Genesee Grange Records (Coleta), 1931-1979 | Northern Illinois University

Collection Overview

Title: Genesee Grange Records (Coleta), 1931-1979

ID: RHC/RC/102

Extent: 2.25 Linear Feet

Date Acquired: 07/01/1980. More info below under Accruals.

Subjects: Coleta (Ill.), National Grange, National Grange. Genesee Grange (Whiteside County, Ill.), National Grange. Zion Grange (Carroll County, Ill.), Savanna (Ill.)

Languages: English

Scope and Contents of the Materials

These records document the history of the Genesee Grange No. 1849 of Coleta, Illinois from 1934 through its dissolution in 1979. Although records detailing the first three years of the Grange’s existence are missing, minute books (1934-1974) relate the social orientation of Genesee Grange meetings toward relieving the isolation of farming life through group discussion and entertainment programs. A single treasurer’s account book (1938-1978) contains financial information on grange expenses for supplies, social activities, and dues. In addition to the Genesee Grange records, a minute book and membership demits of Zion Grange of Savanna, Illinois detailed business and social concerns of that organization from 1963-1972.

Collection Historical Note

Genesee Grange No. 1849, Coleta, Illinois, organized in January 1931. The Coleta Town Hall and member’s homes served as monthly meeting places throughout the Grange’s history. Primarily a social organization, the Genesee Grange sponsored holiday parties, picnics, dinners, and lectures, and started a Goleta Boy Scout Troop. By 1979 membership declined so low that the members voted to disband. The Zion Grange No. 1934 of Savanna, Illinois formed in May 1963. Similar to the Genesee Grange, this group held its meetings in member’s homes, the local V.F.W. Hall, or at Zion School and sponsored various social gatherings. Declining membership forced the organization to disband in 1972.

Subject/Index Terms

Coleta (Ill.)
National Grange
National Grange. Genesee Grange (Whiteside County, Ill.)
National Grange. Zion Grange (Carroll County, Ill.)
Savanna (Ill.)

Administrative Information

Repository: Northern Illinois University

Accruals: Additional records were added to the collection by Mrs. Paul Sites on May 14, 2004.

Access Restrictions: There are no restriction on access to the collection

Use Restrictions: Property rights in the collection are held by the Regional History Center; literary rights are dedicated to the public.

Acquisition Source: Mr. Paul Sites

Acquisition Method: Mr. Paul Sites, Milledgeville, Illinois donated the Genesee Grange Collection to the Regional History Center on July 1, 1980.

Related Materials: Researchers should note a number of other collections held by the Regional History Center which relate in whole or part to the Grange organization: South Grove Grange (RC 61), Etna Grange (RC 63), Hanover Scenic Grange (RC 64), Round Grove Grange (RC 68), Willowdale Grange (RC 80), Westfield Grange (RC 88), Milledgeville Grange (RC 101), Harmony Grange (RC 108), and the Laura Cooper Collection (RC 44).

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Box:

[Box 1],
[Box 2],
[Addendum 1],
[All]

Box 1

Folder 1-5: Genesee Grange: Minute Book, 1934-1974
Folder 6: Genesee Grange: Treasurer's Account, 1938-1978

Browse by Box:

[Box 1],
[Box 2],
[Addendum 1],
[All]