Ladies of the Grange

 Happy Monday!

In 1868, the Grange (or National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry) was founded by seven men and one woman.  It was a "secret society" of sorts that was intended to support farmers.  

This organization was unique.  From the beginning, women were admitted into the Grange and so were teenagers who was old enough to plow.  Women weren't a separate auxiliary who raised money, cooked, etc. for the men.  In fact, 4 of the positions in the Grange could only be held by women.  Women could and were elected to even be the master of their Grange division.

There was a strong tradition of sewing and quilting in this organization.  This continues today.  Women are making Quilts of Valor (here),  a yearly contest continues of quilt blocks (here), nearly every state has quilt trails, often initiated by local granges.

The one thing I haven't found on a quilt is the symbol of the grange.  I know somewhere there are quilts out there with this motif.

Here's a quilt from 1953 that was made in North Carolina:

I actually found a website with a colored photo of the quilt here.

Here's a photo from our region that featured a quilt for a contest.  This is from 1952:

I love that the Grange included women from the beginning, don't you?

Have a safe and happy day!