Fairfax Grange Chronicles · 1945
Keeping the Home Fires Burning
Previously, in Part 7
In 1944, the Fairfax Grange hit a milestone. They paid off the hall loan. They celebrated by throwing one heck of a mortgage-burning party. They raised money through dances, served free dinners to war bond buyers, and gave back to the community. Their reward? A debt-free hall, a growing membership, and a reputation for doing what needed to be done. (Read the full story here: https://wordpress.com/post/fairfaxgrange570.wordpress.com/325 )
Part Eight – Keeping the Home Fires Burning
“It’s not whether you have the money. It’s whether you have the right habits.” — Charlie Munger
1945 opened with a report that says everything about the Fairfax Grange spirit. The Home Economics Club raised $25 for war bonds. They scraped together dimes—one hot plate of food or slice of pie at a time. The women worked in that basement kitchen until the paint started peeling. The water eventually ran cold. The floors groaned in protest. But they kept at it.
Dinners and dances brought in good money—over $100 a night—enough to make the orchestra’s pay raise worth every penny. On January 27, they planned a dinner for 100 mail carriers at $1.50 a plate. You can bet the food was good, too. Fairfax Grange dinners didn’t mess around.
Meanwhile, someone had the bright idea of renting a bus for a blood drive. Twenty folks loaded up at 7 a.m. sharp, headed for North Hollywood, all set to donate. It turns out that only 17 qualified. The other three got a free bus ride, a hot story, and maybe a bag of peanuts for their trouble.
But life wasn’t all dances and dinners. The war cast its shadow over everything. At home, Bro. and Sis. Clerico’s daughter suffered terrible burns. Treatments were expensive, and the board saw a growing need for a hospital insurance plan . After the success of their Credit Union , why not help members in other ways?
By February, Fairfax Grange voted to install new linoleum in the dining area. Before they lay it, they painted the basement walls, brightening up that hardworking space.
Now, the police force wanted to rent the hall, but they didn’t want dinner served. The Grange had already voted: “ Dinner or no deal .” Rules are rules. You get the sense they wished they’ve bent that one.
The Home Economics Committee , though, had had enough. Working in a hot basement while everyone else danced upstairs? It wasn’t fair. They asked for a cooler to be installed and a bigger water heater to clean up after the crowds. The board agreed—grudgingly, I suspect, because nobody argued with those ladies.
Then came the hard news. Bro. Spalinger ’s son Don , and Dwayne Mears , were killed in action. Their loss hit home. Yet the Fairfax Grange pressed on, hosting a 7th War Bond Drive . Bro. Kenworthy led the charge, buying a $500 bond. Another blood drive followed in April. At home, they did their part.
By March, improvements continued. Brother Wattenbarger donated a 40-gallon water heater. New lights and kitchen stools arrived. They poured concrete ramps for the south and east entrances. Cost: $119. With every improvement, they realized they had more to protect. A few broken windows occurred. Brother Shelton secured $7,500 in building insurance for only $120. It was a deal so good it would make today’s insurance agents weep.
Of course, not everyone respected the rules. The Native Daughters asked to host a beer party. The minutes recorded a hard “No.” They then asked for a dinner and dance. The “No” that followed was even louder. “No liquor in the hall!” The Grange held firm.
By summer, the war began winding down. Bro. Abel , a past Master, returned home from Europe. He shared stories of his service with the members. It was a quiet homecoming, but a grateful one.
After VJ Day , things calmed. Blood banks stopped asking for donations except for Type O. The Grange refocused on its bread and butter—dances and dinners. They scheduled dinner dances on the 1st Saturday of each month and dances only on the 3rd Saturday.
Winter arrived, and the Grange held its Christmas Party. There were no grand events, no fanfare. Just quiet joy, shared meals, and a hope that the world would find the peace it deserved.
What’s Next?
The war was over, but the work had only begun. What would Fairfax Grange build, repair, or dream of next? Stay tuned—the story of the Grange continues.