Grange Halls and UNIA Liberty Halls

Grange Hall, Fort Collins, Colorado, circa 1914-1918. Courtesy of University Historic Photograph Collection, Colorado State University Libraries’ Archives & Special Collections

The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry was founded in 1867 as an fraternal organization of farmers. The organization advanced the interests of America's farmers. Grange Halls served a similar role as Marcus Garvey’s UNIA Liberty Halls, spaces where people with similar interests could meet in advance their interest. Both Grange and UNIA halls also hosted speakers, bands, dances, and dinners. Both featured the regional and ethnic foods of their members. Grange potluck dinners for example featuring classic New England dishes like hashes, fish stews and chowders, baked beans, breads, puddings, cakes, and pies.

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