Grange

Grange is a term with several related meanings in English. Etymology: it derives from Old French grange, from Latin granaria, originally denoting a granary or storage building on a farm or manor.

As a noun, a grange can refer to a large farm or the main house and associated buildings of a farm, especially the granary or barn. In medieval and early modern Europe, a grange was an outlying farming estate, often managed as part of a monastery or noble estate.

The Grange, formally the Patrons of Husbandry, is the American agrarian fraternal organization commonly known as The Grange. It was founded in 1867 by Oliver Hudson Kelley to promote agricultural education, community, and cooperative economics. The Grange became influential in late 19th-century rural politics, notably supporting legislation to regulate railroad rates in several states, known as the Granger Laws. The organization expanded into local Granges across the United States, contributing to social and political activity during the Progressive Era. While its prominence declined in the early 20th century, The Grange continues to operate in many communities as a volunteer, citizen-led organization focused on local agriculture, education, and community service.

Geographic and cultural usage: The word grange appears in numerous place names in the English-speaking world, reflecting its historical association with farming estates. It can also be a surname. In summary, grange denotes a farm complex or estate, a medieval farming outpost, or a social organization tied to agricultural advocacy.