Welcome to the Silverton Grange
An inclusive community center promoting projects and service which engage and strengthen Silverton and our broader world.
Our vision is to be a community of neighbors.
Grange in the 21st Century: The Grange provides opportunities for individuals and families to develop to their highest potential in order to build stronger communities, states, and nation. This is done through dynamic programs and experiences that educate, engage, and enrich lives. Mutual understanding and cooperation are emphasized; Grangers strive to work together in harmony, good will and fellowship. We seek equality, fairness, and justly distributed power. We acknowledge there will be differences of opinion and urge that controversy be faced without bitterness.
The original purpose of Granges was to encourage families to band together to promote the economic and political well-being of the community and agriculture for small farmers. It is the oldest American agricultural advocacy group. Grange offered insurance, health benefits, political advocacy, and obtained free rural mail delivery.
The Grange organization was formed to advocate for the rights of small farmers against exploitation by corporate businesses, such as railroads and grain storage facilities.
Granges gave full membership privileges to women when it was founded in 1867, including voting rights, being officers, taking part in making policies, and assuming key roles during ceremonies. That was 50 years before women attained the right to vote in the U.S. in 1920.
Community: Members have opportunity for fellowship that encourages individual interests and talents. Healthy families are supported and a safe, neutral gathering place provided for all members of the greater community.
Education: Many aspects of continued learning are supported, including food growing and preservation, creative expression, local issues, as well as individual growth and expansion.
Service to the Community: Silverton Grange provides a local gathering place for many kinds of events, including classes, receptions, networking, and meetings. Members take part in projects for community enhancement and offer aid in crisis situations.
Sustainable agriculture: Silverton Grange is committed to supporting local, sustainable farmers and businesses. The more local our food is, the less we rely on shipping and the better we support our local economy, helping ensure that family farms stay part of our community.
Participatory democracy: Granges are governed by members who meet regularly and vote on actions. At all levels, Granges are non-partisan and do not support any party or candidate. Each member as a free citizen may affiliate with parties and support candidates, but this is done as an individual. The Grange believes that “progress toward truth is made by differences of opinion,” and urges that the good of our organization, country, and humankind be held as the highest goal.
Grange Motto: “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”
