Touring the Grange!

Last week I had such a fun evening!   We've started something at our church that puts women together in a group that meets monthly for 3 months.  We have groups of 6 women, and we try to have a variety of ages.  So often we know people just by name, especially if they are older or younger than us and this is a fun and easy way to get to know people better.
We had a fun time together and are looking forward to next month.  Our group had the privilege of meeting and touring a home that is being renovated.  It began it's life as a Grange Hall.  The Grange was a society of farmers, who organized to promote the economic and political well being of the community.

Here's an old photo of the building.

This is a letter that was written in 1964, telling of the reason for selling the building, as the farmers couldn't afford needed repairs to the roof, chimney, windows...  which came to at least $800.

At this time, it was bought by a man who used the main level as offices.

Here is a more recent photo.  I think it was taken by my friend Jesse who is now the owner.  She and her family have been doing a lot of work here and it is so fun to see all the history inside!

 A cool remnant of fun times remains on the floor downstairs.

And here's a nice old radiator.

There are two bedrooms downstairs.  This one is Jesse's.

This is a guest bedroom.

I love this area.  The old piano has such charm.  Not pictured, across from it is a seating area.

There is a beautiful old staircase.

At the top of the stairs are these wonderful windows with such nice woodwork.

 Don't you love this old bookcase?    It is at the top of the stairs.

This dress belonged to her grandma or great-grandma.  Such a treasure!

 This upper level was open as it was where the meetings were held.  Jesse chose to keep it that way, adding a huge kitchen and seating area.  Don't you love that huge wooden counter?  The bookcase on the right is where the stage was, and she plans to put a master bedroom suite behind the bookcases.

The storage cabinets are beautiful.

This farmhouse sink just adds to the charm.

Tucked along the side is this bathroom.  You can't see it but is has a chandelier hanging.

The surroundings were lovely, the history was wonderful and the fellowship was sweet!

Jesse has a blog about the Grange. You can visit it here.