Walker Grange #786 was organized May 26, 1884 with 18 charter members. The first Master was Luke Davis and Secretary was Josiah Gingrich. The first meetings were held at Red Rock School. No records are available for a number of the early years, but it is known that members started meeting in homes. The oyster supper, an activity that continues today, was held in the early years at members homes. By 1911 the meeting were held in the POS of a hall in Center, Pennsylvania. The Present building, first used as a church then as a factory, was bought in 1919. The first meeting was held in the hall was April 10, 1920. That same year the basement was dug out and cemented to install a furnace. About 1922, an addition was added, consisting of a stage, ante room and dressing room. The Kitchen and electric stoves were added in 1951, and electric water system and rest rooms in 1955 For many years there was a male chorus that sang at many community gatherings. The Grange also has been active in commununity activities, helping build the kitchen in a building next door, that was then the Walker Community Association. In 1996 this building, after being Vacant for many years, was purchased by Walker Grange members and renovated. The purpose of the renovation was to make the building ready for serving banquets, wedding receptions, and parties. The additional building called the H. E. Hack Memorial Hall, Walker Grange Annex, has a large hall and adjacent kitchen. The Walker Junior Grange was very active over a period of about 15 years, it is being revised and the Juniors are again having activities and putting on programs for the subordinate grange. |
Walker Grange #786 Mexico, Pennsylvania |
Links: PA State Grange National Grange Banquet Selections PA Grange Fed. Credit Union Photo Gallery Other Granges in Juniata County Calendar of Events and Meetings 2009 Walker Junior Grange How to Join the Grange 2009 Walker Grange Officers 2009 Walker Grange Committees |
Contact the Walker Grange: |
The Walker Grange Hall |
H. E. Hack Memorial Hall, Walker Grange Annex |
Site started Nov 19, 2002 By: Joseph Zug |