When the Rome Grange opened its doors for the first time in April 1908, it joined a growing list of organizations representing agricultural interests in Whatcom County.
The granges, found in thousands of communities across the United States, began as a fraternal trade society in 1867 under the name National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry.
The order of patrons, designed to represent small farmers and their families, spread quickly across the United States, with the earliest grange in Washington state popping up in Walla Walla in 1873 — 16 years before Washington was granted statehood.
Over the years, the granges have served as gathering places, available for meetings and events, and a space to discuss legislation and politics related to the farming community.
At its peak, there were more than 50 granges chartered in Whatcom County, though today, just six remain, including the Rome Grange No. 266 on Mount Baker Highway. The others are spaced out throughout the county, with one in Blaine, two in Lynden, one on Lummi Island and a second in Bellingham.
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