Eagle Grange #1
Picture
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 above).    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.
Welcome Inside the Eagle Grange Hall
The first floor meeting room has been painted, a laminate floor installed and further enhanced with new tables and curtains.   The space is used for meetings and meal functions by the Grange and the community.
The kitchen is now clean, bright, and well-equipped with stainless steel work counters.  All the cabinets were painted to create this fresh and welcoming look.
Newsletters
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.     With support from Granges and individual patrons across the state, we hope to reach the goal of 150 friends for Eagle’s 150th anniversary.     You’ll have the opportunity to become a “Friend” at State Grange in October; just look for the eye-catching Eagle Grange banner there.


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)