By Kentwood Historic Preservation Committee

The Paris Grange No. 19 is the nation’s oldest national agricultural organization. Formed in 1873, the Grange members sought to improve the economic and social position of the nation’s farm population.

The historic beginning

The original Paris Grange No. 19 was organized April 10, 1873, with 26 charter members. During that same year, two other granges organized in the area—the Floral and Burton Granges. During the winter of 1877-1878, the Floral and Paris Granges united under the Paris name. In the 1880s the Burton Grange joined as well.

The Paris Grange Hall was constructed in 1879 at the southwest corner of Breton and 28th Street, which was known as Laraway Road at the time. The building was a two-story white clapboard establishment with a curved entryway and dark shutters.

A tragic fire rallies the residents

On Jan. 7, 1938, a fire broke out in the roof area of the Grange Hall. Although volunteer firemen from several local communities rushed to the scene, they were not able to save the structure and it burned to the ground.

The residents of Paris Township rallied to rebuild the Grange, despite the unfavorable economic conditions. Less than a year later on Sept. 2, 1938, the new Paris Grange Hall was dedicated.

One of the most important accomplishments of the Grange nationwide in the period between 1880 and 1890 was the promotion of the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887. This Act contained two clauses of importance to farm families: ensuring that railroads would not charge farmers unreasonable rates and that no farmer could be charged higher rates than another.

In 1970, the Paris 19 Grange was turned into a real estate office. Grange members still met in private homes throughout the 1970s.