The US GenWeb Archives provide genealogical and historical data to the general public without fee or charge of any kind. It is intended that this material not be used in a commercial manner. History of Clinton and Johnson Granges, by Ruth Brown ©1966. Submitted by Neal B. Brown August 5, 1997. Both above notices must remain when copied or downloaded. nbrown@polarnet.com _____________________________________________________________________________ History of Clinton Grange #156 and Johnson Grange #118 Whitman County, Washington Written by several members, with the following three write-ups from material Ruth Brown gathered or wrote. Copyright 1966. Submitted by: Neal B. Brown 1569 La Rue Lane Fairbanks, Alaska 99709 nbrown@polarnet.com Write up #1 Clinton Grange #154 was organized on December 13, 1904 by C. B. Kegley of Pullman. There were 43 charter members namely: T. A. Brown, Vada Brown, J. R. Brown, Henry Moore, Ellen Moore, Maude Moore, Clay Moore., Jessie Moore, C. M. Heater, Ella Heater, Robert Coutts, Eva Weber, Fred Weber, Albert Weber, W. H. Wolfe,, Glen Wolfe, W.W. Robertson, Olsea Potter, Charles Lee, A. C. Lee, I. J. Lee, Addie Lee, John Wiley, T. H. Wiley, George Paddock, C. W. Purnell, Alice Purnell, Howard Shriver, Lenna Shriver, H. G. Foster, Laura Foster, 0. I. Hittle, Emma H. Hittle, Jay Gibson, Bob Neely, R. A. Brigss, Harry Becket, Mr. McIver, and Mrs. T. H. Wiley. The meeting place of Clinton Grange was in the small rural community of Clinton, Washington located about 5 or 6 miles southwest of Moscow, Idaho and about 8 or 9 miles southeast of Pullman, Washington. It is generally agreed that the community received its name from the early day post office and blacksmith shop named Clinton by the man who owned the blacksmith shop and ran the post office, and had come from Clinton County, Illinois. Most of the people in the community had come from Bond and Clinton counties in Illinois. The first officers of Clinton Grange were: Master, T. A. Brown; Overseer, Ellen Moore; Lecturer Luella Robertson; Steward, Clay Moore; Assistant Steward, John Wiley; Lady Assistant Steward, Jennie Wolfe; Chaplain, T. H. Wiley; Treasurer, Vada Brown; Secretary, 0. I. Hittle; Ceres, Maude Moore; Pomona, Olsea Potter; Flora, Jessie Moore; I.S.G.K., Charles Lee, As far as is known there are two charter members still living in this year of 1966, namely Eva Weber who now resides in Clarkston, Washington and Albert Weber who also lives in Clarkston, Washington. However they are not husband and wife, they are sister-in-law and brother-in-law. There are at present two son's of charter members of Clinton Grange who are members of Johnson Grange, which is the present day survivor of the old Clinton Grange. They are Floyd Weber son of charter member Eva Weber and Kenneth Brown, son of charter member and first Master of Clinton Grange T. A. Brown. The Grange done much for the community in the early days but as the years passed and cars made transportation much easier the membership and attendance became smaller and smaller so in order to survive the Clinton Grange #154 and the Seats Grange #118 located about 15 or 16 miles south of Pullman decided to combine their membership in January of 1946 and meet in the small community of Johnson located about 7 miles southeast of Pullman and about equal distance between the two communities, meeting in the old Johnson School building which had been vacant since the consolidation of the Johnson school district with the Pullman district in 1942. Seats Grange #118 was organized in January 1901 by Deputy State Master J. H. T. Smith of Ewartsville. The first meeting place was the old Buridell schoolhouse located then on the Seats' home place, occupied in recent years by Dan Boone Jr. The following were charter members: E. B. Fletcher, Ella Fletcher(Mrs. E.B.), J. H. Lewis, Mr. Horsley, Mrs. Myrtle Horsley, T. W. Ryan, Miss Nellie Ryan, E. P. Black, Lizzie Black (Mrs. E.P.) Ed Young, Martha Young(Mrs. Ed), Miss Goldie Young,, Stephen Davis, Wm. Myers, Ed. Boone. Ernest Ledeman, and Sam Hilliard. The February 28, 1901 minutes recorded installation of officers with only these officers named: Master, Fletcher; Secretary, T. W. Ryan; Chaplain, J. H. Lewis; Lady Assistant Steward, Lizzie Black. Membership during the next few years after organizing increased to 157, and remained at around that mark. From the early part of 1918 through 1921 there are frequent references to "trouble in the State Grange". In the regular meeting of Seats Grange #118 of December 24, 1921 the Treasurer was authorized by a vote of those present to pay all bills and to divide any remaining funds equally among B.W. Davidson, Vern Bourbonnie and W. C. Richardson. It was also moved that the property of the Grange be given into the charge of W. C. Richardson until further ordered, and that a committee of B. W. Davidson, Vern Bourbonnie, and W. C. Richardson have jurisdiction over Grange property until further ordered. The Grange was reactivated January 31, 1925 and remained fairly active., but like Clinton Grange the automobile made it easy for people to go farther from home for their pleasures and they too were having trouble getting enough members out to hold a meeting and keep up their hall and other finances, so as stated earlier the membership decided to get together with Clinton Grange #154 in the community of Johnson and see if they could weather a few more years. I am sure there are descendants of some of the charter members who are now members of Johnson Grange. The ones who come to mind are: Jane Boone Marshall, Paul Ledeman and John Brewer to name some of the active ones, and there may be more of whom I am not familiar. Johnson Grange #118 came into being January 26, 1946 when joint meeting of Seats Grange #118 and Clinton Grange #154 was held in the Johnson community building. At this meeting Clinton Grange #154 voted to surrender its charter and Seats Grange #118 voted to accept the entire membership of Clinton Grange #154, both groups agreeing on the name change to Johnson Grange and the retention of the Seats Grange # of 118. It was also decided at this meeting to retain the newly elected officers of Seats Grange to serve Johnson Grange in this first year. Confirmation of the name change was received from the State Secretary and State Master on February 23, 1946 and the new charter was issued on February 25, 1946. Officers this first year of Johnson Grange were: Master, Paul Ledeman; Overseer, Earl Baker; Lecturer, Letha Ledeman; Steward, Don Redinger; Asst. Steward, Orville Mayer; Chaplain, Maxine Mahon; Treasurer Helen McGreevy; Secretary, Louise Martin, Gatekeeper, Tom Martin; Ceres, Anna Redinger; Pomona, Ellen Mahon; Flora, Geneva Baker; Lady Asst. Steward, Madlyn Brewer, Executive committee, Albert Redinger, H. P. Willard, and George Marshall; Home Ec. Chairman, Gladys Davis; Business agent, Lawrence Mahon; and Agriculture Chairman Byard Davidson. Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. In this year of 1966 we are still carrying on much in the same manner of all other Granges of the area. Sometimes we have a fairly large membership out and other times barely enough to fill the officers chairs and sometimes not enough to fill them. Down through the years our problems are much the same as the problems that have always concerned the Granges, i. e. the price of wheat, peas, barley, cattle, hogs, sheep, the roads that don't always hold up, weeds, etc. Write Up #2 HISTORY OF CLINTON GRANGE #156 The first meeting of Clinton Grange was held in the old Clinton School house December 13th 1904, with C. B. Kegley, State Master in the chair. The meeting was called for the purpose of organizing a Grange. After a few preliminary remarks Brother Kegley read the names of the charter members numbering 43, as follows: T. A. Brown, Vada Brown, J. R. Brown, R. A. Briggs, W. I. Briggs, Harry Becket, Robert Coutts, H. G. Foster; Laura Foster, Jay Gibson, C. M. Heater, Ella Heater, 0. I. Hittle, Emma Hittle, Charles Lee, A. C. Lee, I. J. Lee, Addie Lee, Henry Moore, Ellen Moore, Jesse Moore, Maude Moore, Clay Moore, K. McIver, Robert Neely, C. W. Purnell, Alice Purnell, Olsea Potter, George Paddock, W. W. Robertson, Mrs. Robertson, Frank Robertson, Howard Shriver, Mrs. Howard Shriver, T. H. Wiley, Mrs. T. H. Wiley, W. H. Wolfe, Jennie Wolfe, Glen Wolfe, Fred Weber, Eva Weber, Albert Weber and John Wiley. He then proceeded to elect officers for the coming year. T. A. Brown, Master; Ellen Moore, Overseer; Luella Robertson, Lecturer; Clay Moore. Steward; Assistant Steward, John Wiley; Lady Assistant Steward, Jennie Wolfe; Chaplain, T. H. Wiley; Treasurer, Vada Brown; Secretary, 0. I. Hittle; Ceres, Maude Moore; Pomona, Olsea Potter; Flora, Jessie Moore; I.S.G.K., Charles Lee. It was voted that the Grange be called Clinton, the same as the name of the community, having been named from the early Washington Territory Day of the Clinton Post Office and Blacksmith shop, located in the N. W. corner of the South 1/2 of N. E. 1/4 Sec. 30 twp. 14, Range 46, or 1 1/4 miles southeast of where the Clinton Grange Hall was later built, on land now owned by Harold Snow. It is thought that the German-American who had the Post Office and Blacksmith shop, came from Clinton Co., Illinois and had given the name to his business, as most of the people of this community had come from Bond and Clinton counties in Illinois. After being instructed in the secret works of the order by Brother Kegley and voting to meet twice a month, each second and fourth Tuesdays, the Grange closed in regular form having held its first meeting. It is not known who had the most to do with starting the Grange, but it is thought the Moore's had as much to do with it as anyone. January 10, 1905 was the first meeting held after being organized. It was at this meeting that Clinton Grange received its first donation, that being one Coyote Scalp, value, about $2.50 at that time. January 24th, several members of the Ewartsville Grange were present. Brother Klemgard gave a talk on the good of the order and Brother Smith, State Lecturer acted as Worthy Master in conferring the First and Second Degrees. It was voted at this meeting to have supper at the last meeting each month. February 14th seems to have been the first meeting at which a bill was presented, the amount being $4.10, consisting of kerosene, $1.75, lamp chimney, 35 cents, wick, 20 cents and calico $1.80. Last meeting in February committee reported on by-laws which were received and laid on the table. Lady Asst, Steward and Assist. Steward resigned and their places were filled by Eva Weber and George Paddock. The last meeting in October, the Secretary, 0. I. Hittle, resigned and Brother Robert Coutts was appointed by the Master to serve in his place. Sister Ellen Moore, our first State Delegate, gave a very instructive report of the State meeting at Toledo, Washington. It was at this time that the by-laws as recommended by State Grange and committee of this Grange were adopted. Meeting dates second and fourth Fridays. Ten members may call a special meeting. A quorum consists of nine members. Money is to be turned over to the treasurer each month. Finance and Relief committees composed of three members each. Any member six months in arrears in dues not allowed in Grange until he is paid-up. Dues were 10 cents per month or $1.20 per year. Dues commence as soon as First and Second degree is received. Officers installed by Past Master T. A. Brown. January 26, 1906, committee appointed to see about buying machinery and harvest supplies. February 10th, employed the first janitor, $1.00 per month, (Brother Thurston). The sudden illness of Master Burrows brought the meeting to a close. February 23rd, Brother Kegley, State Master, visited the Grange accompanied by Sister and Brother Bryant. As Brother Burrows was not able to be out, Sister Bryant acted as Master. After reading the minutes, State Master corrected them by instructing all members paying dues should be entered in the minutes. Brother J. R. Brown reported that he had received an offer to supply the Granges with phosphorous @ 90 cents per pound. He also requested an expression of members present on building of a Grange hall. By standing vote nearly all voted in favor.. Committee appointed to figure costs, location, and report next meeting. Committee: T. A. Brown, J. R. Brown, W. W. Robertson, W. H. Wolfe and Robert Coutts. March 9th, building committee reported that two building sites were available, one down the creek from the old Clinton School, and one one-half mile up the creek (South Palouse) one up creek best to build on, but lower best