Supporting History

Home in the Grange

Farmers organized the National Grange in 1867 to give themselves representation in railroad and warehouse negotiations, provide for group rate insurance, and buy supplies cooperatively. As an agricultural fraternal organization, the Grange has gained a reputation for conservative, constructive, and cooperative endeavors that have benefited and improved rural communities throughout the United States.

The Grange movement in Colorado began in the early days of statehood. By providing an outlet for socializing, Granges also became centers for social and cultural events. Local Grange halls hosted dinners, dances, weddings, and funerals. The construction of the Grange hall itself was a cooperative endeavor that brought the skills of individual members together.
The State Historical Fund has worked with several Colorado Granges to preserve their facilities. It is an important partnership in a time when the communities and citizenry that Granges serve are experiencing rapid demographic change.

One of the oldest buildings to serve as a Grange hall began as a school. Built in 1894, the one-room clapboard Pleasant Park Grange near Conifer served area school children until declining enrollment and the construction of more modern facilities led to its closure in the 1940s. As it had met in the school for a number of years anyway, the Grange took over the building in 1956. A 1994 SHF grant helped restore much of the original exterior and interior elements.

At the far north edge of Ouray County in the small town of Colona, the local Grange restored another adapted school. Built in 1915 from plans provided by Grand Junction architect F. E. Jenkins, this two-story stucco landmark features interesting incised decoration and a center entrance pavilion that welcomed children from the surrounding area until 1963 when the Grange took over the building. The interior is still basically intact, but exterior problems exist. A historic structure assessment grant will provide the Grange with a planning tool to help guide restoration and repair decisions.

In general, Grange Halls were simple structures that embodied rural construction techniques popular in the first quarter of the nineteenth century. Most featured wood framing with shiplap or clapboard siding and were built by local volunteer labor. The Hillside Grange, built in 1926 north of Westcliffe, and the Pikes Peak Grange, built in 1909 near Franktown, exemplifies these design and construction principles.

After sitting vacant for many years, the Hillside Grange was in danger of being lost when property owners decided to sell the surrounding townsite. Plans are now underway to save the site, including the Grange Hall. A historic structure assessment will address critical stabilization issues. The Pikes Peak Grange received a grant of $18,964 for roof, gutter, and siding repairs that will allow the Grange to continue to serve its community.

Although Granges support farmers and agricultural communities, not all of them are found in currently rural areas. Before Westminster became a north-Denver suburb, local farmers shopped and socialized along a main street now known as Seventy-third Avenue. Here, the Westminster Grange holds on in a dynamic urban environment. Built in 1913 with a western-style false front, the Grange building served as city council chambers until the current town hall was built. The city will conduct a historic structure assessment to guide restoration of the building while revitalization of the area takes place.

The Westminster Grange, as well as the Colona and Hillside Granges, still retain true hidden treasures, hand painted stage screens. These screens contain advertising from various time periods with a painted decorative scene in the center. By reading the hand-lettered ads, visitors glimpse the community’s past.

Today, Granges continue to provide relevant services for their communities. Where once Granges were the driving force behind rural electrification and free mail delivery, today they advocate broadband Internet access and technical innovation. By preserving their facilities, Grangers preserve their past and their ability to meet the demands of a new century.

BY LYLE MILLER, State Historical Fund Technical Advisor