Eagle Grange #1
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Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Eagle-Grange-1-280211017218/

he Grange spark came to Pennsylvania sometime in 1870 when Luke Eger, a farmer near Williamsport in Lycoming County, read about the fledgling organization and its rapid growth in some parts of the country. Within a year, Eger generated enough interest among his neighbors in Montgomery and Elimsport to form the first local Grange in the state. Eagle Grange #1, so named because of its location at the foot of Bald Eagle Mountain, was officially founded March 4, 1871. The Grange met in members' home and the Pine Street School until a quarter acre of land was purchased from Luke Eger in 1887 to build a two-story hall (shown at right). The location was beside the Pine Street School at what is now the intersection of Blind Road and the western side of Route 15. The building remained there until the summer of 1940 when construction of the newly expanded highway required Eagle Grange to move the building directly across the road to its current location on the eastern side of Route 15. A kitchen and restroom addition was made in 1968
Click here for the Eagle Grange informational brochure and membership application.
NEWS & COMING EVENTS
Recognition at State & National Grange Sessions
Eagle Grange #1 recently received a variety of awards for its work.
Click here for the Eagle Grange informational brochure and membership application.
NEWS & COMING EVENTS
Recognition at State & National Grange Sessions
Eagle Grange #1 recently received a variety of awards for its work.

At the National Grange session held in Iowa during mid-November 2024, Eagle was named a Distinguished Grange for the fourth consecutive year, one of just 36 local Granges throughout the country to be so honored. Eagle also received an Advocacy in Action Award, one of just two presented, in recognition of its sponsorship a County Commissioner Candidates' Forum.
(above) Eagle President Phil Vonada accepted both awards from National Grange President Chris Hamp.
(above) Eagle President Phil Vonada accepted both awards from National Grange President Chris Hamp.
Eagle's "Project of the Year" trifold display (below left) won second place among Subordinate Granges at the 152nd State Grange session held in Cranberry Township, Butler County, in October 2024. The display illustration the 2023 Jingle Bell Jamboree that brought together a variety of holiday activities - games & crafts for children & families, blanket making for those in need and collection of food donations for the local food pantry.
Our Lecturer's Notebook (below right) also earned a second place award among Granges of similar membership.
Our Lecturer's Notebook (below right) also earned a second place award among Granges of similar membership.
Recent Programs
Eagle Grange Anniversary Video
Long-time Eagle Grange members, JoAnn and Fred Murray and Karen Williamson, speak about their experiences with and memories of the Grange, as well as their hopes and wishes for the future.
Watch it below.
Long-time Eagle Grange members, JoAnn and Fred Murray and Karen Williamson, speak about their experiences with and memories of the Grange, as well as their hopes and wishes for the future.
Watch it below.
Welcome Inside the Eagle Grange Hall
The first floor dining room (below) has been painted, a new laminate floor installed, lighting upgraded and further enhanced with new tables and curtains. This space is used for meetings and meal functions by the Grange and the community. Adjacent to this two new restrooms, including one fully accessible, have been built. The second floor meeting space is also being renovated, including improvements to its accessibility with the installation of a chairlift.
The panoramic view of the licensed kitchen (below) is now clean, bright, designed for efficiency and well-equipped with new commerica equipment (gas stove, refrigerator, freezer and stainless stell work counters). All the cabinets were painted to create this fresh and welcoming look, new countertops & backsplash installed and the exhaust fan system added. With these improvementes, the kitchen is now being used extensively, including a series of take-out dinners.
Newsletters & Communications
- January 2025 - 2024 Annual Report/Financial Statement, pictdures from Jingle Bell Jam & Holiday Dinner
- December 2024 - Awards Received, Cookie Boxes, Dinner Photos, Holiday Dinner, Jingle Bell Jam
- November 2024 - Pictures of dinner & installation, State Grange awards, American chestnut program
- October 2024 - Officers installation, marker dedication, plein air painting, Community Citizen form
- Sept. 2024 Newsletter - Winery Tour, Birthday Cakes, Fair Exhibits, Fund Raisers, Cemetery Markers
- August 2024 Newsletter - "Bees" Program, Picnics, Fair Exhibits, Property Updates, Chicken Dinner
- July 2024 Newsletter - Townships' Donations, Pictures from Flag Program & Ham Dinner, July Picnic
- June 2024 Newsletter - Flag History Program, Pictures from Roast Beef Dinner, June Ham Dinner
- May 2024 Newsletter - Children's Author to Speak, Presentation to Food Pantries, Roast Beef Dinner
- April 2024 Newsletter - "Soils" Program, Pictures of March Potluck, Baked Potato Benefit, Pork Dinner
- March 2024 Newsletter - March Potluck & Program, Lots of Pictures, Announcements for two dinners
- February 2024 Newsletter - Schedule for 2024, Blanket Making Project, New Member Welcomed
- January 2024 Newsletter - Pictures from Holiday Dinner, Food Drive, Jingle Bell Jam, Planning for 2024
Become a Friend of Eagle Grange #1
- "Friends of Eagle Grange" form - direct donation to the Grange (non-deductible for tax purposes)
- "Friends of Eagle Grange" form - donation directed through PA State Grange Foundation
(may be deductible for tax purposes)
It’s quite unusual for any organization to exist for 150 years and we are extremely proud to say that the Grange that started it all in Pennsylvania has been active continuously since its founding in 1871. But Eagle Grange with its small active membership struggles to survive and could use a great deal of extra help. Two members of the State Grange History Committee have been working monthly since March 2019 with the members on the “Renew Eagle Grange” program to set goals and make plans for the future. In addition to more activities to serve the area and attract new members, high on the list of priorities is the renovation of the Grange Hall kitchen, restrooms and first floor meeting space to make the hall a more welcoming and modern facility for both Grange and community activities. Its highly visible location along Route 15 makes the Grange Hall a real asset with the potential of once again becoming the hub for activities in this area. The recently announced “Friends of Eagle Grange #1” program will provide some of the funds needed to undertake building improvements. Local businesses, individuals, and other Granges are invited to become a “Friend” with an annual donation of $50. Donations may be made directly to Eagle Grange or through the State Grange Foundation; donations contributed through the Foundation may be deductible for tax purposes.
Check out these links to historical information about Pennsylvania's first Grange:
- 150th Anniverary Historical Booklet (2021) - 48 pages
- Original application dated 2/1871 to form a Grange at Montgomery, PA
- Eagle Grange Information found on Wikopedia
- Photo of Luke Eger, founder & first Master of Eagle Grange #1, and Mrs. Hannah Eger
- Microfilmed records (Manuscript Group-493) preserved at PA State Archives in Harrisburg
Account Book, 1902-1911. (1 microfilm roll, #7295 partial)
Attendance Record, 1890-1894. (1 microfilm roll, #7295 partial)
Grange Lecturer Program Materials, 1951-1957. (1 microfilm roll, #7295 partial)
List of Officers, undated. (1 microfilm roll, #7295 partial)
Literary Programs, 1896-1899. (1 microfilm roll, #7295 partial)
Minute Books, 1871-1906, 1911-1995. (4 microfilm rolls, #7292-7295)
Roll Book, 1874-1907. (1 microfilm roll, #7295 partial)
LYCOMING COUNTY #307 EAGLE JUVENILE GRANGE
Minute Books, 1945-1967. (1 microfilm roll, #7295 partial)