To The Eagle:

You may not be aware but the Elochoman Grange is on the verge of disappearing. For some, the Grange may be a place that brings back memories of social functions, bake sales, dinners and more. For others, there may be sense of mystery; not really knowing what it's all about.

For me, the Grange is a big unknown. I have no history with the Grange -- I didn't know much at all until I attended an informational meeting and was given some material to read. But I knew it had something to do with farming, and families, and community. It's a grass-roots citizen organization that has been around for over 100 years. And in this area, it appears to be losing members and possibly losing significance in people's lives. The local Grange is a dues based group that maintains the Grange building and holds regular meetings (at least once a month). Meeting topics are completely up to the members and we need at least 13 people to get the Grange restarted. And that about sums up the information that I am comfortable describing the Grange with -- remember, I have no history with the Grange at all, but I have often felt a desire to learn more from my friends and neighbors in the community I live.

I enjoy helping others in time of need. I like to debate topics with people in a fun, friendly way. In short, I think I want some of the things the Grange can provide, but there has to be interest in keeping the Grange alive.

There have been at least three meetings designed to give people information on reorganizing the Elochoman Grange in the past three months. None of them have been very well attended and I'm not sure why. I do know that if we don't generate enough interest, the building will be sold and the Grange will move on. I don't know if the Grange is for me, but I'd like to give it a chance. If you have any interest in learning more about the Grange or you would like to help reorganize the Elochoman Grange, please send an e-mail to elochomangrange@hotmail.com so that I may determine how much interest there is and how to proceed with reorganization efforts. There's a wealth of history stored up in a building that still has a lot of years left in it -- let's not lose it.

Michael Johnson

Cathlamet