Grange Marks 75th Anniversary
BY JJ DEFOREST | THE WILLITS NEWS
A local institution celebrated a milestone last week. The Little Lake Grange marked its 75th Anniversary September 12.
More than 30 people attended the informal gathering that started with a potluck and ended with a regular meeting of the Grange. Grange members shared stories from the past, inspiring laughter and a few tears.
Annie Waters of the Grange Women’s Association recounted the history of Little Lake Grange which was formed with 32 members in 1938.
After a series of temporary homes including what is now the Willits Center for the Arts and the Odd Fellows Hall, the Grange made its permanent home in the Pine Street School building in 1964. The school had sat empty since 1954 and required extensive renovation and repair prior to use.
Throughout the history of the Grange, its focus on community service included sponsoring local 4-H, forming soil conservation committees and starting a young farmer’s league.
