Moran Prairie Grange hits hard times
The 85-year-old Moran Prairie Grange has fallen on hard times.
Changes in lifestyle and the advancing age of longtime members are taking a toll.
Finances are not good. The Grange, 6030 S. Palouse Highway, could be forced to close if the situation doesn’t get turned around, Grange members said.
“We are struggling,” said Valree Gayken, a third-generation member of the Moran Prairie Grange.
Erin Bishop, Grange secretary, said in an email that the “Grange desperately needs the community’s help to keep this Spokane farming icon open.”
She said that in its heyday, the Grange had about 500 members, but that was back when agriculture was more prevalent on the prairie.
Currently, the Grange has 71 members, and 33 of them hold the “golden sheep” distinction of having been members for 50 years or more, Gayken said.
Grange members are asking the public for help.
On Saturday and Sunday, Two Women Vintage Goods, 112 S. Cedar St., is holding a two-day Country Christmas Antiques and Arts & Crafts Sale at the Grange.
The sponsors are donating $1 of a $4 entry fee to the Moran Prairie Grange Restoration Project.
The financial situation is so bad that the Grange has fallen behind on its property taxes of about $4,700 a year. Tax penalties are starting to accumulate.
“That is heavy on my mind,” said Gayken.
In addition, the cost of heat, light and upkeep are adding to the financial pressure.
The Grange’s main source of income has been rentals for dances, weddings and other parties.
If the Grange closes down, the property would revert to the Washington State Grange.
The Moran Prairie Grange was incorporated in 1929, operating initially out of a packing shed at 57th Avenue and Palouse Highway.
The existing Grange hall with its maple hardwood floor was completed in 1940.
It has been the scene of huge community gatherings, including the 1,000 people who attended the Moran Prairie Fair in 1951, according to news files.
Gayken said she remembers big dance crowds when she was younger.
Don Munstedt, 91, said, “Many, many times I’ve danced here.”
The Grange members said they would like to bring back the popular Strawberry Festival in June as part of the effort to save the Grange.
At this weekend’s Country Christmas event, vendors will be selling food, vintage items, antiques, holiday décor, arts and crafts and other items.