July/August 2014 Issue

Washington State Grange News August/September 2014 Informing Grangers Since 1912 103rd Year No. 8 The rain held off just long enough to allow the attendees of the 125th annual session of the Washington State Grange to gather for a group picture. The photo was taken at the park adjacent the convention site, The Red Lion Vancouver at the Quay. Check out the extra color pages in this edition to see all the action from the historic event, held June 24-28. Five inducted into the State Grange Hall of Fame The State Grange Executive Com- in the creation of the Washington State Albert S. Goss was the seventh Mas- co Grange in Snohomish County and mittee has named five past members of Grange and was the Order’s first State ter of the Washington State Grange, served as Snohomish County Deputy the Grange to the newly created State Master, serving in that position 1889 to guiding the Order through the tough Master from 1973 to 1983. He was a Grange Hall of Fame. 1895. He was the first Master of Maple years of the Great Depression. He GIA agent and served for many years The Hall of Fame was created via Grove and Washougal Granges, served served from 1922 to 1933 in that role, on their board of directors. He was resolution at the 2013 state conven- in the Territorial Legislature and was a and became the National Grange Mas- active in the dairy industry and was a tion in Ocean Shores. It was created to Justice of the Peace in Washougal. He ter in 1941, serving there until 1950. member of the National Holstein Asso- honor those whose contributions to the served on the State Executive Com- He was also a Federal Land Bank ciation, Kiwanis and the FFA, and ex- Grange have had a long standing posi- mittee from 1895 to 1899 and again Commissioner from 1933 to 1940. He hibited award winning Holsteins at the tive impact on the Order. from 1905 to 1907. He organized five is credited with bringing the PUD ini- Evergreen State Fair for many years. The 2014 honorees include David Granges and recommended the forma- tiative to fruition. Ella Rubens joined Silverdale Russell, Albert Goss, Fred Chamber- tion of a “mutual fire insurance compa- Fred Chamberlain was a dedicated Grange in 1950. At the time, the hall lain, Ella Rubens and Don Steffen. ny,” which became the Grange Insur- Grange member who made his mark was small, so she and her husband drew David L. Russell was instrumental ance Association. working with the legislature. He was up plans to expand it. Once approved, a charter member of Puyallup Grange, the hall wound up tripling in size. She and was the first Master of the Pierce was the first femal insurance agent in October issue deadline – September 2 County Pomona Grange from 1910 to Silverdale, drawing up GIA policies. 1915 and again in 1922. He served on Ella was treasurer of her Grange for the State Executive Committee from 30 years and master for 10. She was a 1928 to 1943 and also served as a State driving force behind the Grange’s 840 Grange Deputy Master. He was known Club, which was dedicated to collect- for his legislative efforts, particularly ing funds to pay off the debt owed on when it came to the PUD initiative. State Grange headquarters. The result Donald Steffen was a Seventh De- of her efforts directly led to the debt be- gree Golden Sheath member of Tual- ing cleared early in 2002. 2 WASHINGTON STATE GRANGE NEWS GRANGE HISTORY, PART 25 Your submissions needed to keep monthly historical article going By Helen Gardner called the old warhorse of the Grange. He The 125th Washington State Grange organized 22 Granges and helped start the convention is over and therefore, history. Pierce County Pomona Grange, of which I would like to take this opportunity to he was the first master. His work at the thank all you for your support regarding state level included services on a multitude the historical articles of the past nearly of committees, including Finance, Resolu- two years. I would also like to thank all the tions, Good Roads, Political Duties, Tem- women who donated Rose Drill dresses or perance, Education, Dormant Granges, and sent them for the display at convention. I Entertainment, but it was on the Legislative received many compliments. However, I Committe for 30 years between 1917 and would be remiss if I did not acknowledge 1947 that he most made his mark. He was Heather Ferguson and all a staunch advocate for the hours she spent help- the Grange’s priorities, ing pull this display and most particularly the long the historical display to- fight for public utility dis- gether (pro bono). We tricts. Chester Thompson, (Above) State Master Duane Hamp presents