The Aromas Community Grange Centennial Restoration Project

Ninety-three years ago the Aromas Grange, which was established in 1913, consolidated three lots at the corner of Rose and Bardue Street and built its 5,000 square foot facility to serve the community of Aromas. The Hall was built with old-growth redwood and fir, and is still as straight and sound as it was then. However, a later expansion of the kitchen was not built up to the original high standards and has suffered over time. 

In 2008 the roof on the Hall was redone, with the exception of the section over the kitchen. The sagging beams under that section of roof needed to be replaced before any other work could be done and the entire kitchen was overdue for an upgrade. Also, the kitchen and bathroom floors have seen heavy use and sustained water damage over the years and were rotting through. In 2010 we started planning for the Centennial Restoration Project. With the help of local businesses, especially Graniterock, charitable foundations, including the Community Foundations for Monterey County and San Benito County, and generous donations from our officers, members, and the community at large, our major remodel is complete. It was well worth the investment!

The resulting upgrades to the restrooms and our beautiful new all-stainless steel kitchen turned out better than we dreamed possible. Because of the generosity of our donors, we were also able to pour a concrete patio between the back door and shed with steps up to the barbecue and we were able to repaint the exterior of the Hall.

The Grange Hall is one of the most important facilities in our community. It serves the Aromas Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, 4H, Soccer Club, Little League, Aromas Eagles, Aromas Community Center Foundation, Aromas/San Juan Bautista Community Schools Foundation, Aromas Hills Artisans guild, A.C.E. (Aromas Cares for the Environment), Transition Aromas, Aromas Home and School Club, and the Anzar High School Boosters. In addition, the Grange regularly brings the community together with concerts, movie nights and other entertaining and enriching activities. We partner with the League of Women Voters to provide Candidate’s and Issue forums at election time and hold Town Hall meetings when various issues arise that require collaborative solutions. Thanks to all who helped with this project. The Aromas Grange Hall now stands ready to serve the community for another 100 years.