location. Lumber for a hall 24x60 would cost around $375.00. Committee instructed to bring in more complete report next meeting. Literary program featured dialogue by Brother Haynes and Sister Brown, very good. March 23rd, offer received to supply Grange with twine binding in carload lots. Vote of confidence given trustees to furnish our Grange with twine. Building committee report accepted and committee discharged. On motion a vote was taken on sites offered, 18 voted in favor of the Coutts place, and 20 in favor of down creek on the Thurston place. A vote was then taken whether to build a one or two story building. Nine voted in favor of a two story building and 23 in favor of a one story building. A vote was then taken on plan submitted by Brother Wolfe, 24 in favor, none against. Forty members being present. Special meeting March 30th. The Master stated the call was to reconsider action taken on March 23rd and to adopt ways means and plans of building a hall. Brother T. A. Brown considered that no final action was taken at previous meeting and suggested that every vote carry with it a ten dollar contribution, Brother W. H. Hawley thought five dollars would be enough. Grange adjourned to look over sites against and then called to order at two o'clock with a motion presented and carried that every vote carry a contribution of ten dollars. Sixteen voted in favor, none against. Moved and carried that a committee of three be appointed to see the absent members take their votes and report at next meeting, Committee appointed: Brother Shriver, J. R. Brown, and D. H. Burrows. A vote was taken on location resulting as follows: For the upper site on the Coutts place--T. A. Brown- 3 votes, J. R. Brown- 2, D. H. Burrows-one, H. G. Foster-one, C. M. Haynes-one, C. W. Purnell-one, 0. I. Purnell one, C. C. Snow-one, A. Snow-one, Ed. Snow-one, H. Shriver-one, Lenna Shriver one, W. W. Robertson-two, F. Robertson-one, W. H.Wolfe-Two, Fred Weber-two W.H. Hawley-one, R. Coutts-two, Iva Brown-one. Total votes for Coutts site, twenty-six. Lower, or Thurston site: E. P.Thurston one vote, Sarah Thurston one, Ella Thurston one, John Wiley one. Total votes for Thurston site, Four. A vote was now taken on two new building plans submitted. "The Moore plan" and "The Iva Brown Plan". These votes also carried a ten dollar donation. For Moore plan: J. R, Brown-two, D. H, Burrows-one, R. Coutts-two, C. M. Haynes-one, Moore-two and one half, C. W. Purnell-one, C. C. Snow-one, A. Snow-one, I. E. Snow-one, E. P, Thurston-one, Sarah Thurston-one, W. W. Robertson-two, F. Robertson-one, T. H. Wiley-two, W. H. Hawley-one. Total 20 1/2 votes for Moore plan, Brown plan: Iva Brown-one, W. H. Wolfe-two, Total-- 3 votes for Brown plan. C. M. Heater gave $20 to the building fund. A. Randall one vote for building and one for Coutts site and R. Morton one vote for same site. A building committee was appointed as follows: T. A. Brown, J. R. Brown, H. Shriver, Henry Moore, D, H. Burrows, W. W, Robertson, Ellen Moore, and Iva Brown. The Moore plan called for building 30 x 90 ft. with two coat rooms as you enter, with a balcony or library above, the hall with a stage at the south end, and back of main hall, shedded off the main hall a kitchen 30 x 16 ft. All the work building the hall was donated. Henry Moore bossed the job of laying the foundation which was of rock and mortar, and solid., as well as taking care of plastering of all the inside of the hall. The last meeting in June, 1906 the members were instructed to make plans for their first meeting in the new hall the coming fall. November 9th, 1906 the first meeting in the new hall, due to weather only twenty-three, were present. December 14th, 1906; Officers elected for 1907; Ellen Moore, Master; Lottie Sheldon, Overseer; Robert Coutts, Secretary; the only time Clinton Grange had for Master and Overseer a woman holding both offices. It was reported that we owed $137.00 on the hall. Trustees were instructed to borrow money and pay off the indebtedness and buy chairs and have them by the next meeting. Janitor wages raised from $1.00 to $3.00 per month. March 8th, Sister Sheldon resigned as Overseer and Harry Haynes elected. A baseball team was organized with Jay Gibson as manager, a dance was given, proceeds to be used for the team. Assessment of 40 cents per member to buy member badges. April 25, 1907, first member to pass away, Mrs. W. W. (Luella) Robertson. May 10th, Clinton Library Association--books presented to Clinton Grange which were accepted. Emery Callihan appointed as Librarian. December 27, 1907. Officers elected for 1908: Master, J. R. Brown; Overseer, Emery Callihan; and Secretary, Iva Brown. January 17, 1908 Committee appointed to meet the following Friday to organize a Good Roads Association, look into the warehouse question and buy sacks for members for the year. March 13, with seventy-five present a temperance resolution was discussed pro and con and finally tabled for further study and consideration, at the next meeting with sixty members present the matter was again taken up and when the vote was counted it was in favor of the temperance resolution. It was also moved and carried to purchase alcohol lamps for the hall, and pipe a near by spring into the kitchen. Brother J. R. Brown elected delegate to State Grange at Vancouver, Washington, round trip by rail, at the time being $14.95. The year 1908 was the best year in point of attendance of any at Clinton Grange, from sixteen to seventy-five or an average of forty for the year per meeting. December 26th, 1908. Officers elected for 1909: Master, C.M. Haynes, Overseer, J. R. Brown, Secretary, Mrs. C. M. (Ruby) Haynes. Meeting night was changed from second and fourth Fridays to second and fourth Saturdays. A seal must have been purchased as this is the first time it seems to have been used. On January 1, 1909, we had 176 members. 