Chemung County Grange Collection, 1907-2001

Summary

Abstract:
This collection contains documents related to the Granges of Chemung County.
Extent:
1 linear foot
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

The Chemung County Grange Collection includes Grange song books; National and New York State Grange publications; and the records of Chemung County Granges.

Biographical / historical:

The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry was founded in 1867 as fraternal order for both men and women in rural communities. In addition to offering members social and educational opportunities, the Grange is a political advocacy group working in support of agricultural issues. Chemung County Pomona Grange No. 1, the first county-wide Grange in the nation, was established on July 1, 1874. Over the years there have been 21 Granges in Chemung County including Chemung Valley No. 57, Horseheads No. 105, Millport No. 106, Catlin No. 198, Chemung No. 204, Wellsburg No. 209, Ashland No. 210, North Chemung No. 227, Seeley Creek No. 236, Neaton No. 247, Big Flats No. 262 (later 1106), Erin No. 276, Catlin Home No. 214, Swartwood No. 523, Van Etten No. 1078, Lowman No. 1241, Kelly No. 1301, Sullivanville No. 1305, Progressive No. 1311, and Newton Centennial No. 1597. By the 1990s, there were only two active Granges: Veteran Grange No. 1108 and Horseheads Grange No. 1118. As the number of Chemung County farms shrank in the latter half of the 20th century, membership in the local Granges declined sharply to less than 100 members in 1997.

Acquisition information:
The items in this collection were donated to the Booth Library by J. Arthur Kieffer in 2011.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The Chemung County Historical Society's research library and archives are open to the public from 1pm to 5pm, Monday through Friday. There is a $5 fee for non-members.

Location of this collection:
415 E. Water Street
Elmira, NY 14901, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
(607) 734-4167
cchs@chemungvalleymuseum.org