The Pennfield Grange No 85 from Pennfield, MI was a local charter of the Grange, which is also known as the Patrons of Husbandry or the Order of the Patrons of Husbandry. The first Grange was founded in 1867. There were local, state, and national Grange charters. The role of the organization is to work for the interests of farmers whether it be in agriculture, economics, or community. Members included both men and women.

The Pennfield Grange No 85 itself was founded on October 6, 1873 at the Hicks School House in an unstated location, with a starting total of members at 30 whose names are listed in the Notes below. The member fees were three dollars for each man and fifty cents for each woman. This charter held monthly meetings at 7 o’clock and there were special meetings held in between as well. The notebook contains meeting information regarding present and prospective members, fees collected and expenditures, those in officer roles and appointed committees, conferring of degrees, chosen delegates for outside Grange conventions, events, and typical meeting tasks. The notebook also contains information on the charter’s stances on dealing with agricultural issues such as the buying of goods and for what price they will pay for them or creating a Council or Board at trade with Battle Creek for buying and selling articles wanted by the farmers. The meeting notes also document decisions made on aiding non-Grange organizations, either with money or simply with support and cooperation.