Richland Grange

Richland Grange No. 2155 was organized October 22, 1922 at Quinn School, Richland No. 3 by Charles Starrett, State Deputy, of Newton, Iowa. The charter Members were: Sadie Townsend, Laurine Townsend, Ralph Townsend, Irma Richardson, Esther Richardson, Harold Richardson, Ralph Richardson, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Richardson, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Townsend, Mr. and Mrs. John Stovers, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sharp, John Moore, Frank Stovers, Don Sharp, Clarence Sharp, Vernon Sharp, Otto Sharp, Oakley Sharp, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Moore, Mr. and Mrs. R.H. Holmes, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Zigeler, Mr. and Mrs. George Drake. Two of the names listed still are active members, namely, Harold and Laurine Townsend Richardson.

After Richland Grange was organized, they met in the homes of members and part-time in Quinn School House Richland No. 3 until they purchased the Taylor School building from northeast of Sully and moved to a site north of Killduff. The one-half acre site was provided by Hallie Youngkin on a 99 years lease and the first meeting in their newly acquired hall was held December 7, 1929. A basement was dug and ante-rooms added. This was accomplished by labor furnished by the members and a $1,300.00 mortgage. The mortgage was paid off and a proper mortgage burning ceremony was held in 1939. A portion of the money was obtained by the Grangers preparing and serving, for a fee, threshers dinners for families in the locality. They continued to meet in this hall until school re-organization caused the Killduff two-room school to become available which they purchased from the District and the land was purchased from John VanGilst as the school site was from the corner of his farm.

Richland Grange has been active since being organized participating in State and National Grange projects. Some early projects were: sewing for Red Cross and made bandages during the war; had a food stand at Killduff Labor Day celebrations; had a booth at the Jasper County Fair in Newton; put on three-act plays; had seven piece orchestra, playing at other Grange and State meetings; served lunches at farm sales; donated our hall for youth groups; held ice cream socials to raise money; entertained Jasper County Home residents yearly.

Richland Grange has been very active in community projects in an effort to provide a fuller life for farmers and rural residents which is one of the major objectives of the Grange. Several of its members have had the honor to hold both State and National Offices. At the present time, we derive most of our income, needed for normal upkeep and expenses, by farming some land on the Theo. Emmert farm.

Those members who have served as Master are: Earl Moore, Beryl Braley, Henry Zigeler, Forest Warner, Ralph Richardson, Theo. Emmert, Jet Adams, Del Cross, John Elscott, Don Cross, Alfred Parrish, Jay Auten, and Janice Cross.

We remain active in most programs and anyone interested in agriculture and can see good in his fellow man, we say "Welcome to the Grange". submitted by Del Cross.

Kellogg Historical Society - Vol.III - 1983