07/10/2026
Manson Grange Celebrates New ADA-Accessible Ramp and More
On July 9, from 4:00 to 4:30 p.m., the Manson Grange, with the help from the Manson Chamber of Commerce and Historic Manson Mainstreet Association held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of its new ADA-accessible ramp, a milestone in the Grange’s ongoing capital improvement program and a symbol of how far the organization has come in just a few short years. To view Ribbon Cutting video, click this link - https://youtu.be/G2TMZVknyMI
The story of the new ramp begins long before construction ever started. In June 2018, Phyllis Coleman and Debbie Conwell joined the Manson Grange at a moment when the historic hall was struggling with declining membership and was dangerously close to shutting its doors. Their energy, determination, and belief in the Grange’s importance to the community sparked a quiet revival. With purpose and persistence, they set out to rebuild the team and encourage others to step forward and join the effort.
By September 2021, a new wave of committed members, Bill and Jackie Cagle, KJ Casady, Christine Olsen, Terri Carleton, and Norm Manly, joined the revitalization effort. Working alongside longtime Grange members, volunteers, community partners, and generous donors, they took on every challenge that came their way: fundraising, facility repairs, rentals, programming, grant writing, youth activities, and community outreach. Their thousands of volunteer hours didn’t just keep the doors open; they brought the Manson Grange back to life. Today, the hall is once again a vibrant hub for gatherings, education, celebrations, and service. The new ADA-accessible ramp is one of the most visible results of that effort. It represents accessibility, inclusion, and a commitment to making sure the Grange serves everyone in the community.
Prior to the ribbon cutting, Manson Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Mary Lynn Thompson said, “This new ramp represents what Manson does best, removing barriers, opening doors, and making sure every neighbor feels welcome. The Grange has always been a place where people gather, celebrate, and support one another, and this improvement ensures that everyone can be part of that. I’m grateful to stand with the Grange today, because accessibility is really just another word for community.”
Also in attendance was Mike Steele, a member of the Washington House of Representatives, representing the 12th Legislative District. Mike stated, “The turnaround at the Manson Grange didn’t happen by accident, it happened because dedicated people rolled up their sleeves and got to work. Their commitment has restored an important gathering place for our community, and I’m grateful to have played a small part in helping them get started.”
The driving force behind the many improvements at the Grange is the capital improvement committee, which originally consisted of Terrie Carleton, Phyllis Coleman, Debbie Conwell, Hal Killian, and Christine Olsen. The committee was formed in 2022 after Larry Hibbard of Hibbard Architecture encouraged committee members to start seeking grants that would allow the Grange to make much needed upgrades to the historic Grange building.
Larry generously donated his time to draw up and design several improvement plans, including the lower level restrooms and the ADA ramp, which are now completed. His guidance has been invaluable from the very beginning, and he continues to play a major role in shaping our long term plans and overall vision for restoring and strengthening the Grange.
As the work expanded, the capital improvement committee became the engine behind the Grange’s transformation. Terrie Carleton, capital improvement committee member and Grange Vice President, shared her perspective on the work underway:
“The progress the Grange has made over the past four years has been truly remarkable. It started with establishing a clear vision, developing a phased strategic plan, securing funding through generous donations and grants, and then steadily completing each important step. With the accessible ramp now finished, our next phases will focus on adding upper floor restrooms and redesigning the front entrance. Each completed project brings us closer to ensuring the Grange remains a welcoming and accessible gathering place for the entire community.
This is truly a community project, and I encourage everyone to get involved. Please don’t sit on the sidelines, we’re making great progress, but we need more volunteers to keep this effort moving forward. It’s incredibly rewarding to make a difference on such a historic building and in what it represents to Manson.”
Grange President Susan Lester and her father, Gorden Lester, have been dedicated members of the Manson Grange since 1995. Over the years, they have both served in several leadership roles and have been steady, reliable champions of the Grange’s mission. When asked about the Grange’s positive growth in recent years, Susan shared her thoughts: “It is exciting to watch the new members re-energize the Grange. Our Grange Hall was built with the hearts and hands of our early members and the community. The recent improvement in ADA compliance exemplifies the success of our newest members at engaging both Manson and a broader community.”
With the ribbon cutting ceremony complete, guests were invited to tour the Grange and enjoy a selection of special treats prepared especially for the occasion. The tours offered a close look at the many improvements made in recent years, far more than just the new ADA‑accessible ramp. Visitors explored the two newly constructed lower level restrooms, the upgraded heating and air conditioning system, and other significant enhancements that reflect the Grange’s commitment to modernization and community service.
Guests were also encouraged to consider becoming members of the Manson Grange, joining the dedicated team that continues to restore, strengthen, and grow this historic community hall.
The Grange movement began on December 4, 1867, when six men and one woman met in a small Washington, D.C. office to form the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, now known as the Grange. Their work laid the foundation for an organization that would become a powerful force for farmers, rural communities, and American democracy.
The Manson Grange #796 was established on April 3, 1923 with 48 members. From the start, it was an active group, building Apple Blossom Parade floats, hosting community programs, and sharing potluck meals in the old Manson Library.
In 1930, members voted to build a dedicated Grange Hall. The current site was purchased in 1936 through community donations and paid off within two years. Construction continued over time, and on April 3, 1948, the new Manson Grange Hall was officially dedicated.
Today, the Manson Grange remains a vibrant part of community life and welcomes everyone to monthly meetings held on the 4th Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at the Grange Hall.
There are many great reasons to join the Manson Grange, meeting new friends, enjoying discounted rates for using the Grange Hall, supporting local agriculture, taking part in community service projects, exhibiting at the Chelan County Fair, accessing college scholarships, joining Youth Fairs events, staying connected to the Manson community, and exploring leadership opportunities. Members also help preserve local history, strengthen community traditions, and keep the Grange Hall thriving for future generations.
To learn more, visit www.mansongrange.com, follow the Manson Grange on Facebook, or stop by a monthly meeting on the 4th Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at the Grange Hall.
By Norm Manly
Community Volunteer
