The Grange's Dancing Dilemma
Community tensions flare in Kennewick over the propriety of dancing and the enforcement of social rules within the local Grange.
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Wherever young people are found there will also be found differences of opinion about dancing, and the peculiar thing about it is that no one seems to have much tolerance for the opinion of others. This community has been particularly unfortunate in having two or three splits on dancing so that a question which should be of minor importance becomes a main issue. Three or four years ago the Grange split wide open over this question, but fifteen months ago they united. Last winter, the Grange gave two or three dances which brought a storm of criticism because some rowdy dancing occurred. This year, the master and lecturer determined to avoid such criticism by mandating that entertainments where dancing is permitted should be for Grangers only or those individually invited. They also barred 'ragging and stepping' to keep the events above criticism. This rule has caused debate, and the question will be formally addressed by the membership on February 24th.
“It is due to the abuse of these dances that the high schools of Portland and the Sound have ruled out these steps in the past year, tho dancing is encouraged.”
Debates over community halls and who is 'allowed' to use them remain a constant in Kennewick's civic life. Just as the Grange struggled to balance traditional values with the social desires of younger members, modern planning boards often grapple with similar tensions regarding local venue policies.
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