Prairie View Grange Records (Pecatonica)

Collection

Identifier: RHC-RC-014

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Prairie View Grange No. 1786 Collection documents the establishment and history of a farming organization in Pecatonica, Illinois from 1915 to its dissolution in 1970. The main series of the collection consists of a partial set of minute books (1931-1970) containing information about the members’ concern with agricultural problems. These books also relate how social events relieved the loneliness and isolation typical of the farming life. A major weakness in the collection is the lack of comprehensive records for the years 1915-1930. This gap is partially covered by membership demits and a dues account and roll book providing membership data from 1915 to 1964.

Dates

created: 1915-1970
Other: Date acquired: 08/25/1980

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

Prairie View Grange No. 1786, Pecatonica, Illinois was organized with 42 charter members in June 1915. The Pecatonica Grange Hall served as the monthly meeting place until the sale of the hall in 1968 forced the group to meet in various member’s homes. Primarily a social organization, the Prairie View Grange sponsored picnics, dances, pot luck dinners, and lectures. Unfortunately, interest in the Grange declined, and in December 1970 the members voted to disband.

Note written by

Extent

0.75 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Source of Acquisition

Mr. Wallace B. Hobart

Method of Acquisition

Mr. Wallace B. Hobart, Rockford, donated the Prairie View Grange No. 1786 Collection to the Regional History Center on August 25, 1980.

Related Materials

Researchers should note a number of other collections held by the Regional History Center which 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), Westfield Grange (RC 88), Milledgeville Grange (RC 101), Genesee Grange (RC 102), Harmony Grange (RC 108), and the Laura Cooper Collection(RC 44).