1910 Officers: J. R. Brown, Master; F. B. Hastings, Overseer; Ruby Haynes, Secretary. Master instructed men to meet at the hall and have a glue party, reglueing chairs that had been loosened by the ten to twenty age group, April 9, 1910. moved to pick up our Charter that had been in Pullman the last two years for framing, and committee appointed to buy material for robes. The committee appointed to report on entertaining State Grange at Pullman was discharged, as it was decided that Brother Whitney, Master of State College Grange, would send out notices to the different Granges of the community of the part they were expected to take in the entertainment. Donated five dollars to State Grange for campaign fund for Parcel Post. Lights in hall changed from alcohol burners to kerosene type burners, mantles and chimneys that fit the old lights with less cost to operate and a better light. Officers for 1911: J. R. Brown,, Master; W. W. Robertson, Overseer; Eva Haynes, Secretary. Grange went on record of favoring a state road between Colfax and Steptoe Canyon by way of Pullman and Johnson. A May Ball was voted with one of the ladies putting on the lunch. Cost twenty-five cents a plate. The hall was re-kalsomined at a cost of thirty dollars by Joe Decker. Officers for 1912; Harry Haynes, Master; Fred Jennings, Overseer; Eva Haynes, Secretary. It was moved and carried that we pay the ministers livery bill coming to the hall to hold the Easter Services. Mrs. Frank Markowski elected Librarian. Officers for 1913: Fred Jennings, Master; Elmer Wood, Overseer; Mrs. Gertrude Leonard, Secretary. October 11, a vote was taken whether to raise State Grange dues to pay railroad fare of delegate to State convention. Twenty-four members present-twenty-three against--one for. December 13th, 1913 bought new piano, cost $300.00, traded in organ for $15.00. Balance to be paid in three years with 8% interest. Sent vote of thanks to Brother T. C. Martin for beautiful rug donated for ladies waiting room. Brother J. R. Brown, C. W. Purnell, and T. H. Wiley placed on honorary list and their dues paid by the Grange, Officers for 1914: Elmer Wood, Master; Elmer Haynes, Overseer; Leila Haynes, Secretary. It was moved and carried after consulting with the musicians that hereafter we pay them ten dollars for three pieces, for all night dances or until 1 o'clock. Though most of the time twelve dollars was paid. Having had some trouble at our dances and some harness stolen and cut up, the dance committee was instructed to have a Deputy Sheriff in attendance hoping to avoid further trouble, and an award was offered by the Grange of $10.00 and $10.00 by other members for information leading to the arrest of party or parties doing the damage. Officers for 1915: Elmer Wood, Master; Elmer Haynes, Overseer; Leila Haynes, Secretary. A committee was appointed: Brothers J. R. Brown, Guy Wolfe, and W. H. Wolfe to meet with the Pullman Chamber of Commerce to see if we could get their help in getting some work done on our road. It is well to remember that this road was the first good road in the territory known as the old sand road between Moscow and Pullman down the South Palouse river or stream, which flowed through the Clinton community. This road had been sanded by the farmers donating their time, outfits, and labor in hauling the sand from stream bed to road, with the county putting part of the sand on the stream bank. December 11th. This was a special meeting with twenty-four members present about fixing the hall so basketball could be played, but was turned down as it was felt the hall wasn't built for a gym, and a footnote by our then secretary stated,(and this was much to our sorrow). Some of the members were very displeased at the action taken by the Grange. It was also moved that when anything special came up it be left to our regular meeting. Officers for 1916: Elmer Wood, Master; Lawrence Procunier, overseer; Elva Procunier, Secretary. February 12, at this meeting we accepted the offer of State College at Pullman who had offered to furnish speakers to the Grange on any subject, the members wished to have discussed. A contest started to get new members, losing side to feed the winners. Another little note from our Secretary. (If you want to have the blues be secretary for Clinton Grange). October 13, a stirring up committee appointed to see that the coming fall and winter season is provided with plenty of good times. Overseer instructed to get a new goat and trustees to have inside of hall repainted. Officers for 1917: Master, Elmer Wood; Overseer, Lawrence Procunier; Secretary, Harry Johnson. Committee appointed to meet with station agent at Pullman, asking for a forty foot railroad crossing at Busby Siding. Red Cross dance held, proceeds to the Red Cross. Officers for 1918: Master, Fred Jennings; Overseer, Lawrence Procunier, Secretary, Edith Benedict. March 8th. Elmer Wood who had been acting master the last two months was elected Master for the rest of the year 1918. Master elected Delegate to the State Grange. Red Cross given use of the hall for dance and so-forth for the summer. Moved that we get service flag and keep the dues of any member in service paid. Officers for 1919: Elmer Wood, Master; Lawrence Procunier, Overseer; Secretary, Gladys Benedict. No records to 1935 Officers for 1935: V.S. Jester Master; Mabel Johnson, Secretary; Inland Waterways asked our support and dues of $10.50. State Master instructed the Grange to kill the code and favor the Grange income tax. Colfax Museum asked for Clinton Grange history up to the present time. It was asked of members to remember at next election the indiscretion of Representative Myers for favoring reduction in the prices of dairy products. Traveling gavel brought to Clinton by Colton who put on the program, followed by dancing as they had their own music. Clinton served ice cream and cookies. Officers for 1936: Stanton Bursch, Master; Warren Haynes, Overseer; Elva Procunier, Secretary. Elva resigned and Frances Bursch was elected in her place. Elmer Wood installed the officers. Master Bursch to see if he could talk the Grange Warehouse Company into furnishing oysters and crackers for our next meeting. Officer -for 1937: Mary Haynes, Master; Stanton Bursch Overseer; Frances Bursch, Secretary. V.S. Jester installed the officers. It was decided to try and sell our quota of Grange news subscriptions to get our metal hall marker. Executive Committee instructed to sign R.E.A. bill on behalf of the Grange. Brother and sister Reid, State Deputy, visited our Grange April lst. The main business of the meeting was whether we should give up our charter. After each present expressed his opinion it was suggested by Deputy Reid that we have another meeting to see if we couldn't get a more representative opinion as the present group was quite small and evenly divided (eleven members present) It was therefore moved and carried that we hold a special-meeting April 8th to make a final decision. 