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The Enterprise, White Salmon, WA., May 17, 1973 insert

COLUMBIA GRANGE 87 BEGAN NOV. 5, 1889

Columbia Grange #87 was organized, in a little country school-house November 5th, 1889, with 19 charter members in attendance.
As its number indicates, Columbia Grange was the 87th Grange organized in the territory that became the State of Washington a few days later. Of these 87 Granges only 13 others are still in existence and two of these are reorganized, so Columbia ranks as the 12th oldest in the state.
In 1890 through donations of lumber, labor and small amounts of money the existing Grange Hall was built, and goes on record as being the oldest in the State of
Washington.
J.O. Lyle for whom the town of Lyle was named, was elected the first Master and served in this capacity for 11 years. Followed by 25 members who have served as Masters during Columbia Grange's 84 years of service to the Community. Two of our Past Masters have served as Deputies to the State Master, one of which is still serving. Two members have served as State Officers, Wm. Olson as Lecturer and Edna Campbell as Secretary. Three of our sisters have served as District Directors of the Womens Activities Committee, one presently serving.
Columbia Grange along with other Subordinate and Pomona Granges, with dedicated members for the principles of our Order have brought Washington State Granges to number one in the Nation both in membership and strength.
Throughout America more than 200,000 Grange meetings are held each year, bringing together tens of thousands of rural Americans - Grange members, each weekday and night around the calender, in a fraternal atmosphere in which there is a high moral tone, devoid of religious bias; a patriotic acceptance of responsibility, with partisanship; the open Bible on the altar and where appropriate respect is shown for the American flag.
The Grange embraces in its membership the entire family; father, mother, sons, and daughters, making it truly an organization which strengthens family ties and builds respect for and enhances the dignity of the home.
The Grange cooperates with the Church, school and all worthy agencies of the community and develops community and citizenship responsibility.
The National Grange, 106 years old, being organized in 1867, with its now more than 7000 subordinate and more than 700 Pomona Granges has been the mainstay for rural roads...a dominant force in passing legislation providing for interstate Highway Programs now under way. Fostered creation of Extension Service...and has been consistently supported appropriations necessary to meet expanded needs of the service. Fathered legislation creating the VO-AG program and consistently supported advancement of the work since it was established in 1916. Initiated legislation which removed the Federal tax on fuel for "on the farm" use -- saving farmers $100 million annually; was solely responsible for the initiation of Rural Free Delivery and our Parcel Post System. Led the fight that gave cabinet status to USDA, and has been a stalwart supporter since. Laid the original groundwork for and actually built over the years farmer co-operatives, which it supports today. Developed the original Farm Credit Act, and played a prominent role in legislation which gave it farmer control and ownership. Is noted far and wide for its vigilant efforts to curb and control monopolies. Sponsored legislation which created REA and the Rural Telephone Program and takes a prime interest every year in adequate appropriations for these programs. Secured initial legislation establishing our system of agriculture experiment stations and has since helped Congress guide and support an adequate program of research.. Championed the Soil Conservation Service, Farmers Home Administration, Crop Insurance Program, Upstream Small Watershed Program, School Lunch and Milk Program, Green Plains Program, Rural Area Development, Food for Peace Programs, now frequently taken for granted. Was a dominant force in bringing Social Security to farmers and other self employed persons. Has consistently promoted sound money and tax policies. Played a paramount and continuing role in the formation and operation of United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization and of the International Federation of Agriculture Producers. Worked aggressively and effectively for the expansion of market for food and fiber both at home and abroad. Has repeatedly pushed with success for tariff and trade barrier reforms, initiated the equality of income or parity concept, for measuring agriculture welfare -- and supported modifications necessary to modernize the formula.
Look around you -- observe your community -- its highways, schools, churches, recreation and health facilities, libraries, cooperatives, electric and telephone lines, youth organizations -- its TOTAL, ALL these -- and others -- represent milestones in Grange progress. The Grange doesn't claim to be the sole instigator or supporter of these advancements, but it is -- and has long been -- the strongest sustained organizational force working effectively toward these ingredients of a good and full life for all citizens of rural America.