California Grange #85, Contra Costa County, Patrons of Husbandry

Our Speaker will be Ross Smith, Worthy Master of the California Grange #85 in Danville. Ross is a long-time member of our historical society, a former fireman and director of the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, Navy veteran, Antarctic explorer, professional geologist, and former president of the Museum of San Ramon Valley.

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

DINNER PROGRAM DETAILS

• Address: Black Bear Diner; 807 Camino Ramon, Danville CA 94526

• Date: Thursday, May 21st

• Time: 7:00pm

• Cost: $25 per person

Advanced reservations are encouraged. To reserve your spot, please email us at [email protected] to let us know you’re coming.

Click here to purchase dinner tickets, or visit www.srvhistoricalsociety.org and click the “Buy Dinner Tickets” button. Alternately, you can mail payment to the address at the bottom of this email or pay at the door.

At Our Last Dinner Program: 80 Years of Central San 

Our thanks to Ben Lavender, Community Affairs Representative for Central Contra Costa
Sanitary District, for a thorough telling of the instigation, growth and development of the
present day waste water treatment and recycling systems that currently serve our valley. The many changes over the last 80 years were well illustrated with maps and photos during construction and expansions. We are reminded of the many partnerships which have collaborated to the benefit of the San Ramon Valley. Central San was an instrumental participant in the establishment of the Iron Horse Trail. Its investment in the installation of 21 miles of pipe along the right-of-way provided needed enhancement to systems with financial support a contributing factor. Marked with many specially designed access covers, the pipeline is walk and bike-able through our local area, passing by the Museum of the San Ramon Valley! An informative interactive Go with the Flow map is available at centralsan.org/go-with-the-flow.

AND

An invitation to Central San’s 80th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday June 13th
was extended to all! Tours, demonstrations, activities and fun for all ages are planned.
Information is available at centralsan.org/central-san-80th-open-house

In Memoriam

We have learned of the passing of a member,

We will miss him

William (Bill) Soto

October 16, 1922 - June 23, 2024

Memorial Gifts

Honor someone special with a memorial gift. When you make a contribution, the name of the person you wish to honor will be added to our Book of Memory, housed at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley, along with your name.

As a nonprofit organization, all contributions are tax deductible (please consult your tax advisor for details).

You may make your gift online at srvhistoricalsociety.org or by mailing a check to San Ramon Valley Historical Society, P.O. Box 521, Danville, CA 94526

If you would like to include specific details with your gift, please provide:

• The purpose of your contribution (e.g., in memory, in honor, appreciation, or other)

• The occasion (if applicable)

• The name(s) of the person(s) being honored

• Donor name(s)

• A contact name and address for notification (if you would like someone informed of your gift)

For questions or to submit details electronically, please contact us at [email protected]

San Ramon Valley Historical Society Board of Directors 2026

• Christian Wiedemann — President

• Lou Plummer — Vice President

• Jerry Warren — Secretary

• Frances Lloyd — Treasurer

• Bill Clarkson

• Lee Halverson

• Jean Mello

• Karen Stepper

Speaker Committee

• Lee Halverson

• Karen Stepper

Newsletter Committee

• Frances Lloyd

We’re always looking for feedback and new ideas from our members

Please email us at [email protected] with ideas for dinner speakers you’d like to hear from, local history topics you want to learn more about, suggestions for new commemorative plaques or online content, or anything else that’s on your mind.