Grange falls on hard times

Published 12:00 pm Tuesday, April 17, 2001

“The Deer Lagoon Grange Hall on Lone Lake is going through hard times that could lead to its demise if there isn’t a financial turnaround.The Grange has scraped by the last few years by renting out the hall, but now there’s no income because the last renter has left.We’re down to nobody, said Elsie Melver, Granger treasurer. We need help. I’m not going to give up.The Grange has not succeeded in efforts to attract new members. Such stalwarts of the organization as Gladys Stanley, Melver, and Warren Burrier are into their 80s or 90s.Without renters in the hall, the Grange can’t even pay its taxes of approximately $1,000 per year, and Melver said it was difficult to pay the last heating oil bill of $300.We could get a loan, but who wants to be responsible? asked Melver.She sees the Grange’s best hope as attracting more renters, such as the exercise studio which recently moved out. The hall is also available for wedding and birthday parties at a cost of $75 for the hall alone or $100 including the kitchen.We just need renters, Melver said. Anyone interested may call her at 321-1325 or 360-678-6647. “