In the fall of 2000, Carl & Margaret Evans purchased this historic building when the Valley Prairie Grange members merged with the Green Bluff Grange. It has been their dream to restore it for continued use by the rural communities of Colbert, Chattaroy, Elk, and other outlying areas of Northern Spokane County.

By following a few clues, the couple has discovered many individuals with long-time connections to the old place, including former students from as far back as the 1920’s and families who have basically grown up there through dances, meetings, and get-togethers over the years. Valley Prairie Grange Hall has been a landmark for the area since 1910 and deserves to continue to hold its place in the heart of this community as it nears its centennial celebration.

The Kelly Irish Dancers, directed by Margaret Evans, currently hold four or five classes each week within the drafty, dusty walls and are proud to call Valley Prairie Grange their home. Many of the families who participate in this worthwhile artistic physical activity are grateful for the opportunity Irish dance has provided for their children. It has formed a new community for them, a wholesome environment for their kids and occasional performance opportunities. Tuition has been kept low so that these rural families can afford to enroll several children if they wish, and families are never turned away during times of financial strain. The Kelly Irish Dancers have become known in the Spokane area over the years and have lent their talents to many area fundraisers and benefits. They cheerfully endure the hardships of the old grange hall building, hoping that eventually the project will be complete.

The old Valley Prairie Grange Hall is a prime candidate for a sort of “restore America” project. Its classic schoolhouse appearance and rustic charm make it an important feature in the rural landscape of Chattaroy and Colbert. The sound of the school bell ringing out has become almost as familiar as the other sounds which characterize the countryside: blackbirds singing, the shriek of the red tail hawk, the cry of pheasant and quail, the lazy moo of contented cattle in a field across the road. It is truly a valuable part of the identity of this county road community, a gentle testimonial to the values of a bygone era: family, community, faith; the building blocks of our great country.

The Hall is available for rent, please contact us for more information.