Rincon Valley's Grange Hall #710

Rincon Valley Grange, a reminder of Santa Rosa's agricultural history

As a Realtor in Rincon Valley, people expect me to be an expert in the community.  I'm asked everything from local school testing too, the best dry cleaning.  I've got some news. I don't know it all, but I do learn something new about Rincon Valley every day.

I grew up on the San Francisco Peninsula and had never even heard of a Grange Hall.  When I moved into Rincon Valley (in Santa Rosa north of the Golden Gate).  I frequently passed a sign pointing to Rincon Valley Grange Hall #710 on Rincon Ave.  One day  I asked my neighbor what the Grange Hall was, he said: "I don't know, but you can rent the building for weddings".

Well, that did not tell me much.  I went to my computer and found out that the Grange is actually short for The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry. One of America's oldest, and still active, agricultural organizations.    Grange is Latin for grain.  Once a million members strong, today there are less than 300,000 active members.

By Strobridge & Co. Lith. - 

Formed in 1867, the purpose of the "order" was to promote agriculture.  Past issues have been taking on the big railroads monopolies and pushing for rural mail deliveries.  The Grange was the center for many farming communities.  Some small towns still have a Grange Hall on main street. Rincon Valley's Grange is off the beaten track.

The Grange borrowed some of its rituals and symbols from Freemasonry, including secret meetings, oaths, and special passwords. There are seven degrees of Grange membership; the ceremony of each degree relates to various symbols and principles.

So now I know, and so do you (if you didn't already).  This Rincon Valley Grange Hall looks fairly new for an organization that is over 150 years old.  My guess is that this building was built in the 1960's.  I don't recall ever seeing any activity there, but I'd say that the Rincon Valley Grange is reminiscent of Rincon Valley's once rich agricultural history when Walnut and cherry trees lined the rural roads. At the turn of the century, Rincon Valley had acres of hops.


I hope you stop by Rincon Valley sometime and enjoy all there is to do here.  A nice blend of country and modern living.

I love living in Rincon Valley!  I've lived here since 1995 and can't imagine living in a better North Bay community.  Call me today if you're interested in buying a home in Rincon Valley, or if you'd like to list your Rincon Valley home for sale.  

Jim Cheney, Your Rincon Valley Realtor

• Jim Cheney, Broker
• Saint Francis Property
• Jim@StFrancisProperty.com
• (707) 494-1055
• Rincon Valley - Santa Rosa



DRE# 01368633