PRINTER'S NO. 2584
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
316
Session of
2024
INTRODUCED BY CONKLIN, STAMBAUGH, PICKETT, MARCELL, GREINER,
RABB, OBERLANDER, KINSEY, KHAN, HOWARD, PASHINSKI, MENTZER,
HILL-EVANS, NEILSON, SAPPEY, CERRATO AND ZIMMERMAN,
FEBRUARY 7, 2024
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS,
FEBRUARY 7, 2024
A RESOLUTION
Designating September 18, 2024, as "State Grange Day" in
Pennsylvania and celebrating the Pennsylvania State Grange on
its 151st anniversary.
WHEREAS, Founded after the Civil War in 1867, the Order of
Patrons of Husbandry, commonly known as the Grange, was
originally a fraternal order that encouraged families to band
together to promote the economic and political well-being of the
rural and agricultural communities; and
WHEREAS, Once established nationally, the Grange set out to
organize local chapters in communities across the states; and
WHEREAS, The idea of Grange first came to Harrisburg on April
3, 1868, however, it would be another three years until this
Commonwealth's first Grange would be established; and
WHEREAS, On March 4, 1871, Eagle Grange #1 in Clinton
Township, Lycoming County, this Commonwealth's first and still
active Grange, was organized by a group of local farmers, led by
Luke Eger, who had become concerned about the rising costs of
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farming in the post-Civil War economy; and
WHEREAS, By 1873, the Grange movement really took hold in
this Commonwealth and on September 18 of that year, a meeting
was held in the City of Reading to organize the Pennsylvania
State Grange; and
WHEREAS, By the time the Pennsylvania State Grange was
organized, a total of 25 local Grange chapters had been formed
in Berks, Bucks, Chester, Crawford, Cumberland, Lancaster,
Lebanon, Lycoming, Monroe and Montgomery Counties; and
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth has been among the largest
membership states and has always assumed leadership roles for
National Grange initiatives; and
WHEREAS, Particularly noteworthy and uniquely Pennsylvania
Grange projects include the building of the Grange Memorial Hall
girls' dormitory on the campus of The Pennsylvania State
University in 1928, the "Milk of Human Kindness," which provided
more than 40,000 gallons of milk to children in Europe after
World War II and the 1960's "Goats for Guatemala" project; and
WHEREAS, The popular Pennsylvania State Grange cookbook was
first published in 1925 specifically to raise money for the
Grange Memorial Hall project and had new editions published in
1951, 1972, 1984, 1992, 1997 and 2010; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the Grange has evolved from its
roots as a farmer's fraternity to a multifaceted community
service organization by actively advocating for rural and
agricultural issues, embodying the spirit of fellowship and
promoting education and community service; and
WHEREAS, Today, this Commonwealth is home to approximately
170 local Grange chapters and includes nearly 5,700 dedicated
members of all ages; and
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WHEREAS, These individuals, juniors, youths, young adults and
adults alike, tirelessly serve their communities, embody the
core values of the Grange and exemplify the unity and
perseverance that the founding members envisioned; and
WHEREAS, The story of the Grange continues to enrich our past
and shape our future as described in the Grange motto by
encouraging unity of purpose, liberty of actions and charity of
service; and
WHEREAS, This year marks the 151st anniversary of the
Pennsylvania State Grange, a significant milestone that deserves
recognition and celebration; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate
September 18, 2024, as "State Grange Day" in Pennsylvania; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives celebrate the
151st anniversary of the Pennsylvania State Grange and recognize
the profound contributions of the Grange to this Commonwealth.
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