1937 officers carried over for 1938. At our special meeting with twenty members and four visitors present a lively discussion was had on giving up our charter, after which a vote was taken with twelve voting to keep charter and eight against. By popular vote our meeting night was changed to first and third Saturday nights. Officers for 1939: Elmer Wood, Master; Harry Johnson, Overseer; Eleanor Jester. Secretary. February 3, at this meeting members showed enthusiasm in getting new and reinstating old members. It was voted to reshingle the hall and the shingles to be got right away while they can be hauled so the work could be finished before spring work gets started. Worthy Master attended State Convention at Vancouver. Stage curtain installed and our State Deputy on visiting our Grange was well pleased with the interest of the members and the improvement to the hall. Officers for 1940: Elmer Wood, Master; Stanford Jester, Overseer; Eleanor Jester, Secretary. Master Wood reported hall eligible for electricity when $5.00 is paid to REA. office. Estimated cost to wire hall $80.00. Resolution presented county road commission asking for a rock road past hall known as the Taylor road though better known as the South Palouse or Sand road between Moscow, Idaho and Pullman, Washington, that followed along the South Palouse stream. It is well to remember this road had been sanded by Grangers and farmers by hauling sand from stream to. road bed with teams and wagons, the county putting some of the sand on the stream bank. No rock was used until some years later. Our Grange won second prize or $5.00 in the U. and I. sugar contest. Officers for 1941: Elmer Wood, Master; Stanford Jester, Overseer; Marjorie Whitman, Secretary. Sister Mary Haynes reported on a letter received asking for bundles for Britain but it was decided as an organization it would be better to help the Red Cross. Brother Johnson stated that meetings were being held for discussing the wheat quota and that State Master King would speak on the quota question at Pine Grove on February 18th. Moved and carried that we assess each family five dollars to make some repairs on the hall. Entertained Whelan and Parvin Granges. Present, Clinton 23, Whelan, 31, Parvin 21, Pine Grove 2, Ewartsville 1 and 1 from-Davenport. One of the speakers was Henry Peterson who had his first experience in Grange work at Clinton where he had been a member a number of years before moving near Whelan where he was at this time, Master. Officer for 1942: Harry Johnson, Master; Stanton Bursch, Overseer; Elmer Wood, Secretary. First meeting in January the hall had been kalsomined, electric lights were in and a lively discussion on good of the order was conducted. Grange was to take up at eight o'clock sharp, first and third Saturdays. Janitor work is to be passed around, the Master to have the first night. Past Master Wood presented the Grange with a new flag with the understanding that the Master would build two new standards. Overseer to have the honor of building fires at our next meeting. February 7th. This was a night of ill luck, the Lecturer, Home Ec., Gatekeeper, Sec., and Warren Haynes meet at the hall and adjourned for lack of a quorum, the Master, Treas., one Trustee, Assis., and Lady Assist., Flora and Mrs Fred Jennings meet down the road from the other direction in a mud hole and discussed or cussed a few matters not found in the ritual, finally arrived at the hall and had their meeting each group going home not knowing what had happened to the other. Grange ladies put on lunch at the Lawrence Procunier auction sale making $28.25 for the Grange. Officers for 1943, Harry Johnson, Master; Stanton Bursch, Overseer; Francis Bursch, Secretary. 1944: It was stated as State Roster had already gone to press we retain same officers and meet the rest of the winter once a month and in the daytime. November 4th, at this meeting the Master asked all members to get out next time to vote on consolidating with State College Grange. December meeting--no action taken. 1945 Officers, no election, 1944 officers carried over again. January 16th, Master Johnson told of opportunity to consolidate with Colton and Seats Granges to meet at Johnson in one big Grange, asked members to think it over. June 29th.Master asked for further discussion on merger with Seats and Colton. The majority present favored our present set up. November 16th. Assessment of two dollars against each member to pay current bills. Secretary to notify members importance of next meeting when consolidation with Seats and Colton will be considered. December 7th, 1945. Last meeting of Clinton Grange with Harry Johnson, Master in the chair and nineteen member present and two visitors, Brother and Sister Redinger of Seats. Brother Redinger explained some points of consolidation, and Brother Elmer Wood gave State Master Carstensen's and Deputy State Master Reid's opinions on subject. Discussions were brought up on disposition of Grange hall and properties in case of consolidation. Issue of consolidation was voted on, eighteen ballots were cast, fourteen in favor and four against. However Brother Redinger announced that at some future time the two Granges (Seats and Clinton) would meet and inspect the building at Johnson and each would have the right to change their minds if they seem fit. Clinton Grange was built on one acre of ground located on the NW of SE ¼ sec 24 Twp 14 R. 45 and a part of the Robert Coutts farm located on the Taylor Road or Sand Road seven miles southeast of Pullman, Washington and 7 miles southwest of Moscow, Idaho. At the time of consolidation land and building was sold to F. A. Jennings for $350.00 returning to the original farm. Although Clinton had its troubles, getting out the membership being one of its main ones, which was partly due to the condition of the roads. The Grange hall after being built was the hub or meeting place of the community taking the place of the old pioneer school house, where we had Church Sunday School, parties, dinners and as well, most other meetings. Having taken part in all the activities during the life of Clinton Grange I