Discover the history of the first Oregon Grange, organized in 1872, only five years after the National Grange was founded in Washington, D.C.  The movement spread quickly when granges in the Midwest succeeded in lobbying for state legislatures to regulate rates charged by railroads and grain elevators, among other political wins.  At its height, when Oregon had over 300 community granges with total membership up to 30,000, the State Grange had real influence in Salem. While today the numbers are smaller, author and historian Marilyn Reiher explains how the grange movement carries on serving the needs of its communities. 

Marilyn Reiher is author of Oregon State Grange: Serving Communities for 150 Years. She is a lifetime member of North Bayside Grange in Coos County and an affiliate member of Winona Grange in Tualatin, where she served as president for eight years.  

Enjoy 15% off your hotel stay on History Pub nights! Show your ticket at check-in.

These events are open to everyone interested in Pacific Northwest history, and beyond! Often co-sponsored by local or state historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers, historians and documentaries expounding on topics from indigenous history to the birth of Portland, early explorers to hop growing, and on and on! It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp