Granger in 1910: A Story Told Through Its Families

Inspired by a charming early Granger creative piece written by Nellie Bangerter Schmidt, we attempted a similar exercise using the 1910 Granger census( we are still looking for the Hunter ceusus)

By weaving the surnames of real residents into a short narrative—and placing those family names in capital letters—we created a playful story that reflects the people who made up the community at that time. Names such as BANGERTER, HARMON, BAWDON, FAIRBOURNE, GRANT, HILL, WOODBURY, and many others were part of the everyday life of the area, and this creative piece helps us see how closely connected the families of the valley were. While lighthearted in tone, it also serves as a reminder that behind every name in the census was a real family helping build the early community of Granger.

A Little News from – 1910

A traveler passing through the valley recently stopped in Granger and soon discovered that this quiet farming place was full of interesting people. At the edge of town he first met the ALDRICH family visiting with the ARNOLDS, who were busy tending their fields and raising a lively group of boys.

Not far away stood the homestead of the BANGERTERS, long known in the community for their hard work and cheerful household. Just down the road the BARTONS and BASS families could often be seen visiting across the fence while the children played nearby.

The BAWDONS were always busy with their large family, while the BESS families kept their farms in fine order. Many a story could be heard in the evenings when neighbors gathered and the BINNALLS shared news from far and near.

Along the lane lived the BREEZE family, where the children ran freely through the fields, and not far off the BURNHAMS and BUTCHERS lent a helping hand whenever work was heavy.

In another part of the settlement the DAVIES and ELDRIDGE families were raising their growing households, while the FANNERS and FAIRBOURNES worked their land and watched their orchards grow.

Granger was also well supplied with good neighbors like the many GRANT families, who were known to lend assistance wherever needed. The HARMONS were always ready to welcome visitors, and the sturdy HILLS watched over their farms from the higher ground.

Down the road the HOLMBERGS and HOGANS kept their homes in good order, while the HUNTERS were well known throughout the district. The HUDSONS, JENSENS, and LAMBERTS were often seen traveling the road to town.

The LEHMANNS and MACKAYS were long respected families, and the MADILLS, MITCHELS, and MORTENSENS were always busy with their fields and livestock.

Not far away lived the PARK families, while the PETERSONS, PODLATUS, and REICHS added to the growing settlement. Travelers might also meet the ROBINSONS or the young SATIMERS passing along the road.

Of course no community would be complete without the many SMITHS, along with the SPICERS, SOLOMONS, and the cheerful TODDS.

The WALTERS families kept a lively household, while the WARRS were known far and wide across the valley. The WILKINS families were always glad to share news, and the long-established WOODBURYS could tell many stories of the early days of Granger.

And so it was said that if a person wished to know the true spirit of the community, they only needed to spend a day among the good people of Granger—where neighbors worked together, families grew strong, and the valley was filled with familiar names and friendly faces.