Grange Co-op Timeline
Scroll down to learn more about the story of Grange Co-op.
Origins of a Co-op
Grange members begin to meet about forming a cooperative for gas and oil.
Incorporation
Grange Cooperative Supply Association is incorporated in the Rogue Valley. Ninety-nine farmers pay $10 each to start the organization
The First Truck
The Grange Co-op board agrees to purchase a truck for fuel deliveries.
A New Leader
Earl Weaver (pictured below) is appointed manager of the fuel plant. He would continue to manage until 1957. He had a brief sojourn on behalf of the war effort, but on January 6, 1943 a motion was passed to ask the Army for Weaver's release from the service to manage the Co-op. The letter worked and Weaver was back at work on March 3.
A Cooperative for All Agricultural Backgrounds
At the annual meeting the original by-laws of the cooperative are amended to allow all agricultural producers to participate in the co-op.
Entering the Feed Business
The members of the association agree that Grange Co-op should expand into the feed business. They vote to erect a new feed warehouse outfitted with modern mixing and grinding equipment to custom mix feed for their customers.
Expanding to Ashland
Grange Co-op acquires Ashland Mills to open first retail store.
The First Calendars
Grange Co-op starts giving out calendars to customers.
A Vote for a Feed Mill
Members vote to build $85,000 feed mill.
Foundations of the Feed Mill
Construction begins on the feed mill in Central Point. It is the largest mill and the tallest building in the Rogue Valley.
A Recognizable Landmark
City of Central Point requires that "Central Point" be painted on the side of the feed mill
Public Showing of the Feed Mill
Grange Co-op hosts an open house for the community.
A Co-op Open to All
A membership of the Fraternal Order of Grange is no longer required to become a member of the co-op.
Bulk Feed Deliveries
Grange Co-op purchases its first bulk feed truck.
New Ashland Store
A new store, warehouse, and fuel station is built in Ashland on A street for $16,500.
Flames at the Feed Mill
The feed mill in Central Point is damaged in a fire.
An Icon is Rebuilt
An open house is held for the newly re-built feed mill.
Expanding to Fertilizer Production
The board authorizes the construction of a fertilizer plant in Central Point.
A Proposal to Expand Again
Plans for a new Central Point store, office and warehouse are presented to the board.
A Larger Presence in Central Point
A new Central Point store, office and fuel station are under construction.
A Unified Co-op in Jackson County
Jackson County Cooperative merges into Grange Co-op.
New Central Point Facilities
Grand opening for the new Central Point store, office, and fuel station.
Construction in South Medford
A new South Medford retail location is built adjacent to the old Jackson County Fuel Co-op location.
Growing in South Medford
Grange Co-op purchases a 13 acre parcel to build new larger South Medford store.
Introducing the Community Tree
Grange Co-op starts using the “community tree” as part of its mark. It’s seen as a symbol of growth in our community and continues to be a strong image of the Co-op.
Expanded Services in South Medford
The South Medford location opens on Christmas Eve. The store later holds a grand opening celebration in March of 1980.
Disaster at the New Store
The South Medford Grange Co-op is struck by fire.
South Medford Bounces Back
South Medford re-opens after repairs.
Pet Country Opens
Grange Co-op announces the opening of Pet Country, a Grange Co-op completely dedicated to the care of pets.
A Store in Grants Pass
The Josephine County Growers Co-op merges with Grange Co-op, enabling Grange Co-op to open its first store in Grants Pass.
Making Space for Improvements
The original Central Point retail store is torn down to open a new 22,000 square foot store.
Grants Pass Growth
The Grants Pass location moves across the river to a much larger, 21,500 square foot location.
More Service in Klamath and Jospehine Counties
American Feed and Farm Supply in Grants Pass and Klamath Falls is purchased by Grange Co-op.
Store Opens in Klamath Falls
The Klamath Falls Grange Co-op opens in former American Feed and Farm Supply building.
Humble Beginnings in White City
The original White City location opens in the old Norton Lumber building.
A New Home for Klamath Falls
The Klamath Falls Grange Co-op moves to a new location.
Expanding to Yuba City
Grange Co-op opens its largest store in Yuba City, California.
Pet Country Expands
The Pet Country location closes to allow for the expansion of the pet department into each of the retail locations. The building will become a new distribution center and business office.
Big Plans for White City
The board approves the purchase of a 7.8 acre property in White City with the intent to build a bigger store and modern business office.
Expanding to Better Serve the Upper Rogue
The new White City store construction project breaks ground.
We Grow as Our Communities Grow
The Co-op has another record breaking sales year. $84.3 million in total sales and $5.8 million in profit.
New White City Store Welcomes its First Customers
The new White City location celebrates its grand opening.
Offices and Training Rooms in White City
Grange Co-op business office moves to the new White City location along with opening new training spaces to build the knowledge of our employees to share with our customers.
