The Altona Grange (#127) was established in 1891 and is one of 492 granges in Colorado. The number reflects the order of establishment in the state. Land was purchased for the grange hall at 39th and Nelson in 1895.

In 1945, a basement was dug to the North of the existing building; the hall was moved and placed over the basement. The renovation added room for kitchen and dining facilities. Horseshoe competitons, square dances and rifle practice were held at Altona Grange for several years.  Altona is one of the oldest active granges in the state.

Granges are a remnant of a once flourishing agricultural movement called the "Patrons of Husbandry" and was established by a Minnesota farmer in 1867. Granges were started after the civil war as an attempt to educate and organize farmers in new and more efficient farming techniques, organize farmers against price fixing by the railroads and fight high interest rates on bank loans. 

A primary issue for Colorado grange members was protection of water rights for agricultural use and their concerns about the state legislature giving away the control of Colorado rivers and streams. In 1876, the State Board of Agriculture was formed with seven of its eight seats held by grange members.

Further information about the Altona Grange and the Colorado Grange movement is available through oral histories and books found at the Carnegie Branch Library, Boulder Public Library, Boulder, Colroado.

Kathleen Cassaday