Return of the Sonoma Valley Grange

The Sonoma Valley Grange has been a community fixture for nearly 100 years.

Incorporated in 1924, the Grange has grown in its location on Sonoma Highway, across from Mary’s Pizza.  Grange Halls were established out of a national recovery post-Civil War, by the instigation of President Lincoln and in a movement by farmers and rural residents to create a community space focused on their needs, often in contrast with the demands and obstacles big business was placing on society in this era of trusts and monopolies.  Formed as a fraternity, the intention was for an organization that served the shared (fraternal) interests of farmers and food producers.  Men and women were both supported as members and leaders, with the Grange supporting the push for women’s right to vote, one of its many accomplishments on the national scale.

The first Grange Hall in California was formed in Bennett Valley, nearly 50 years earlier in 1873. Many Halls were raised throughout Sonoma County over this time.  Sonoma Valley was predominantly an agricultural community, with orchards, dairies, olives, beef and livestock, poultry, grapevines and wineries.  The Grange Hall served as a gathering space for local farmers, a function that continues with pot luck farmer dinners.  Holiday parties, bingo nights, square dancing, flea markets and pancake breakfasts were local Grange traditions.  As the small family farm declined in America, Grange Halls became even more important as a voice for local farming and in their role as community centers.

Over the last 10 years, with the help of local residents and support, the Hall was renovated to create a functional community space, complete with commercial kitchen.  Community events such as pancake breakfasts, movie nights, craft markets, and farm to table dinners made the Hall a popular venue, and affordable rentals to local nonprofits, community meetings, celebratory events, and much more truly made the Grange a community center in the Springs.

During the fires of 2017, and the recent pandemic, the Hall was widely used to provide essential services to the community.  With the general closure of public venues during the pandemic, the Hall was opened up to expanded service by Sonoma Overnight Support, a local nonprofit supporting those most in need in the community.  For nearly three years, SOS has provided exemplary service at the Hall, and has served many thousands of meals, which continue Monday-Friday, breakfast and lunch.

Recently, due to a long-awaited legal settlement with the State and National Grange, what was then called the Springs Hall has returned to its rightful status as the Sonoma Valley Grange #407.  In celebration of this occasion, the Grange hosted the return of its popular Pancake Breakfast – the first in over three years.  A classic in many Grange Halls, the Sonoma version, curated by local chef Sean Paxton, has been a culinary treat.  Using local and organic ingredients, this community gathering highlights the best of Sonoma Valley, great farms, great food, great community. 

Seth Dolinsky is a member of Sonoma Valley Grange #407 and is owner of New Land Systems, a regenerative land management company.