Eagle Grange #1
Connect on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Eagle-Grange-1-280211017218/   
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The 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.​
      Help Bring Air Conditioning to Eagle Grange Hall
                  Give through GoFundMe: gf.me/u/zmygfr

Eagle Grange is in the process of significant renewal efforts, of both the historic hall located along Route 15 just south of Williamsport, as well as increasing our presence in the community.  We have held several take-out dinners to raise funding for these efforts.   The Grange's recent service projects have included a Candidates' Forum prior to the 2019 elections, ,a free "Share the Love" dinner in February, a safe family-friendly  Road Rally in March, a Family Fun Carnival in July, and a free community concert in September where veterans will be honored.

We have also been working to update our historic hall to make it a hub for both Grange and community events.  The Grange Hall is available for use by the community for events sponsored by the Grange and for private events.  A current need for the hall is to update the HVAC system to add air conditioning and improve heating in the hall.  The total cost for this improvement is $6,200.   Some funds are on hand for this project and we are seeking to raise the remaining $3,500 to install HVAC "split" units to improve the usability of the hall for future events.  We thank you in advance for your support of this project!
 
Donations can be made by visiting Eagle Grange's GoFundMe page - gf.me/u/zmygfr
             *Note - GoFundMe allows donors to provide a "tip" for its service. Donors can adjust the tip as desired by using the drop-down box.
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150th Anniversary T-Shirts

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Eagle Grange #1 is selling commemorative 150th Anniversary t-shirts, available in six different sizes - one to fit every member of the Grange family.  The cost for shirts sized Small, Medium or Large - $12 per shirt.  The cost for shirts sized Extra Large, 2XLarge or 3XLarge - $14 per shirt.  

Shirts can be pre-ordered and picked up at Eagle Grange events, State Grange functions or shipped for $6 per shirt.  Discounted shipping rates are available for multiple shirt orders being shipped to one location.  Contact Jenn Nauss before ordering for more information.

Shirts can be ordered by contacting Jenn Nauss at (717) 512-1261 or jnauss89@gmail.com.  After shirts are ordered, payment should be sent to Jenn Nauss, 10 West Schoolside Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.  Checks can be made payable to Eagle Grange #1.  ​​
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 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.  With these improvementes, the kitchen is now being used extensively, including a series of take-out dinners.

Newsletters & Communications
Become a Friend of Eagle Grange #1

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:                      LYCOMING COUNTY #1 EAGLE GRANGE
                                   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)
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