National Grange: Grange: Doorway to Community Action, Program Handbook, 1993-1994

Primarily comprised of meeting minutes and treasurer’s account books, the Beaver Valley Grange records documents the organization’s history from its inception in 1916 to 1973. The meeting minutes indicate the number of members attending, social activities, the topic of discussions, resolutions approved by the members, and the amount and services for which bills are paid. Topics of discussions range from the science of agriculture through the proper roles for men and women in rural life to political legislation on the state and national levels. Researchers should note that the minutes dating from 1924 to 1948 neglect to thoroughly record the group’s discussions and instead report on bills paid and plans for social activities. Nevertheless, the collection does provide an excellent insight into the concerns and opinions of rural citizens since World War I. Also included in the collection are Juvenile Grange meeting minutes (1938-1957) and cash books for the Ladies Auxiliary (1921-1973). The Juvenile Grange minutes discuss the activities of this young Grangers group and how they participated in the parent Grange’s events. Records form the Illinois State Grange, by-laws and rules of order (1929, 1943) rosters (1930-1955), and annual convention proceedings (1935-1938), complete the collection.