country by developing leadership and promoting community cooperation, personal betterment and self-reliance.
The Left Hand Grange No. 9 is part of a larger network of 3,600 range units in 37 states, involving over 300,000 members. In Colorado there are 58 active Grange units.

The National Grange organization, with headquarters in Washington, D.C., was founded in 1867 following the Civil War, at a time when farm families were more dispersed and prone to isolation.

Grange halls provided opportunities for social interaction and education, as well as strong political advocacy for farm and ranch issues, such as high shipping rates charged by the railroad monopolies to send farm products back East.

The word “grange” comes from the Latin word for grain (i.e. granary or farm, in general.) The name “Grange” was chosen for the organization because English farm estates, each a complete community, were called Granges.

The Grange movement is becoming less familiar to an increasingly urban population, and people are often curious about what the Grange is. While the Grange was founded as a fraternal organization, many of the Grange Halls today, including Left Hand Grange No. 9, operate more informally, in a manner similar to other service organizations that might be more familiar.

Without an air of secrecy and ritual, Left Hand Grange No. 9 seeks to cultivate a strong community spirit and enhance local culture. Some people have wondered if the Grange is a cult. The answer, of course. is no, but its roots are in agri-cult-ure.

Left Hand Grange No. 9 is an active part of the Niwot community, and part of the enduring rural and small-town tradition. It helps preserve the agricultural heritage of the area, and honors the spirit of those who came to this place before.

Niwot grangers also have a close relationship with the Niwot Historical Society. New members are always welcome and are essential to keeping the Grange a strong and viable part of Niwot.