Fairfax Grange Chronicles · 1953
1953 – Mimeograph Magic & Acts of Kindness
Part 16 1953 – Mimeograph Magic & Acts of Kindness
“Select one fresh from the market…” (scroll to the end, you’ll be glad you did)
Previously in Part 15:
The year 1952 brought strong winds and even stronger Grangers. They hosted holiday potlucks, helped a blind girl and the hospital, and shook off a few earthquakes—literally. There were insurance claims, braces for the basement, and the usual fundraisers. And the Junior Grange? Still going strong.
Back to Business
With the earthquakes calmed down, 1953 opened with boots on the ground and brooms in hand. The Home Economics Committee launched a fundraiser—a clothes hamper packed with household linens. Men pruned trees and cleaned the hall. They added a light to the front porch.
Reflectors lit the basement. They bought three pitchers for the kitchen. Four brooms made the supply list. Yes, they counted.
The County came calling—again—hoping to widen Brundage Lane. The Grangers, not wanting to lose space, said, “Let’s talk.” Meanwhile, the 4-H boys got the go-ahead to use the Hall in April.
Mimeograph Magic & Acts of Kindness
February brought big technology: a mimeograph machine for $16.90. It also brought reminders of why the Grange mattered. A mother of four, sick with polio, received a food basket. A little girl at Kern General needed oranges. The Grange delivered. There was a quiet call for help from a Native American families who lost their land on Piute Mountain. Brother Vineyard gathered a stove and supplies. He sent them to the Fairgrounds.
Hamper Raffles & Easter Hams
By spring, they added butcher knives and utility tables to the kitchen. That hamper raffle finally kicked off—25 cents a ticket or five for a dollar. On Easter, the Grange delivered a ham, basket of food, and Easter eggs to a family in need.
Fairfax School once again got the green light for its June graduation. Water is always on everyone’s mind. The Grange planned a sit-down with the county supervisor. They will discuss keeping more of it in Kern County.
Summertime Slowdown
The hamper raffle brought in $90.90. In June, breakfast was served to all the dads at Bro. Wattenbarger’s ranch. The Grange also celebrated a legislative win: Governor Warren signed a bill making farm equipment license-exempt.
They finally installed a water fountain by the end of summer. They approved linoleum countertops and a drainboard for the kitchen. Booster Night landed on September 26, and Supervisor Ming was the honored guest.
Fall Fundraisers & Strawberry Cake
They stuck with the Moyniers orchestra at $16 a piece. Dances kept pulling in $30–$60 a night—still a top way to connect with the public. Fairfax showed up strong at the Delano District Meeting, bringing 16 angel food cakes and strawberries.
The Kofahls hosted Thanksgiving at the Hall—no rental fees charged. Grange family, after all.
The Year Wraps Up
December brought a few building updates. Some basement lights needed moving to fit support braces. Elections were held. Brother Crow was re-elected Master. The Grange pledged funds to Memorial Hospital. And a Sunday school class took place at the Hall.
1953 wraps up with State Assemblywoman Dorothy Donahoe became a member of the Fairfax Grange. Another sign that the Hall was more than just a building—it was a pillar of community.
Mark Your Calendar 🌟 Fairfax Grange General Meetings are the first Wednesday of each month. They start at 6 PM and are held at the Grange Hall, 4 Fairfax Rd. New members are welcome!
A Little Country Humor to Wrap Things Up Here’s a gem titled “How to Preserve a Husband” . We found it tucked in the back of a folder during Grange Hall cleanup. We couldn’t resist sharing.
