Fairfax Grange Chronicles · 1950
Part Thirteen ~ Progress and a Parade
1950
January rolled in, and with it, a rummage sale . It was time to clear out the unnecessary and bring in a little cash—something the Grange excelled at. The Richardson water system was now officially servicing the hall, marking a step toward modern convenience.
But just as the hall was settling in, the County decided Brundage Lane needed widening . Their proposal? Take 40 feet of Grange property . The Fairfax Grangers weren’t having it. A delegation marched down to the courthouse, voices raised, concerns aired , determined to protect what was theirs.
By February , the Ladies of the Grange had a mission: a new floor covering for the restrooms . The motion passed with little fuss. Leadership knew how important it was to keep the Home Economic Committee happy. Meanwhile, the County’s land grab was growing. Now, they wanted 120 feet . The Grange dug in—literally. They planted two rows of trees behind the hall . A quiet but firm statement: We’re staying put.
March came with hard luck. Master Ester was out —a tractor accident had sidelined him. Brother Kenworthy had been in a car wreck . But the Grange carried on. The Junior Grangers planted 22 trees , proving the next generation was ready to grow—literally and figuratively.
Brother Kofahl, ever the politician, was busy. He proposed a bill to Congress to increase the cotton allotment and delivered a report on the California Water Project . The Grange also voted to oppose moving the women’s prison from Tehachapi . PG&E slipped in a 6% rate increase while nobody was looking.
By April , Kofahl’s bill had passed—except in Kern County . They noted the injustice with frustration, but there was no time to dwell. The Fontana Grange sent an invitation to their hall dedication . The Grange voted to send groceries to a struggling member.
And then, the County came back. They didn’t need 120 feet anymore. Now they wanted 30. The negotiation dance continued. But the real highlight? The Brothers of the Grange modeled Easter hats. One can only imagine the scene. A group of serious-faced farmers tipped their bonnets. They showed off their Easter hats across our glorious stage for a laugh.
May brought unexpected gifts. Coca-Cola donated a clock , a flashy addition to the hall. Fairfax School booked the hall for another graduation. And as Granges kept popping up across the state, invitations to Ojai’s hall dedication arrived.
The summer was all about progress . Brothers Crow and Kofahl rewired the entire hall. The Junior Grangers prepared for their first dance in August . September approached, and they planned their annual picnic at Hart Park . They also organized a booster meeting featuring speaker Sheriff Johnny Loustalot .
As the year wrapped up, the Junior Grangers rode proudly in the Christmas Parade . Their group had grown into a genuine force , a promising future for the Grange.
Strangely, what wasn’t in the minutes was the devastating flood of November 1950 . Nineteen and a half inches of rain fell in Kernville, melting two feet of snow . The Isabella Dam was still under construction . Meanwhile, the Kern River raged through the canyon at 30,000 cubic feet per second . Farmers frantically salvaged their cotton and grain harvests. Officials warned Stockdale and Rosedale residents to evacuate to higher ground. Yet in the Grange minutes? Not a word.
What’s Next?
With power struggles, land disputes, and a growing youth movement, the Fairfax Grange had made it through another year. But what would 1951 bring? Would the Grange continue to grow? Would the County finally stop asking for land? And most importantly— would the Brothers continue their Easter hat tradition? Stay tuned for Part Fourteen .