State organization. The Grange, founded in 1868, is the second oldest agricultural society in Iowa. The Iowa Agricultural College (IAC) Grange was organized as Local Chapter #2047. The Grange was a secret organization whose structure was based on the Masonic Order.
Its purpose was to advance agriculture through social interaction and education as well as indirect political involvement. In the Midwest, the Grange was very quickly adopted due to the poor economic and social conditions endured by the farmers following the depression of the early 1870s. At monthly meetings, book reviews, new agricultural techniques, and farming problems were discussed.
From the description of Records, 1909-1957. (Iowa State University). WorldCat record id: 32966145
