Indian Hill Historical Society
8100 Given Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45243

"Keeping Indian Hill's past and present alive for tomorrow"

The Grange in Indian Hill History

Nineteenth century residents of Indian Hill were mostly farmers, and after the Civil War, agriculture became more of a commercialized industry.  There were new tools, better livestock, larger markets, and transportation challenges.  The national fraternal order of the Patrons of Husbandry appealed to local folk, and in 1875 the Jefferson Grange #1164 (located in what is now Indian Hill) was formally organized

Founded in 1867 by Oliver Kelley, the Grange was a secret organization open to both men and women. Like the Masons, Odd Fellow, Elks, and Moose, Grange chapters emphasized traditional rituals for meetings.  By 1876, Ohio had over 1,000 local Granges, each pursuing their common objectives of laboring for Grange, country, and mankind.  Taking strong interest in legislative action, the Grange promoted policies of interest to its farming membership, such as rural electrification, Rural Free Mail Delivery, and Social Security for farmers, and also fought the monopolistic late19th century railroads.

It is believed the Jefferson chapter had its headquarters in a cottage at the corner of present day Drake and Beacon Hill Roads.  At monthly meetings, members shared knowledge of new techniques of crop rotation, soil conservation, and fertilizers. The high point of their year was a local fair (a precursor of today's county fairs) held the weekend before Labor Day.  Residents entered fruits, vegetables, grain, animals, and fowl.  There were handiwork classes in cabinetry, embroidery, sewing, tatting, and knitting.  Baked and preserved goods from area kitchens were judged, with adults winning ribbons and children cash prizes. 

The Grange Hall became the local social center, with men gathering for playing pool or cards, and women for quilting bees.  During winter months, monthly square dances were held; and the Indian Hill Orchestra practiced there regularly.  The annual minstrel show with jokes, skits, and music was a festive occasion, as were the annual game supper, Lincoln Day Dinner, and 4th of July celebrations.

In 1899 the Grange Hall was purchased by the Ladies Aid Society of  Armstrong Church who then rented it back to the Grangers and other community groups.  In 1917 a neighboring building was purchased "to provide sociability, increase neighborly spirit, and forward community well being." Both sites were maintained by income from bazaars, dinners, handiwork, and catering for the Carthage Fair.  Rents were collected from Campfire Girls, Band Boys, individually sponsored celebrations, and political groups.  Over the years the Ladies Aid heard such lectures as "The Qualities of Aluminum Ware in Cooking", "Surgical Dressing for Soldiers", and "Voting Procedures for Women" (after the passage of the 19th Amendment.)  An active branch of the Hamilton County Library was also located in the Hall.

With the passage of time the buildings deteriorated, and the Grangers disbanded in 1917.  After World War I the Ladies Aid Society and the Men's Club utilized the buildings until the mid-1930's when waning membership and financial deficits ended their activities.

For a period of six decades, the Grange Hall served the residents of this community.  Social events, community service projects, and locally oriented programs held there, with local residents working together at the grassroots level to improve themselves.  Though the building no longer stands, its impact on rural Indian Hill is worth recollection.