gift bags to the current slate of not only got professional himself a very prominent Washington State FFA officers after their presentation. (Below) State Master help and advice but she Granger, is credited in Duane Hamp delivers his annual address to the delegates and guests attend- graciously forfeited her Ira Shea’s autobiography ing the annual convention. usual fee. I feel especially with remarking on Cham- glad she was willing to berlain’s great courage in lend her expertise. I would fighting the entrenched also like to thank her par- interests in Olympia. Ac- ents, Rick and Terry Fer- cording to Shea, a “story guson, for their support is told that one day a and help in setting up the legislator on the floor of displays. Thank you also to Lucy Vest for the House of Representatives cried out, her support and contributions. Of course, ‘There’s Fred Chamberlin sitting up there without the support at home from my hus- in the gallery. In the summertime he raises band, John (who helped me haul dresses, berries and in the wintertime he raises hell artifacts, dress forms, and countless other with the Legislature!’” Shea also noted that small things that add up to big things) and Chamberlain “was an inspiration to me, a my son, Jarrod (who lent advice, construc- person to whom I could always turn for tive criticism, research, and wrote some of counsel.” the historical articles) these displays would not have happened. THANK YOU! When he died, Fred Chamberlain was the only deceased member to receive a If the history article feature is something full-page tribute in the next session’s Jour- that you like seeing in the Grange News, nal of Proceedings (1948). In part, it stated it will be necessary to have some submis- that “Brother Chamberlain stood shoulder sions to retain it as a monthly endeavor. to shoulder with our great State Master Without some participation from the mem- Kegley, daring to defy the powerful selfish bers, it is likely to become only a periodic interests which at that time controlled the sight. I have been thinking that it would legislature. In spite of ridicule and abuse, be a good idea to know more about the Brother Chamberlain courageously at- Granges in each county. If anyone would tacked and shamed these corrupt interests, like to write up a brief article about his or particularly in the field of public power her county’s experience with the Grange, legislation. He never took credit for his ac- that would be wonderful. Other history complishments, but rather spoke of them articles are always appreciated. Different as achievements of the Grange. Few men perspectives and areas of interest can make have given greater service to the Grange this a feature to be enjoyed for years. and their fellow men. I understand that only one article was “Brother Chamberlain reached into our entered for the resolution passed last year hearts and left there certain treasures and to honor deceased Grange members who lessons that will never be forgotten. If his contributed to the foundation of the Grange eternal wealth can be measured by the es- we know today. This year we would like to teem of those left behind, then he occupies feature Brother Fred Chamberlain. This is a most exalted position in the Great Grange the submission for him: Above.” His extraordinary dedication and Fred J. Chamberlain success in implementing Grange goals September 19, 1857-January 10, 1948 through determination and perseverance Puyallup Grange #377, Pierce County are worthy of commemoration. (charter member) Master (first) of Pierce County Pomona Grange #16 for seven years (1910-1915 Camper Club News & 1922); member of Washington State Grange Executive Committee 15 years (1928-1943); State Grange deputy master. OLY ROLLERS Fred J. Chamberlain was a longtime The club held an outing at Ocean Shores Pomona Calendar leader in the Washington State Grange and in June. Talk to Diane Williams if you are a tireless advocate for its interests, often interested in joining the group. CHELAN �� Aug. 16 at Rocky Reach Dam; noon picnic. CLALLAM �� Sept. 23 at Fairview; 7 p.m. meeting. CLARK �� Sept. 10 at Washington; 6 p.m. potluck, 7 p.m. meeting. Sept. 26 at Minnehaha; 10 a.m. Family Living/Lecturer conference. Sept. 28 at Cowlitz Prairie; 2 p.m. Tri-County meeting. Degree work. Moving? Let us know! COWLITZ �� Aug. 16 at Silver Lake; 1 p.m. picnic. Sept. 20 at Woodland; 6:30 p.m. potluck, 7:30 p.m. meeting. Old Address (label should be on reverse of this form) LEWIS �� Aug. 23 at Hope; 6 p.m. potluck, 7 p.m. meeting. Sept. 27 at Baw Faw; 6 p.m. potluck, 7 p.m.

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