feel that very few people will not be able to look back and say., "We had a wonderful time at the old Clinton Grange Hall". Submitted by J. Elmer Wood Write Up #3 Johnson Grange #118 came into being January 26, 1946 when a joint meeting of Seats Grange #118 and Clinton Grange #156 was held in the Johnson Community Building. The Johnson Community Building being the old Johnson School building which had been unused since the Johnson School district had consolidated with the Pullman School district about 1942---as such it had been deeded into the trusteeship of three men, namely Harry Johnson of the Clinton area, Frank Busch of the Johnson area, and Roy Davis of the Seats area. At this meeting Clinton Grange #156 voted to surrender its charter and Seats Grange #118 membership voted to accept the entire membership of Clinton Grange #156, both groups agreeing on the name change to Johnson Grange and the retention of Seats Grange's number of 118. It was also decided at this meeting to retain the newly elected officers of Seats Grange as the officers to serve Johnson Grange in this first year. Clinton Grange also agreed to bring with them any usable equipment from their old Grange hall. Confirmation of the name change was received from the State Master and State Secretary on February 23, 1946 and the new charter was issued on February 25, 1946. Officers this first year of Johnson Grange were: Master, Paul Ledeman; Overseer, Earl Baker; Lecturer. Letha Ledeman; Steward, Don Redinger; Asst. Steward, Orville Mayer; Chaplain, Maxine Mahon; Treasurer, Helen McGreevy; Secretary, Louise Martin; Gatekeeper, Tom Martin; Ceres, Anna Redinger; Pomona, Ellen Mahon; Floral, Geneva Baker; Lady Asst. Steward, Madlyn Brewer; Executive Committee, Albert Redinger; H. P Willard, and George Marshall; Home Ec. Chairman, Gladys Davis; Business Agent, Lawrence Mahon; and Agriculture Chairman, Byard Davidson. Meetings were being held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, The Grange is paying $250 per year hall rent into the building fund of the Johnson Community building. Roy Davis had bought the old Seats Grange hall for $150 and I find mention in the February 1946 minutes that $225 has been offered for the old Clinton Grange hall and the land on which it stands. In May of 1946 I find mention of the fact that the old Clinton receipts have been turned over to the Treasurer in the amount of $384.54, thus Johnson Grange is in full swing. Apparently in this enlarged group there are many youngsters as by the June 22, 1946 meeting they have decided to organize a Juvenile Grange with the beginning of fall meetings. October 12, 1946 the Juvenile Grange was organized under the direction of Edna Stewart. The charter members were Jane McGreevy, Shannon Stewart, Pat McGreevy, Dan McGreevy, Ben Haynes, Darlene Haynes, Dick Jutte, Glen Jutte, Mary McGreevy, Gary Haynes, Lanny Haynes, Gordon Mustard, Arlene Muir, and Ralph Jennings. Frances Bursch was elected Juvenile Matron. An auction sale was held for the benefit of the Juvenile Grange which brought in $54.20. I seem to remember a live rooster being turned loose and making quite a commotion before being captured again, and I believe this was the sale involved. Much work had been done under the direction of the Johnson Community Building trustees in making the old schoolhouse usable as a meeting place for the Grange and other community affairs. Many partitions were removed and holes in the wall repaired. Now it is in need of some draperies so in May 1947 the Grange is beginning to talk about putting up some, but it becomes quite involved and it seems it takes 2 years to get them at the windows as I find in April 1949 enough money has been raised for draperies for the main hall, dining room and the kitchen. In May 1947 there is talk of the Grange taking over management of the Community building but this takes quite a while too as it is May 1949 before they get around to serious talk. It can still remain community property, the (Further search showed Fred Jennings paid 300 dollars for the old Clinton Grange hall, $50 for the acre of ground and 20 dollars for the two stoves.) Grange will collect all rents and be responsible for repairs to the building. All obligations are paid and there is $100 in the building fund. The building has a new roof which has cost 1200 dollars and they think the Grange can have a 20 to 25 year lease. They will consult with lawyer Hugh Aitken in Pullman who is the Pullman School district lawyer. He tells the executive committee he sees no reason why the Grange cannot take over the management of the building as long as it is used as a community building. Because the committee was having so much trouble with finances the Grange had already agreed to pay $300 rent for 1949. Johnson had a dance band in 1948 consisting of Jessia Davis on the accordion, Gladys Davis on the piano, Harry Sodorff and Lewis Haynes on the violin, Ann Sodorff on the banjo and Harry Steiner on the guitar. A Rocky Star dance was sponsored on May 28th 1948. With all this dancing the group is complaining about the acoustics in the main hall, but this takes quite a while to work this out too as I find it was the fall of 1951 before there was a new ceiling in the main hall, also there was a new ceiling in the kitchen and dining room by January 12 1952. The June 26, 1948 meeting the men hosted the women to a pot luck supper. According to the records it was a lovely meal and practically all that was prepared disappeared. The chefs were: Roy Davis, Rex Steiner, Don Whitman, Al Redinger, Floyd Barkhuff, Harry Johnson, Lewis Haynes, Kenneth Brown, Macy Hatley, Frank Stewart, Kenneth Gray, Leonard Reidner, Jake Steiner, and Harry Sodorff. In March 1949 the two sewing machines which were left over from the Home Ec. class were sold bringing $73 into the building fund. More silverware, cups and pitchers were bought in 1947, and in 1949 Rex Steiner has donated the chairs from the old Church to the building. Many things come up for discussion in Grange meetings. One thing I find which jogs the memory is mention of Dr. Bryant's electric weed killing machine. Guess it wasn't very successful as I have never since heard of it. In the spring of 1949 Shannon Stewart has taken first in the county with an essay on soil conservation and it will go on to be