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On the banks of the Shiawassee River at historic Knaggs Bridge in
the Northwest corner of Burns Township, stands the Burns Grange Hall. No
more beautiful or appropriate site could be had for a branch of
America’s oldest farm organization.
The Grange was founded by Oliver Kelley of Elk River, Minnesota and six
other far-sighted men at Washington D.C. in 1867. It’s purpose was to
improve the ways and life of rural America in those tragic years
following the “War between the States”. Through the years the Grange has
devoted itself to community service by developing leadership for our
nation, through it’s farm legislation and programs, its encouragement of
private enterprise and countless other programs and activities.
Burns Grange #160 was organized on December 17, 1873 in a carding mill
not far from the present hall. There were 40 charter members. A few
months later they leased and then purchased the building which they
occupied until the present hall was constructed in 1954. Meetings were
held for over 80 years in the old building which had been used as a
general store and livery stable before becoming Grange property. The new
building is a two story block building, 26 feet by 56 feet, with the
kitchen and dining room in the basement, and the upper floor for
meetings. Regular meetings are held the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each
month. Friends are always welcome. Card parties and many other
activities are also enjoyed there. As a rural family fraternity, it is
still dedicated, as in the beginning, to a more prosperous agriculture,
more practical and better education, a better community life, and higher
ideals for all mankind.
On September 26, 1998, Burns Grange #160 celebrated their 125th
anniversary
Shiawassee Kitchen Band at Burns Grange
Standing, L to R Florence Sutter, Violet Ward, Blanche
Secord, Dorothy Buckner, Mable Newman, Luella Gulick, Eva Perry, Sadio
Reno and Golda Dorrance.
Seated, L to R, Mae Stoner, Marian Simpson, Nellie Spurling,
Pianist-unknown, Ruby Parse and Carrie Tribley. |
