GRANGE, THE, known officially as the Patrons of Hus bandry, is a national secret organization of farmers founded in Washington, D.C., in 1867 by Oliver Hudson Kelley and six associates. Growing slowly at first, the organization advanced rapidly in the early '7os. This was a period of agrarian discontent, and the Grange, together with other societies of farmers, purposed to accomplish agricultural regeneration through education, legis lation and other means. What was known as "the Granger move ment" resulted. An impetus was given to regulation of railroads, agricultural investigation and education, more equitable taxation and more satisfactory rural life. A number of the western State granges established extensive co-operative business enterprises. Developing too rapidly, these proved generally unsuccessful. Their failure, coupled with internal dissensions, caused a heavy decline in membership of the Grange between 1875 and 188o, though the society retained a strong influence. From 188o on the society has gradually increased in membership. Social and educational fea tures are now emphasized, though support is given to legislative measures in the interest of farmers. The Grange has always been open to both men and women. There are seven degrees, and the names of these, as well as the ritual of the order, carry agricultural connotations. It is the only farmers' organization in the United States to extend to a foreign country. In 1872 it was organized in Canada, where, however, it never reached the prominence that it attained in its native land.
BIBLIOGRAPHY.-O. H. Kelley, Origin and Progress of the Order of Bibliography.-O. H. Kelley, Origin and Progress of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry in the United States, a History from 1866 to i873 ; T. C. Atkeson, Semi-centennial History of the Patrons of Husbandry (1916) ; S. J. Buck, The Granger Movement (1913) ; National Grange, Journal of Proceedings (1873, etc.) . (N. A. C.)