Help provide scholarships to Kittitas County graduating seniors with a background in agriculture who are continuing their education as well as to those students who are applying to a trade school.
Ballard School 1927
Swauk-Teanaway Grange #984 was organized June 24, 1931 by Ira Shea, organizer of the majority of the local granges in Kittitas County. The 45 charter members were farmers and ranchers whose descendants still call the Swauk Prairie/Teanaway area home, such as the Hansons and Schobers; or whose names live on in road signs such as Bettas, Hartman, and Micheletto. These names also appear on the records for the Ballard School, District 9, a one-room school named for the family that donated the land to the school district in 1904. When rural districts were consolidated in 1937, the school became the meeting place of the Swauk-Teanaway Grange.
In 1947 the land and building were deeded to the Swauk-Teanaway Grange and for more than 60 years the Grange Hall was center of activity for the rural community in upper Kittitas County. Thousands of people have come through its doors for dances and dinners, meetings, weddings and memorial services, birthday parties, reunions and anniversaries. The Grange Hall served the Swauk Teanaway community, but it was also a distinguished landmark for Kittitas County. The hall and the scenic valley it overlooked were one of the most photographed locations in the area.
The Fire of 2004, and the Rebuilding
Just weeks before a planned Centennial Celebration in 2004, the building was destroyed by fire. The members pledged to rebuild this landmark and immediately plunged into fundraising efforts. After two years of effort by members and friends, the Hall again opened its doors in the fall of 2006.
Our Grange, Today
Business meetings are held the second Friday of the month at 1:00 pm. Our active women’s group meets the first Friday of the month at noon for lunch and planning for upcoming activities.
Today Swauk-Teanaway membership numbers 134. Some have been members for more than 80 years and others are new to Grange membership. Few are ranchers or farmers; the Kittitas Valley has changed dramatically since 1931. But many are still drawn to the open scenic beauty of the Grange Hall setting and the sense of community to be found there.
In a time when schedules have gotten ever busier and high tech communication has taken the place of face to face interaction, Swauk-Teanaway Grange seeks to provide a place that brings people together to strengthen our community. It is a place to relax, eat, laugh, play, talk, listen and linger, a place where people from all walks of like interact, experiencing and celebrating their commonality as well as their diversity. And from this strong community we do some very important things.
Programs & Activities
Andrew Clark, Ellensburg High School (left), awarded by Scholarship Chair Sally Gililand
We fund an annual scholarship to graduating high school seniors throughout the county. Our scholarship focuses not only on good academics and community service, but also on an agricultural background and plans to pursue study in an agricultural field.
We reach out to the community at Christmas with a free turkey dinner, and by providing gifts for children in need. Boy Scout Troop 488 meets weekly at our Hall; we host a monthly bluegrass jam, and a square dance club, many of whom are now Grange members, holds dances and lessons here.
On opening day of deer season we serve breakfast to over 300 hungry patrons, and have for 25 years. Our Christmas Bazaar brings in over 20 vendors of handmade items and yummy baked goods. From October through April we hold monthly potlucks and concerts at the Hall. Whether it’s Bluegrass, Barn Dance, Chili Cook Off or Army Band Concert, people flock to the Grange Hall for an evening of fun and good food, all at a family friendly price.
Over the past seventy years it has been the Grange Hall and center of activity for the rural
community in upper Kittitas County. Thousands of people have come through its doors for
dances and dinners, meetings, weddings and memorial services, birthday parties,
reunions and anniversaries.
Our hall is available to rent for weddings, receptions, banquets or family gatherings. The beautiful new building promises to be a place where new memories will be made. Please visit our Hall Rental page or Contact page to request more information.
Is Belonging to the Grange Family a Good Fit For You?
The Grange is a spark plug for keeping our community together by providing social, educational and self-help opportunities. And we have a good time doing it! Strong friendships are formed by working together. Your skills and interests will be put to use and you will have a chance to grow in your abilities. Our Grange is a place for people of all ages. If you’re looking to make friends and find an extended family, Swauk-Teanaway Grange is the place for you.
The Fire of 2004, 
Business meetings are held the second Friday of the month at 1:00 pm. Our active women’s group meets the first Friday of the month at noon for lunch and planning for upcoming activities.
Today Swauk-Teanaway membership numbers 134. Some have been members for more than 80 years and others are new to Grange membership. Few are ranchers or farmers; the Kittitas Valley has changed dramatically since 1931. But many are still drawn to the open scenic beauty of the Grange Hall setting and the sense of community to be found there.
In a time when schedules have gotten ever busier and high tech communication has taken the place of face to face interaction, Swauk-Teanaway Grange seeks to provide a place that brings people together to strengthen our community. It is a place to relax, eat, laugh, play, talk, listen and linger, a place where people from all walks of like interact, experiencing and celebrating their commonality as well as their diversity. And from this strong community we do some very important things.
On opening day of deer season we serve breakfast to over 300 hungry patrons, and have for 25 years. Our Christmas Bazaar brings in over 20 vendors of handmade items and yummy baked goods. From October through April we hold monthly potlucks and concerts at the Hall. Whether it’s Bluegrass, Barn Dance, Chili Cook Off or Army Band Concert, people flock to the Grange Hall for an evening of fun and good food, all at a family friendly price.
Over the past seventy years it has been the Grange Hall and center of activity for the rural
community in upper Kittitas County. Thousands of people have come through its doors for
dances and dinners, meetings, weddings and memorial services, birthday parties,
reunions and anniversaries.
Our hall is available to rent for weddings, receptions, banquets or family gatherings. The beautiful new building promises to be a place where new memories will be made. Please visit our Hall Rental page or Contact page to request more information.