Camden Grange celebrating 90th anniversary
The Camden Grange No. 687 in Elk, just over the Pend Oreille County line, was founded in March 1918 by 30 residents in Elk and Camden. The current 30 members are celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Grange with an old-fashioned Community Grange Dance on Saturday starting at 7 p.m.
Grange dances were popular events from the 1940s through the 1960s, and Granges throughout America have a rich history of being community gathering places.
The National Grange was established 137 years ago to unite farming citizens to be able to improve their social and economic position in the United States. It has evolved to include nonfarming, rural families and communities.
The National Grange Headquarters in Washington, D.C., is a nongovernmental center of operation for agricultural and rural families. It was one of the first formal groups in the U.S. to admit women as members in equality with men. The National Grange has organizations established in 3,600 local communities in 37 states with more than 300,000 members.
There are 46 Granges in the Tri-County area of northeastern Washington state; 23 in Spokane County, six in Pend Oreille County, and 17 in Stevens County. All rural area residents are welcome to join their local Grange; members must be at least 14.
The Mission Statement of the Grange is to provide opportunities for individuals and families to develop to their highest potential in order to build stronger communities and states, as well as a stronger nation. They accomplish their mission through fellowship, service and legislation.
The Camden Grange wants to invite the community to “turn back the clock” and join the members for some family fun. They are reverting back to the 1950s: Admission for men is 75 cents and women get in for free. Chili dogs and pie will be served at 1950s prices. Dress in ’50s style – dig out that old poodle skirt or polyester jacket, rat your hair up into a beehive and get ready to bee-bop.
There will be prizes for authentic attire, best bee-bop and lots more. Share a great story or memory from those days. Karaoke-type music from the ’20s to the present will be provided for listening and dancing. If you have a favorite song you would like to have played, call 292-2492. There may be some square dancing or line dancing if time. At 8:30, there will be cake and balloons honoring the Camden Grange’s 90th anniversary. To reach the Grange, turn off Highway 2 at Miller’s One Stop on Elk-to-Highway Road, drive three miles to downtown Elk, left on Camden Road and two miles north to Camden Grange.