State Grange delegates meet in Thompson Falls

Representatives from Montana's 11 Grange traveled to Thompson Falls last week to conduct their annual business.

"We're very happy to be in Thompson Falls," said Marilyn Johnson of Kalispell, the master (president) of the Montana State Grange. Last Thursday, she addressed the delegation of about 40 members and guests.

Johnson has been master of the state organization for nine years. She said that 22 years ago, she served eight years in the position, and she is in her first year of her second round.

This was the 80th state session for the Montana granges, but Johnson noted that Grange as a whole is 150 years old. Johnson said the grange was based on agriculture, noting that the organization was responsible for bringing rural mail delivery to communities throughout the country. As agriculture member numbers have diminished, community service has taken the priority.

The total membership in the state is 320, including 24 junior members. Johnson said they are trying to recruit junior members so that the "grange can live on forever." The Montana junior grange members meet annually in Elliston.

At the annual meeting last week in Thompson Falls, the delegation had four resolutions to act on. Those included taking a position on ballot initiative 186, addressing changes in the organization's bylaws, deciding on the annual scholarship (they give four $500 scholarships each year), and discussing highway safety. The group also elected an executive committee person, of which there are three.

Johnson said the state group meets the first weekend in October each year. She said that membership is not as high, partly due to the competition. She noted that participation in many civic organizations is down.

With the decrease in agriculture, the Montana State Grange continues to do what they can, Johnson said. She said the organization supports the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, 4-H and FFA youth organizations, and other initiatives that support agriculture in Montana schools.

The State Grange, which met Thursday through Saturday, also conducted committee meetings, held a silent auction to raise funds for the junior grange, and the junior members put on a dinner for the adult members. Grange members also brought projects including crafts, painting and sewing that were judged and awarded ribbons.