Keeping the Lights On

By Moira Jacobs

The Bennett Valley Grange has a long, rich history of grassroots community action and advocacy for the unique rural needs of our valley. For decades, residents have worked to preserve our open spaces, protect our environment, and support our community’s well-being. Recently, our focus has included programs highlighting necessary PG&E infrastructure improvements, presentations on maintaining our shared aquifer and wells, emergency preparedness sessions, wildfire mitigation discussions, and candidate and initiative forums. We also have several exciting new programs on the horizon, and we always welcome community input on future initiatives!

These programs thrive thanks to the dedication of our members and volunteers and the careful upkeep of our historic Grange building.

Preserving Our Historic Hall

In 2023, we established a Building Preservation Advisory Council (BPAC), led by longtime resident Robert Thompson and featuring renowned historic preservationist Paul Hastings and Moody Construction. Through their generous pro-bono guidance, we identified key priorities for preserving our treasured hall. At the top of our list was a complete electrical system upgrade, and we’re now developing fundraising and planning strategies for future improvements.

Our Grange was first wired in 1926, with some original knob-and-tube wiring still powering lights and outlets. We found cloth wiring from the 1930s, Romex from the 1960s, and ungrounded outlets throughout, along with a main panel needing major safety upgrades. After obtaining multiple bids, we selected JT Electronics of Santa Rosa for the project. Thanks to a $10,000 PG&E Better Together grant, we were able to cover nearly the entire $11,600 cost of this electrical overhaul, completed in July 2024. Upgrades included replacing lighting in the kitchen, dining room, and storage areas with energy-efficient LED bulbs.

BPAC also advised roof repairs, the trimming of dangerously close trees, and a full exterior paint job within 2–3 years. Additionally, we’re tackling repairs from unwelcome visitors—woodpeckers have made holes in hard-to-reach spots around the building.

Ongoing Preservation Needs

While our electrical upgrades are a significant milestone, much remains to be done. Future projects include a full building repaint, HVAC repairs, a gas stove replacement, new roofing, drainage improvements, restroom updates, kitchen renovations, and eventually a septic rebuild. We estimate the ongoing maintenance alone will require at least $100,000, with a septic overhaul representing a considerably larger financial undertaking.

Our Grange is America’s oldest continuously used Grange building, and it holds cherished memories for generations of Bennett Valley residents. Preserving it for future generations as a community center will require ongoing care and investment. We invite you to support our Grange through a financial donation, details of which are below.

How You Can Support the Grange

Beyond financial contributions, there are many ways to help preserve our Grange. Consider becoming a voting member or volunteering at our events, such as the annual BBQ held on the first Sunday in June. Attending events also provides crucial support. These are great ways to give back to your community, connect with neighbors, and deepen your involvement in Bennett Valley.

For any questions or to get involved, please reach out to me at moiraajacobs@comcast.net or (415) 367-5957.

Thank you for your continued support! The Grange will only stand for another 150 years with the dedication of each generation of Bennett Valley citizens.

Moira Jacobs
President
Bennett Valley Grange #16

How to Donate:

Donations to our Building Preservation Fund can be made by check to “California State Grange Foundation” (a 501(c)(3)) with a note specifying “Bennett Valley Grange Building Fund.” Please also notify me at moiraajacobs@comcast.net or (415) 367-5957 to ensure proper follow-up.

Mailing Address:
California State Grange Foundation
3830 U Street
Sacramento, CA 95817

For more information, visit https://cagrangefoundation.org/Donate_Funds.html.