Grange members honored for years of service

Melissa Oyer

Valley Press

It was a good day for Grange members Larry Salomon, John Nelson, Elsie Dondanville and Harry Larson Sunday.

Forty people came out to the Pomona Grange meeting to see Larson receive his 50-year membership pin and Salomon receive his 25-year membership pin.

Dondanville was presented her 70-year membership pin at a previous meeting.

Nelson was also recognized for 50 years of membership but was not present due to a family commitment.

The meeting was held at the Whitepine Grange Hall.

The Plains Grange was chartered in 1937 and Larson served as master for 23 of those 72 years.

Larson and his wife Evelyn were instrumental in keeping the Grange alive during some of the troublesome years, which experienced hard economic times.  

Now the Plains Grange is a very active organization with an increase in members under the direction of current Master Fred Cavill.

Present from the Larson family to witness this event, were Harry and Evelyn’s sons, Leonard and Wendell, their wives, Geri and Lisa and their grandson Tony Larson.

The Grange is a nationa farmers and ranchers organization whose priority is to promote and preserve the values, health and welfare of rural America.

The Grange holds a state meeting annually. where monetary awards and ribbons are given out in various categories.

The 2009 meeting will be held in Thompson Falls October 8-10.

State Grange is a time when the organizations are recognized for the activities they conducted throughout  year.

 meeting.