Milledgeville Grange Records

Collection — Volume: 1-2

Identifier: RHC-RC-101

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

These records document the establishment and history of the Milledgeville Grange No. 1883, Carroll County, Illinois from its origin in 1936 through 1976. A complete set of minute books comprise the major series of the collection and contain information on meeting activities dealing with various farming problems and their solutions. Dues and grange expenses for hall rental, social functions, and supplies are detailed in the treasurer’s account books (1936-1972). Committee lists, community service reports, a guest book and two scrapbooks illustrate the heavy community involvement of Milledgeville Grange in sponsoring dances, rotary dinners, picnics, and charities. The grange movement provided farmers with a means of gathering to discuss mutual agricultural problems and to alleviate the loneliness of the farming life. Persons interested in the grange movement will find valuable information about the structure and function of these groups in the Milledgeville Grange Collection. Researchers should note that several Grange Histories are contained in Box 1, Folder 1.

Dates

created: 1936-1996
Other: Date acquired: 07/01/1980

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on access to the collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights in the collection are held by the Regional History Center; literary rights are dedicated to the public.

Biographical or Historical Information

Twenty-three charter members organized Miliedgeville Grange No. 1883 on August 19, 1936. Master Emery Lester, Secretary Lucile Rahn, and Lecturer Helen Bryson served as the First Council. In 1937, Emery Lester accepted the position as Treasurer of the organization and served in the office for twenty-two years. Between 1936 and 1950 Milledgeville Grange met at several locations including the Town Hall, local library, South Elkhorn School House, and the Ida Miller Building. After many years of fund-raising, the members dedicated a new Grange Hall on December 2, 1951. As an active participant in community affairs, the grange supported several charities and held service dinners, picnics, plays, and dances. Although membership declined slightly over the years, Milledgeville Grange still is an important part of the National Grange organization today.

Note written by

Extent

20.25 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Source of Acquisition

Mr. Paul Sites

Method of Acquisition

Mr. Paul Sites of Milledgeville, Illinois donated the Milledgeville Grange Collection to the Regional History Center on July 1, 1980.

Accruals and Additions

Additional records were added to the collection by Mrs. Paul Sites on May 14, 2004.

Related Materials

Researchers should note that several Grange Histories are contained in Box 1, Folder 1. In addition, a number of other collections held by the Regional History Center relate in whole or part to the grange organization: South Grove Grange (RC 61), Etna Grange (RC 63), Hanover Scenic Grange (RC 64), Round Grove Grange (RC 68), Willowdale Grange (RC 80), Genesee Grange (RC 102), Harmony Grange (RC 108), and the Laura Cooper Collection (RC 44).