By Courtney Oldwyn
Journal Reporter
The San Juan Island Grange Hall at the top of second street has one of the best views in town. The original windows in this 125 year old hall look out over the Friday Harbor Marina, the ferry landing and across to Orcas Island.
Grange members are planning to take advantage of their view and build a 700 square-foot deck off the back of the historical building.
Fund raising and planning for the deck has been in the works for the past three years and the executive committee is more than half way to their goal of $60,000.
“We raised $1,200 selling homemade pie slices at the Fall Farm Festival last year, alone,” said Roger Ellison, Grange overseer. “We’ve sold jam made by grange members and San Juan Seed Company seed packets and had a few private donations.”
The majority of the funds will go toward decking materials as most of the labor will hopefully be done by volunteers and grange members, according to Boyd Pratt, Grange master. The deck will attach to the water view back side of the building and will tie into the existing kitchen and main hall area via new french doors. “The deck will have concrete pavers on it so we envision crab cookers, maybe a pizza oven. Hopefully it will generate more income,” adds Ellison.
“The deck is a continuation of the grange mission,” said Pratt. “The reason for the deck is not only this amazing view, but to make the hall more marketable and to help support ourselves financially.”
The grange hall was originally built in 1880 as a Methodist Episcopal church and some of the original wood work and foundation still exist. Grange executive committee member Steve Porten pointed out an original hand hewn wood beam that spans the entire length of the back of the building.
In the 1920s the hall was bought by the Women’s Study Club before being sold to the San Juan Island Grange in the 50s. Since then it’s seen numerous island events including birthdays, funerals, weddings, fund raisers, public programs and dances.
“Musicians especially love it because of the great acoustics,” said Malcolm Suttles, grange member. “And it’s great for dancing because of the old wood floors.”
“We’re hoping to have the deck finished, fingers crossed, by the fourth of July,” said Pratt. “It’ll be a great spot to watch the fireworks.”
To donate to the San Juan Island Grange Hall deck fund or to purchase San Juan Seed Company seeds contact Roger Ellison at 378-6632.