judged at State Grange which was held in Pullman that year October 8, 1949 there is complaint that the Juvenile room is too large, it needs curtains, the steam pipes are leaking, the room is damp, all of which was very true. It was really a step-child. In October 1949 Warren Haynes has offered to donate a calf to the Grange. He will even keep it and feed it over the winter if the Grange will take care of disposing of it in some manner which will be profitable to the Grange and so our big venture began. Raffles are illegal in Washington so we will have a dance and give the calf away. In the meantime Al Redinger has donated a 90 lb. lamb and Harry Sodorff is donating a 200 lb. hog. So on June 8, 1950 the dance and raffle is held and our treasury is richer by $885.75. This brings our finances up to $949.06. So before the dance they must have been getting pretty low. We sold the dance tickets for $1.00 apiece. There is no mention of who the lucky winners were. As a preliminary to the dance and also as the lecture's program one nite before the dance the calf(now of pretty good size) was trucked over to Grange for a guessing contest. Members present to guess the weight of the calf. Ann Redinger was the winner, Kenneth Brown the loser. June 10, 1950, there is talk of selling the old gym on the grounds. It is getting into bad state of needing repairs and we have no use for it. We will contact the Pullman School Board. They say it is alright with them, for us to dispose of it and keep the money to be used to keep up the main building. Albert Druffel bought the building for $705 and Frank Stewart bought the old furnace out of it for $75. Actually I think Orville Mayer ended up with the old building and had the pleasure of tearing it down and getting it off the grounds. Back in 1950 as now our attendance apparently was not too good as there is mention of something to stir up interest and get members out to Grange. They decide to have a dime box, each member present put in a dime then names were drawn, name drawn to get half the money the rest of it going into the treasury. In June 1950 Rex and Virginia Steiner donated 100 dinner plates to the Grange and received much thanks. In 1951 we put in new kitchen cupboards and a double sink which cost $251.64. Also put in a new 100 amp electrical switch. In April 1951 the Johnson Booster Club donated 11 flower holders and 57 cups to the Community hall. In October 1952 the Juvenile Grange is in difficulty, the youngsters are growing up and have other interests. Fred Jennings was elected treasurer of Johnson Grange for the year 1950 and was unanimously returned to office until his death in December 1964. Virginia Steiner has faithfully served as the Grange secretary since 1953 being unanimously returned to the office each succeeding year. The membership of men turned out and built a stage, in the north end of the hall under the direction of Rex Steiner. It helped much to get the programs up where they could be seen by all. This was ready to be used in February 1953. Susan Druffel the 1953 Home Ec. chairman obtained a large drip coffee maker for the Grange through the sale of six dozen bottles of vanilla. In 1953 it was thought by the majority of the members attending the meetings that they might get more members out if they would change the meeting night to Tuesday instead of having it on Saturday so with the beginning of the new year of 1954 they decided to meet on Tuesday but it proved to be no better than Saturday because they changed back to Saturday meetings in December 1954. Frank Busch gave the Grange or the Community a house and lot which adjoined the schoolhouse property on the east side. The Grange sold the house to Darrell Wagner who was to tear it down and get it off the property by spring. This donation was made in the fall of 1953. The Grange bought the material and Rex and Harry Steiner made new officer stations in the spring of 1954. The women of the Grange held a food sale at Seeley's hardware in Pullman on April 24, 1954 and made $70.45. An electric stove was put in the kitchen in December 1954, The birthday box was started by Home Ec. chairman Mary Haynes in January 1955 and Brother Rex Steiner was the first contributor. The contents are to be used to buy furnishings for the kitchen. Also under Home Ec. chairman Mary Haynes in this year of 1955 we are selling more vanilla, this time it is three dozen bottles of M&K vanilla, and we will get 30 place settings of stainless steel silverware which we had on hand in April of 1955. Mary is very busy about the birthday box and contacts members who are not in the regular habit of coming to Grange and gets many birthday donations--enough by the end of the year to send for 42 more place settings of silverware to match that which has already been obtained plus 18 large tablespoons. This will help greatly when the Grange entertains Pomona and it also gets rid of the old tin silverware which by now is getting badly rusted and stained after many years of use by Clinton Grange. Now we will not have to borrow from the other Granges. Anna Redinger the 1956 Home Ec. chairman and Jeanne Barkhuff the 1957 Home Ed. chairman each used the birthday moneys for their respective years to add another 32 place settings of silverware to that already acquired. Because of a house fire in the Clinton area and pressure of the Moscow, Idaho Volunteer fireman who were called and came to fight the fire Johnson is beginning to work to get a fire district set up. Moscow has served the Clinton area for many years but they tell us that they can no longer cross state lines unless they can have a reciprocal agreement with another fire district because of risk involving the fireman. Kenneth Brown, Al Redinger, and Paul Ledeman were appointed as a committee from Johnson to work with other Grange committees in trying to get a fire district set up in this corner of Whitman County. After many meetings a fire district is in effect and Warren and Mary Haynes go back east and drive the new fire truck out here. By February 1958 the new Rural Fire Truck is ready to be used and will be manned by the Pullman Volunteer Fireman and kept in Pullman. Now our fire insurance rates will be reduced considerably. In 1957 Fred Jennings and Elmer wood were presented with Gold Sheaf pins in honor of their 50 year