The Birthplace of the Washington State Grange – 125 Years ago in Camas, Washington
Celebrating the 125 year anniversary of the Washington State Grange – founded in Camas in 1889. This years State Convention kicked off on June 23rd right here in SW Washington.
The five day event was attended by 53 delegates from Pomonas and 199 delegates from subordinate granges for a total of 252 voting delegates. The Washington State Grange Legislative Handbook can be viewed here.
There were Granges in Washington Territory long before statehood was gained. In 1873 several were organized in the Walla Walla area, including Waitsburg Grange No. 1 which is still an active Grange. These local (“subordinate”) Granges were under the jurisdiction of the Oregon State Grange.
Organization of the Washington State Grange preceded by just two months the admission of Washington Territory to statehood. There was a direct relationship between the two events. The farmers of the territory were deeply troubled by some provisions in the proposed state constitution. Their concern resulted in the organization of a number of new subordinate Granges, enabling them to form a state Grange and speak out with a stronger voice.
A lodge room on the upper floor of the Pioneer Store building in La Camas (now Camas) in Clark County was the birthplace of what is now the largest state Grange in the nation. There, on Sept. 10, 1889, delegates and visitors assembled, and the Washington State Grange was organized. During the three-day session, delegates elected and installed officers, conducted other necessary business, and adopted strong resolutions setting forth the farmers’ views on the proposed constitution.
The first Grange in Washington state was Waitsburg Grange No. 1, near Walla Walla, organized in 1873. The first Pomona (county-wide) Grange was established in Clark County in 1902.
The Washington State Grange coordinates the activities of the state’s 293 subordinate Granges and the 41 Pomona (county and district) Granges. Washington enjoys the distinction of having more Grangers than any other state — currently approaching 50,000 members.
3 responses to “The Birthplace of the Washington State Grange – 125 Years ago in Camas, Washington”
We rent our hall from 9am. to 11 pm. We charge $500. for the day and require a deposit & rental contract. We also require you to provide your own rental insurance for your event.
This a great place to hold a large event as there is over 4000 sq. feet of space upstairs and down with a full kitchen.
Come join us on the 2nd Saturday of each month 7pm. for our Jam nights and check us out.
We also welcome all and meet the 3rd Tuesday for our regular business meetings.
4000 sq, feet
Deposit is $500. with a $450. refundable per our rental agreement. Thank you.