He authored his book, The Danville Grange, including parts of the original history written by Charlotte Wood and Inez Butz, a secretary of the Grange.  His book included many pages from Beverly Lane, Don Wood (Charles Wood being the first Worthy Master), Irma Dotson and many others from our Society who shared stories and photographs, published in 2001.  My favorite photo is of Miss Lottie (Charlotte Wood) receiving a diamond pin in the “new” 1953  Grange on Diablo Road, after 75 years of membership in the original Grange, now known as the Village Theatre.  The (abbreviated) purpose of the Granges was “to educate and elevate the American Farmer…the home, the family and farm…created to dissolve the numbing sense of aloneness among our rural people.”

Ross’s knowledge and stories will keep you remembering all of the innovations that shaped our valley—generated by our rural community! 

Karen Stepper, Speaker Committee

Join us Thursday May 21st, 7:00pm, at the Black Bear Diner in Danville! Dinner tickets are $25.00 per person.

Dinners may be purchased online via the blue button above, by mail in advance, or in person at the door. Please let us know you are coming at reservations@srvhistoricalsociety.org to help the kitchen prepare.  We look forward to seeing you!

At our last meeting:

“80 Years of Central San”

This summer Central San will celebrate its 80th Anniversary!  Our thanks to Ben Lavender, Community Affairs Representative for Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, for presenting a thorough history of its development from a start to meet pressing needs of a population expanding beyond a rural community into the state of the art operation now serving our local homes and businesses.

A look behind the scenes will be offered in person on Saturday June 13th when Central San will host an 80th Anniversary Open House on site with tours and festive activities. The community is invited to attend and help celebrate! You may click here for further information, sounds fun and informative for all ages!

The San Ramon Valley Historical Society meets at 7 pm on the third Thursday of the months of January, March, May, September, and November, at the Black Bear Diner in Danville.  Dinner and program tickets are $25.00 per person

Reservations are encouraged so the restaurant knows how many guests to prepare to serve. Please reserve in advance, by email at:

Reservations@srvhistoricalsociety.org

Or by post at:

San Ramon Valley Historical Society, P. O. Box 521, Danville, CA 94526

We look forward to seeing you!