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The 50th National Grange Building Anniversary.
A special and moving day
in Grange History. |
On June 26th, the National Grange celebrated a historic moment in its 143 year history – the 50th anniversary of its landmark building in Washington, D.C. The day was full of excited energy as Grangers from across the country poured into the doors to help celebrate this momentous occasion. The day was celebrated with building tours of the freshly spruced up offices and a re-dedication ceremony held at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, across the street from the Grange building.
Grangers were invited to sign up for tours that lead them through the various parts of the building, including the Goss Conference Room, William Saunders Memorial Library, the National President’s office, as well as the staff offices. Grange Youth came from across the country and served as the official tour guides. Along the tour, various items of Grange memorabilia dating back to the 1870’s, including William Saunders’ original ritual notebook, original regalia, and personal photos were displayed. Additionally, the National Grange building received donations of new metal artwork and a fresh coat of paint to complete the renovation.
In addition to these building tours, Grangers were encouraged to attend the re-dedication ceremony that day at 1:00 PM. Dallas Tonsager, Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development, was the keynote speaker and commended the National Grange for their history and dedication to advancing and supporting rural America. His speech was followed by a rousing re-dedication speech from National President, Ed Luttrell, who reinforced the idea that the National Grange building belongs to all its members and stands as a testament to our great organization. Celia Luttrell, First Lady, on behalf of the Clackamas County Pomona #1, Oregon, presented a 50th Anniversary bronze plaque to the National Grange. The re-dedication ceremony also included a video presentation recorded by Mary Jean Eisenhower, granddaughter of President Dwight Eisenhower, who originally dedicated the building.
The re-dedication ceremony was modeled after the original dedication ceremony 50 years ago. The dedication ceremony was presided over by National Master, Hershel Newsom, with President Dwight Eisenhower dedicating the building and Secretary of Agriculture, Ezra Taft Benson, there to witness the occasion. At the dedication ceremony, State Masters and National Officers from 34 different states, as well as 3,500 grassroots Grange members, were there to celebrate the occasion. On hand to witness this historic re-dedication 50 years later were over 500 Grangers, as well as National Officers, State Masters, and Past National Masters. Past National Masters in attendance included, Edward and Darlene Andersen, Robert E. and Dolores Barrow, and Kermit W. and Margaret Richardson. Several states also brought in bus loads of Grangers to be a part of this great moment in Grange history.
The entire day was one of jubilant celebration for all in attendance. Grangers from across the country reconnected with friends they hadn’t seen for months or even years. For many in attendance, this felt like a family reunion. There were even a few Grangers in attendance who had witnessed the original celebration! All in all, the day was an absolute success.
The National Grange would like to especially thank Pete Pompper, NJ State Grange President and National Lecturer, and Marty Billquist, MT State Grange President and Executive Committee member, for all of their hard work in heading the re-dedication committee. Additionally, the National Grange would like to thank Betsy Huber, PA, State Grange President and Chair of the Executive Committee, for serving as Master of Ceremonies during the ceremony.
Please visit the National Grange website, www.nationalgrange.org , to learn more about the Grange building. You will also find photos from the 50 th Anniversary Re-dedication and a podcast of the original interview between Hershel Newsom and Dwight Eisenhower.
Here are some of the historic items on display during our Re-dedication Ceremony:
- The sixth set of building plans, 1957, for the Oliver H. Kelley Farm in Elk River, Minnesota.
- The site plans for the William C. Saunders Memorial in Gettysburg, Pennsylvannia, 1966.
- Letter and 25th year certificate sent to President Franklin D. Roosevelt to recognize his achievement as a 25 year Grange Member.
- Certificate of Membership for members of the Evening Star Grange #154 of Vermont, 1874.
- Guest Book: The original guest book from the original dedication was on display. Some Grangers had the unique claim of being there to sign the book 50 years ago as well as on the special day!
- An Alter Cloth Donated by the South Dakota State Grange, 1941.
- The walking cane belonging to Oliver H. Kelley, Secretary of the National Grange was on display. This item was presented to him on January 7th, 1875 by the National Grange.
- The sterling silver tea set on display belonged to Mrs. Temperance Kelley, wife of Oliver H. Kelley, cofounder of the Grange.
- The silver platter on display was given to the National Grange by Ruth Boyd.
- A variety of photos were on display. One of these special treats included everything from Oliver H. Kelley modeling Grange Regalia prior to 1880.
- A letter from President Dwight Eisenhower congratulating the National Grange on the dedication of the then new building in 1960.
- A tiara worn as part of Ceres costume during the early 1900s.
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