Administrative/Biographical History
In 1867 the first Grange organized to benefit farmers by demanding fairer treatment from the railway corporations, securing favorable legislation on such matters as the tariff, currency, and taxation, and disseminating information on crops and the markets. Today, the Granges’ objectives are similar and cover a number of objectives seeking to better the lives of farmers, rural and urban consumers, and families in the rur-urban areas. Although a fairly new organization, McHenry County Pomona Grange, strives to achieve the goals outlined by the national organization.
The McHenry County Pomona Grange began meeting in October, 1952. The charter members, numbering 213, elected Frank Niffenegger, Master, Clayton Munson, Overseer, Erick Carlson, Treasurer, and Louise Roberts, Secretary. The group designated several committees required to report information that could directly affect the farming community. In addition, the six subordinate Granges gave reports on their monthly meetings and the projects undertaken by each group. Projects usually took the form of a money making event such as ice cream socials, bake sales, and card parties. Each meeting also consisted of a program designed to educate members on topics ranging from insurance to law enforcement. Today, the Grange continues its work as an agricultural, educational and legislative organization.