membership in the Grange. W. H. Hawley has also been given a Gold Sheaf pin but is unable to come to Grange because of poor health. There was an attempt to start another Juvenile Grange in 1957 but it struggled along for a year or two and never seemed to get off the ground and really get organized. In 1959 an automatic 70 cup percolator was acquired with the birthday moneys. After many years of struggling along with the old steam furnace in the building it is getting to need more repairs than it is worth and has about made its last gasp, so in March 1959 we are really going ahead in earnest to get a new heating system. We will have to raise some money in order to carry out this project. The executive committee was delegated to come up with a means of raising money to pay for the new furnace. They decided to ask each Grange family to contribute $25.00 and didn't have too much trouble coming up with enough money to pay the bill. According to the records they received $1377.99 in donations from members, Johnson community members, the Sunday School group and at least one club, the Union Flat community Club. Johnson Union Warehouse donated 48 new metal chairs which cost $238 and didn't contribute to the furnace fund directly. Originally the Grange and the warehouse had intended to share the cost of the chairs so when the question came up of contributing to the furnace fund they said they would shoulder the complete cost of the chairs. The actual cash outlay for the furnace and duct work came to $1084.11. Furnace was installed and heating the hall on November 13, 1959. In February 1960 we have 41 members eligible to receive 25 year pins, but of this 41 only 13 show up for the presentation. They were: Roy and Gladys Davis, Mary and Warren Haynes, Dan Hood, Rena Jennings, Paul and Letha Ledeman, Jane Marshall, Rex Steiner, Frank and Edna Stewart, and Floyd Weber. Several Johnson Grange members attended State Grange Held in Pullman again in 1960. In November 1961 two more members C. W. Hood and Harland Hood were presented with 25 year pins. In October 1962 Johnson Union Warehouse donated another three dozen metal chairs for use in the Community building. One of our Ex-Juvenile Grange members, Mary McGreevy was an IFYE exchange student to Poland in 1962. Jon and Janice Whitman were our nominees for State Grange Young couple of the year in 1963. We were proud to have them come in second. We entered Orville and Clara Mae Mayer in the Young Couple contest in 1965, but they were not lucky enough to place. The old windows in the main hall were in such a sorry state by October 1963 that we are replacing them with some new aluminum ones, Down through the years the Grange has done a little farming on its extra ground which also has been used as a baseball diamond when the younger men took part in the countywide baseball games sponsored by Pomona Grange. As of the last few years we have let it revert to pasture ground and rent it out. Through many years Johnson Grange has donated to the Washington Children's home in Spokane, at Thanksgiving time, and taken part in many other civic ideas of benefit to the area. Down through the years the Masters have been; 1946---Paul Ledeman- retained from Seats election 1947---Tom Martin 1948---Tom Martin 1949---Harry Sodorff 1950---Harry Sodorff 1951---Rex Steiner 1952---Rex Steiner 1953---Elmer Wood 1954---Orville Mayer 1955---Orville Mayer 1956---Elmer Wood 1957'---Lawrence Mahon 1958---Rex Steiner 1959 ---Roy Sodorff 1960---Roy Sodorff 1961---Kenneth Brown 1962---Kenneth Brown 1963---John Brewer 1964---John Brewer 1965---Jon Whitman 1966---Jon Whitman Submitted by Ruth Brown February 12, 1966 Index of Names of Residents of Clinton and Johnson areas of Whitman County from about 1900 to 1960 who belonged to the Seats, Clinton and Johnson Grange organizations Aitken, Hugh Baker, Earl Baker, Geneva Barkhuff, Floyd Barkhuff, Jeanne Becket, Harry Benedict, Edith Benedict, Gladys Black, E.P. Black, Lizzie(Mrs. E.P.) Boone, Ed Boone Jr., Dan Bourbonnie, Vern Brewer, John Brewer, Madlyn Briggs, R.A. Briggs, W.I. Brown, Iva (Mrs. J.R.) Brown, J.R. Brown, Kenneth Brown, Ruth Brown, T.A. Brown, Vada (Mrs. T.A.) Bryant Burrows, D.H. Bursch, Frances Bursch, Stanton Busch, Frank Callihan, Emery Carstensen Coutts, Robert Davis, Gladys Davis, Roy Davis, Stephen Davidson, B.W. Davidson, Byard Decker, Joe Druffel, Albert Druffel, Susan Fletcher, E.B. Fletcher, Ella Foster, H.G. Foster, Laura Gibson, Jay Hastings, F.B. Hatley, Macy Hawley, W.H. Haynes, Benjamin (son of Mary and Warren) Haynes, C.M. Haynes, Darlene (daughter of Mary and Warren) Haynes, Elmer Haynes, Eva Haynes, Gary Haynes, Harry Haynes, Lanny Haynes, Leila Haynes, Lewis Haynes, Mary (Mrs. Warren) Haynes, Ruby (Mrs. C.M.) Haynes, Warren Heater, C.M. Heater, Ella Hilliard, Sam Hittle, Emma H. Hittle, O.I. Hood, Dan Hood, Harland Horsley, Myrtle Jennings, Fred Jennings, Ralph Jennings, Rena Jester, Eleanor Jester, Stanford Jester, V.S. Johnson, Harry Johnson, Mabel Jutte, Dick Jutte, Glen Kegley, C.B. Klemgard Ledeman, Ernest Ledeman, Letha Ledeman, Paul Lee, A.C. Lee, Addie Lee, Charles Lee, I.J. Leonard, Gertrude Lewis, J.H. Mahon, Ellen Mahon, Lawrence Mahon, Maxine Markowski, Frank Marshall, George Marshall, Jane Boone Martin, Louise Martin, Tom C. Mayer, Clara Mae Mayer, Orville McGreevy, Dan McGreevy, Helen McGreevy, Jane McGreevy, Mary McGreevy, Pat McIver, K. Moore, Clay Moore, Ellen Moore, Henry Moore, Jessie Moore, Maude Morton, R. Muir, Arlene Mustard, Gordon Myers, Wm. Neely, Robert (Bob) Paddock, George Petersen, Henry Potter, Olsea Procunier, Elva Procunier, Lawrence Purnell, Alice Purnell, C.W. Randall, A. Redinger, Albert Redinger, Anna Redinger, Don Reid Richardson, W.C. Robertson, Frank Robertson, Luella Robertson, W.W. Ryan, Nellie Ryan, T.W. Sheldon, Lottie Shriver, Howard Shriver, Lenna Smith Snow, A. Snow, C.C. Snow, Ed Sodorff, Ann Sodorff, Harry Steiner, Harry Steiner, Rex Steiner, Virginia (wife of Rex Steiner) Stewart, Edna Stewart, Shannon Thurston, Sarah Young, Ed Young, Miss Goldie Young, Martha (Mrs. Ed) Wagner, Darrell Weber, Albert Weber, Eva Weber, Fred Whitman, Don Whitman, Janice Whitman, Jon (son of Don Whitman) Whitman, Marjorie Whitney Wiley, John Wiley, T.H. Wiley, Mrs. T.H. Willard, H.P. Wolfe, Guy Wolfe, Glen Wolfe, Jennie Wolfe, W.H. Wood, J. Elmer