Fairfax Grange Chronicles · 1952
1952 – A Shaky Year (Literally)
History from the minutes of Fairfax Grange 570 and archives of the Bakersfield Californian. Previously, in Part Fourteen…
The Grange rolled into 1951 with chuck wagon dinners. They experienced a few unwanted break-ins. After 11 years, they enjoyed some much-needed cooling thanks to new evaporative coolers. They hosted dances, cleaned house, and kept community at the heart of everything they did.
January was uneventful. By February, the Junior Grangers were back to business. They were stuffing envelopes for Easter Seals and preparing for their Valentine’s party.
Then the minutes delivered this oddball:
“An argument, (hogs can not be poisoned (as reported by someone in previous meeting) by eating China berries, but died from swelling by eating the berries.”
Let’s just say no further information was offered, and your guess is as good as ours.
In March, the Juniors watched a film on the evils of tobacco and alcohol. Out near McFarland, a canal had sprung a leak, and farmers fixed it with manure. (Yes, really.) A robe and slippers were donated to a blind girl, and the 4-H Club hosted a ham dinner fundraiser.
A cleanup day was scheduled in April. The Juniors served refreshments at the General Meeting. A radio was donated to the “old ladies ward” at Kern General Hospital . Fairfax School got the go-ahead to hold their graduation at the Hall once again.
In May, the rummage sale in Edison brought in $26.23. Of that, $20.60 went toward a wheelchair donated to Kern General . The Junior Grange disbanded for the summer after sending gifts to two girls in the TB sanatorium in Keene.
At the June meeting, the Office of Civil Defense showed a film. It was titled “What to Do in Case of an Atomic Attack.”
Sometime in June, a car plowed into the Hall , damaging the south basement door. It was reported that insurance would cover the repairs.
Then came the earthquake. A big one hit in July 21, knocking over the water tank and breaking dishes throughout the basement. An even stronger aftershock hit in August, and the meeting was canceled.
In September, the Credit Union met at the Hall since the Ag Building was tied up with displaced courthouse staff. A full inspection confirmed the Hall had no major damage—but needed reinforcement braces in the basement. A motion passed to raise dues and increase dance admission to 90 cents.
November’s meeting focused on bills and income. Property taxes came to $146.40. The bracing bill totaled $141.80. Income was steady: $67.68 from the rummage sale, $21.64 from a Fuller Brush party, and $12 from the traveling basket. The annual Kiwanis dinner added $110.94 to the books. The contractor who repaired the Hall after the car accident was having trouble collecting from the insurance company. Phone calls were made, and the man got paid.
December brought a potluck Christmas party. The Pomona Grange joined in. The tree was decorated. Just as things were winding down, the County of Kern made another request. They asked for a slice of Grange land to expand Brundage Lane. Some things never change.
Grange General Meetings
We meet the first Wednesday of every month at 6 PM at the Fairfax Grange Hall, 4 Fairfax Rd . All members are welcome. If you’ve got energy, ideas, or even just a little curiosity—we’d love to have you.
And Now, a Smile From the Past
While sorting through old files, we found this gem titled “Grandma’s Receet.” It’s a homespun Kentucky grandmother’s washing instructions. They are complete with grit and wisdom. There is also a reminder to count your blessings—even after scrubbing britches in boiling water.
“Hang this above your automatic washer and when things look bleak, read it again.”
More stories are on the way. Stay tuned for Part Sixteen.