History

Lopez Island Grange #1060 is located in San Juan County in the San Juan Islands in Washington State. Built in 1903, the building started its life as Center School.  The contractor on record was Joe Burt, with help from his brother John Burt, whose many descendants still live on the island today. When Lopez Island consolidated its schools in the 1940s, the building ceased being used as a school. In 1945, under the auspices of the National Grange, and Washington State Grange, the building began usage as Lopez Island Grange #1060, as it continues to be utilized today.

The Lopez Island Grange is a beloved island institution and has hosted numerous community gatherings over its lifetime. The list is lengthy but includes: monthly Grange membership meetings, birthdays, memorials, potlucks, tap classes, square dances, concerts, 4H meetings, plays, an annual community Thanksgiving, an annual women’s coffeehouse, and many other events. 

In 2022, our 1903 historic Center School building (currently Lopez Grange) was listed on the WA Historic Registry and the National Historic Registry, recognized for its significant and unique contributions to Washington State and Lopez Island's heritage.

Present Day

Funding

The Lopez Island Grange building is an important island touchstone and is utilized today much as it was in the past. Our building is available for private and public rentals. We host a series of Grange-sponsored events open to islanders and visitors alike, funded by our LTAC grant. Our Grange sponsored event offerings have included: square dances with community potlucks, an annual Winter Market, Fall Festival and Quilt Show, documentary film series, Traditional Maypole dance, concerts and more.

Our rentals, Grange-sponsored event calendar, and grants we have received (San Juan County LTAC, Lopez Island Thrift Store, Washington State Heritage Capital Projects Grant, Valerie Sivininski, San Juan County Historical Preservation), and community donations assist us in raising funds for our operating costs, building maintenance, and restoration efforts.

Board

Sue DuMond - Master/President
Kerby Phelps - Overseer/Vice President
Tim Kent - Treasurer
Jodie Snapp - Secretary