Sequim Prairie Grange, established in 1942, is an "open" grange, meaning visitors are welcome to all meetings and events. Its members, many of retirement age, are friendly and welcoming.

It is a member of the Washington state and national granges, which lobby on behalf of rural residents. Mail delivery and electricity outside of cities came from grange lobbying, as did the open primary election in Washington.

The focus of the local grange is community service, fundraising for scholarships and for charity, enjoying food and fellowship.

Money is raised from pancake breakfasts, flea markets, pie socials and ice cream socials. Family fairs are held in October and December and the grange has a booth at the Clallam County fair in August.

The Patrons of Husbandry, The Grange, was founded by a small group of Master Masons in the 1860s to give farmers a collective voice.

Sequim Prairie Grange retains a little ritual: titles, symbols of office, song and prayer at meetings and the pride of its agricultural heritage. As it’s been since the beginning, women, men and children 14 or older who join have an equal vote and hold all grange offices. Business meeting are at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month, attended by about 25 members. Chat ‘n’ Chews, to discuss issues informally between business meetings; social nights; potluck dinners; Auxiliary meetings and benefit events for charities also take place each month.

Sequim Prairie’s home at 290 Macleay Road is used almost daily by community organizations and is available for rent.

For more information, contact president Fred Grant at 683-3194, or Glenda Clark, 683-4431.