Fairfax Grange Chronicles · 1951
Coolers, Chuck Wagons, and Coke Thieves
Previously, in Part 13
1950 was a year of steady improvement and new beginnings. The Grange fought off-road-widening plans, rewired the hall, planted trees, and hosted their first Junior Grange dance. Coca-Cola donated a clock, PG&E raised its rates (again), and Bakersfield dodged a major flood—though the minutes barely mentioned it. As always, the Grange carried on with quiet determination and a healthy dose of community spirit.
Part Fourteen–1951,
The year started with a hot meal and a helping hand. The Home Economics Committee kicked things off with a chuck wagon dinner —served warm with a side of community pride. The Korean conflict was unfolding. The Grange organized a group trip to the blood bank . This supported the boys overseas.
In February , members got a special treat. Mr. Broadhouse rolled in a motion picture projector. He showed off the latest in irrigation pipe tech . It is a modern marvel for farmers of every kind. Still, someone reported the theft of two trees planted last year. Who steals trees?
March brought back a familiar topic: evaporative coolers . Over ten years after the hall first opened, the idea was finally “discussed.” No rush, clearly. Meanwhile, the Friant-Kern Canal project promised a future of water, but only after building lateral canals. Bro. Kofahl delivered the news with hope. On the lighter side, the Juvenile Grangers were making Easter favors for hospital patients . This activity proved once again that the kids had heart.
By April , things were heating up—literally. Unusually high temperatures pushed potato farmers into early harvest mode . More than 663 rail cars carrying potatoes were shipped over Memorial Day weekend. Back at the Grange, progress arrived. They finally installed evaporative coolers. Sister Kofahl even stitched and hung new basement curtains , giving the place a fresh look.
May’s meeting featured a documentary on Mount Whitney —brought to you by none other than Standard Oil . We booked the summer picnic for June 30th at Jastro Park. The kids were heading out for a Junior Grange bowling party.
Then came more trouble. Someone broke into the Grange again. This time, “some Cokes” were stolen and, worse, “unpleasant tracks” were left behind . Not exactly a great calling card.
The big news? The Friant-Kern Canal was about to open. Organizers encouraged members to attend the celebration—it was a milestone moment for valley farming.
Dances kept rolling, pulling in $18 to $40 a month . Not a fortune, but enough to keep the lights on and the band playing. Rosedale Grange invited everyone to a picnic in August . The organizers scheduled a clean-up day for September 30 to keep the hall looking sharp.
In October , members voted on the State Grange tax —it passed. A resolution to extend the State Convention from four to five days ? Shot down with a swift “no thanks.”
The fall brought hot dogs and holiday plans . The Junior Grange threw a weenie roast . The adults got to work planning the annual December dinner . This event raised money for charity. The Grange also hosted the Kiwanis Christmas dinner again, netting $158.18 —not bad for a night of turkey and trimmings.
As the year wrapped up, elections named Brother Crow as the next Grange Master . Brother Hollett stepped in as Overseer. The Credit Union booked the hall for their January meeting. Another year, another chapter in the Fairfax Grange story.
What’s Next?
The Grange had cooler air, warmer dinners, and kids who can bowl and roast a mean hot dog. But 1952 was waiting just around the corner. What challenges would rise? Would the trees stay planted this time? And how would the Grange keep growing?
Stay tuned for Part Fifteen.