08/21/2026
FEATURE FRIDAY!!! We often talk about what's new in the area. New restaurants, new parks, new construction, new stores. This week, let's take a look at a historic Danville building, Grange Hall.
The original Danville Grange was established on October 1, 1873, as the 85th Grange chartered in California. Its 30 charter members included 20 men and 10 women, uncommon at a time when many fraternal organizations were segregated by gender.
Its first hall was built in 1874 at 233 Front Street and gave local farmers a place to share agricultural techniques, discuss current events, market crops, and build community. For 40 years, it was the largest meeting room in the valley, hosting meetings, speeches, plays, parties, church services, and dances. Nearby Grange Park was a site for picnics and harvest feasts.
In 1953, Danville Grange No. 85 dedicated a purpose-built facility at 743 Diablo Road, where it remains today. The move left its distinctive double-decker Front Street hall available to eventually become the Village Theatre and Art Gallery.
And now you know about a little piece of Danville history!
