Grange reorganized on remote Washington island

SAN JUAN ISLAND, Wash – On Monday, Sept. 17, more than a dozen people met with Washington State Grange Leadership Development Director Rusty Hunt to reorganize Friday Harbor Grange No. 225, and signed their charter.

The group, all but one of whom had been members at the nearby San Juan Island Grange No. 966, sought to revitalize a Grange in their community that was originally formed in 1908 but had become inactive by 1921, in order to expand opportunities for membership and service to others seeking to become Grange members.

“The former members of San Juan Island Grange felt that by starting a new Grange they would be able to open up the Grange experience to more people,” Hunt said.

He said he believes the move to reorganize Friday Harbor Grange may result in greater diversity within the Grange community of the area as well.

Washington State Grange President Duane Hamp said he is happy that a second Grange will be in place to support people on the isolated island, accessible only by boat.

“The possibility of more members with a wider diversity of interests and perspectives is exciting,” Hamp said.

Hunt said the community is ripe for Grange activities, noting that, “Sustainability, food safety, emergency preparedness and a sense of community are things that keep these people together.”

Hunt said 13 have signed the charter already and believes another five will sign the charter when the group meets Oct. 8 for their first meeting where they will also elect officers.

“They have some activities they already have in mind and we want to get them up and running while the energy is high,” Hunt said. “There really is quite a group of great people who will be wonderful Grange members for the first time or again.”