Jonesboro Grange, #357, Jonesboro, 1908 - 1910

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Criterion A: Social History, Entertainment/RecreationLocal significance.

The Jonesboro Grange #357 is a one-and-one-half story ,wood framed, community center and meeting hall, located on Route 1 in the small Washington County town of Jonesboro. Typical of many grange buildings, the structure contains a large meeting room and anteroom on the first floor, a balcony over the vestibule, and dining and kitchen facilities in the basement. The hall was built by members of the Grange between 1908 and1910 to serve the local members of the Patrons of Husbandry, an important fraternal organization with roots in 19th century agricultural reform. It is also a building which has served the community of Jonesboro for over 100 years. Aside from the scheduled meetings, the Grange sponsored Fourth of July celebrations, town-wide potluck dinners, dances, concerts and many more activities. The annual lighting of the community Christmas tree and caroling while waiting for the Jonesboro fire truck to transport Santa Claus are events that still occur today. The Jonesboro Grange # 357 was listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its local significance in the areas of social history and entertainment and recreation.