Chumstick Grange marks National Grange Month with focus on community roots

LEAVENWORTH — April is recognized as National Grange Month, a time to celebrate the role local Grange chapters play in supporting rural communities through service, agriculture and fellowship.

The 2026 theme, “Growing From the Ground Up,” emphasizes grassroots community strength and the continued relevance of the organization beyond its agricultural origins.

While the Grange is often associated with farming, organizers say its mission has always extended further, with a continued focus on community service, civic engagement and connection.

Those values remain central today, as local Granges serve as gathering places where residents come together to volunteer, share resources and respond to changing community needs.

In Leavenworth, the Chumstick Grange #819 stands as a century-old example of that mission in action. The organization celebrated its 100th anniversary on Oct. 8, 2025, marking a long history of agricultural roots, advocacy and community involvement.

Founded in 1925, the Chumstick Grange is part of the National Order of Patrons of Husbandry, commonly known as the Grange, which began in 1867 as a post-Civil War movement to support farmers and families through education, cooperation and political advocacy.

Throughout its history, the Grange has played a significant role in shaping rural life, contributing to efforts that helped elevate the U.S. Department of Agriculture, establish rural mail delivery, regulate railroads and public utilities, improve highways and expand agricultural research and education.

Locally, the Chumstick Grange has served as both a hub for community connection and a link to broader state and national advocacy efforts.

Like many Granges across the country, the organization is working to balance preserving its historic purpose with engaging new generations. The Chumstick Grange currently has 43 members, with about a quarter actively involved. The group also continues to recover from the loss of longtime leader Shirley Ward in 2020.

In response, members are focusing on revitalization efforts aimed at strengthening both the organization and its role in the community.

The Grange has partnered with the Greater Leavenworth Museum to reinvest in the historic Grangehall as a community gathering space, while also expanding opportunities for youth involvement.

Youth programming at the Grange shares similarities with organizations such as 4-H and Future Farmers of America but offers broader and more flexible participation. Programs include leadership and life skills training, projects, fairs, competitions and camps, as well as scholarship opportunities. The structure allows participation from a wider range of ages, including students who may not have access to FFA through their schools, such as those in the Cascade School District.

As National Grange Month highlights the organization’s legacy, local chapters like the Chumstick Grange continue working to ensure that legacy carries forward—adapting to modern needs while maintaining a focus on community, service and grassroots engagement.

The Chumstick Grange meets on the second Monday of each month from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Grangehall, 621 Front St. Those interested in membership or learning more can contact the organization at chumstickgrange819@gmail.com.