In May 1920 there was a community gathering in Turtle Township to discuss the possibility of organizing a Grange. Mrs. Cora Peck was the originator of the idea. Deputy Sarver, of Davis, Illinois was present to explain Grange work and purposes. Twenty nine people signed applications, at a second meeting thirty two more were received. Turtle Grange was officially chartered, as #655, on May 20, 1920 with sixty-three members. 

Meetings were held in Turtle Town Hall. or in the homes of members. The first slate of officers elected were: Elmer Barth, J. Wm. Wesby, Mrs. Cora Peck, Mrs. Gertrude Higgins, Mrs. frank Johnson, Edward Zickert, Rev. W.J. Dougan, S.K. Blodgett, Mrs. Nellie Blodgettt, Mrs. Elmer Barth, Mrs. Floyd Bumstad, Mrs. Annie Higgins, M.A. Peck, Frank Johnson and George Higgins. The first and third Friday nights of each month were selected as meeting nights.

Among the first actions taken by Turtle Grange was the adoption of a resolution, which was sent to the Beloit Chamber of Commerce, stating that the organization would "co-operate in anything which would be of benefit to the community." 

Home talent provided most of the entertainment in those days, plays, music, stunts and games all being popular. Membership contests, spelling bees, debates helped liven up the meetings.

One event, which still survives, was started in May 21, when the men served the ladies a dinner.

During 1922 a committee met with J.W. Lathers, town chairman, to discuss remodeling the town hall. Each man in the Grange pledged to contribute $1.00 in money and help with labor to remodel the kitchen. Some equipment had been purchased and cupboards built, window shades purchased and other projects being considered, when in 1923 the town hall burned. It had been a community center for years. Church services were held there regularly, there was a Sunday School and a Ladies Aid Society and most of the social activity of the community centered around the old Town Hall. Grange meetings continued in the homes of members and several meetings were occupied with discussions of Grange cooperation with the town ship in building a new hall. Its importance as A community center, and as a home for the Grange, made this a number one project. The agreement finally reached was that the Grange would solicit funds and supply labor to build a basement with kitchen and dining room facilities and the township would build a new hall. Many Grangers donated work on the hall also. The grand opening and dedication of the new hall were held on Nov. 1, 1923.

An endeavor which won acclaim for Turtle Grange in the twenties and thirties was their ladies chorus. They won the Rock County Music Tournament, were invited to tea at the Governor's home. Turtle also entered the Rock County Play Tournament each year and won awards for best play and for individual actors. 

In March of 1927 the first Community Auction was held and was continued for many years until such time as it no longer filled a local need. 

In 1927, the Grange began its sponsorship of the Turtle 4-H Club. This continues to the present time with leadership, labor and financial help provided as requested. 

In 1929, plans for a young people's degree team were begun and in 1930 the dream became a reality when the team made its first appearance at Turtle Hall before 200 mem bers of Townline Grange of Clinton and local members. This team was the first in the Wisconsin State Grange. During World War II the team became inactive for a time but later became operative. 

Another early effort which involved young Grangers was the organization of a fife and drum corps. They were active for several years. 

For many years Turtle Grange purchased items cooperatively. Included were radiator alcohol, salt, oil and gas, threshing coal, axle grease, fly spray, seed grains, binder twine, baby chicks, lime, paint, hay and cheese. 

During the war the Grange gave a gift as each of its boys went into service, participated in fundraising drives, bought bonds and subscribed to the U.S.O. 

Many meetings were sponsored in conjunction with Rock County Extension regarding agricultural production problems. Community meetings were held on area problems such as school consolidation and highway construction. 

A movie projector was purchased and maintained for the use of country one-room schools and other responsible persons and organizations. Also a record player. 

Contributions to Beloit Hospital have been extensive. Contributions were made to health fund drives, Red Cross, CARE, Boy Scouts, the Beloit Symphony, and libraries. 

They worked with other county groups in the promotion of June Dairy Month and have always paid for milk as part of refreshments at all Grange functions. 

The Grange sponsored an early Little League Baseball team headquartered in Shopiere and for a time equipped the park. 

For many years a Soil Stewardship Sunday was observed, usually in conjunction with the Springbrook Watershed Association which they founded. 

Turtle Grange has continued to help with the maintenance of Turtle Hall as a community center. After raising the money and providing the labor to build the dining room and kitchen in the basement they have tried to keep these rooms equipped with stoves, tables, sinks, dishes and equipment. At various times they have provided stage curtains, backdrop curtains, window rods, shades and draperies for the upstairs meeting room. Four different pianos have been purchased. Cleaning and painting bees have been held.

For many years Turtle Grange has operated a food concession at the Rock County Fair. It was started originally to offer good food (and breakfast) to 4H members, who at the time, stayed on the fairgrounds to care for their livestock. It gradually developed into a major project and the main fundraising effort for the Grange.

In 1957 they began providing, in cooperation with the Clinton High School Guidance Department a Career Day for Clinton students. Between fifty and seventy students attended workshops of their choice. All speakers were guests of Turtle Grange at a luncheon following the morning presentations.

Grange families have hosted two delegations of farmers from India. They were in our area for a week and stayed at farm homes. A group of Russian students visiting Beloit College were entertained.

Work bees have been held for residents who have had unfortunate experiences, such as fires, deaths, surgery and accidents. 

All of the above indicates that Turtle Grange has always been very interested in Community Service projects and when the Sears Roebuck Foundation and the National Grange started the contest in 1948 they entered. Between then, and 1968 when the foundation withdrew its support, they won two awards of merit, one fourth place, three thirds, six seconds and four firsts in the state and one first in the national. That year was the biggest thrill in the life of Turtle Grange. First prize was $10,000! In the fall of 1958 a busload of Turtle Grangers journeyed to Grand Rapids, Michigan, to receive the award. Money was given to the Wisconsin Grange Youth fund, the kitchen of Turtle Town Hall was completely remodeled (and a new set of dishes purchased). Income from the trust fund established is used for the three $300. scholarships awarded annually to graduating seniors from area high schools. 

Those who have served as Masters of Turtle Grange are: Elmer Barth, S.K. Blod gett, Edwin Dresser, Frank Johnson, J.M. Halderson, Lyle Daniels, Edwin Bumsted, Charles Maxworthy, Fred Wallace, Albert Marston, Edwin Sommers, Lester Wallace, Ray Lang, Milton Bumsted, James Gilbank, Phil Holmes, Edwin Hahn, Willis Watson, Berl Wildermuth and Burton Beals. 

By Irene Sommers (1987)