History in the making

History was made last week when the Grange, a national organization that encourages families to band together to promote the economic and political well being of the community and agriculture, chartered its first junior Grange in Nevada.

The High Desert Grange started less than a year ago and has about 70 members. The ceremony drew several national representatives to Lattin Farms to recognize and honor the club.

Lillian Booth, the national Junior Grange director, spoke to the group about her involvement in the origination, which goes back to when she was 7 years old and attended school for grades first through eighth.

“Because we lived in such a small community, my parents wanted my brother and me to have opportunities ,” she said, adding a Grange was located near their community.

Booth grew up on a cattle ranch in northern California, and to this day, she told the members of her love for horses. After a career of supporting Grange activities at both the state and national levels, Booth has returned to a role with the Junior Grange.

“I have friends across the U.S., but I am back where I started ... with the Junior Grange,” she said.

Booth game some history about the Grange and how it started after the Civil War in the late 1860s. After the Civil War, a small group of men wondered how they could reunite families again after four years of conflict. In 1888, the Junior Grange began in Texas with its own rituals and initiation, but, as Booth said, remained a part of the overall Grange family.

With the addition of the High Desert Grange, chapters can be found in 37 states.

“This is the first Junior Grange ever organized in the State of Nevada,” she said. “This is quite an accomplishment.”

Booth said the Grange is similar to scouting in that it offers achievement awards and contests such as public speaking. Wherever she speaks, Booth likes to encourage the Grange chapters and state to send their winner to the national contest. Booth also encouraged High Desert Grange members to attend the national convention. Additionally, she said the Grange has summer camps in several states that may interest local Grange members.

Joseph Stefenoni, a state officer with the California Grange and national membership director, echoed Booth’s comment that Grange is a big family. As he travels the country, Stefenoni said he hears many Grange stories and encourages members to share their information.

“Is there one special event or moment that solidifies our membership,” he asked.” As you leave the meeting tonight and do your activities, think of that Grange story you can share.”

Stefenoni congratulated members of the High Desert Grange for their historic day and thanked them for their hard work to make the day possible.

Gloria Montero, director of the High Desert Grange said she was as excited as the other members when the charter was presented.

“We have so many youth,” she said.

The High Desert Grange, according to Montero, has students who attend private and public school and some who are home schooled. She said many students live in the country, but the grange also has members who live in Fallon.

Montero said her public speakers are preparing for the state contest and practicing in front of the various service organizations. She said Toastmasters is lending their expertise.

Emma Parsons, president of the High Desert Grange, said she enjoys the organization.

“I love the Grange,” said the 13-year-old, “and I am very happy to be a member.”

Parsons said she is very active in Grange as well as 4-H. Next year as a high-school freshman, she plans to join FFA.