Administrative/Biographical History
Charles B. Chena and 52 charter members organized the Willowdale Grange of Fairdale, Illinois, the oldest subordinate grange in DeKalb County, on June 19, 1914. Herbert Jones, Ralph Protor, G. W. Meyer, and Bessie Strawn served as the first master, overseer, treasurer, and secretary, respectively. The group held bi-monthly meetings in the Woodman Hall until 1918 when the Upstone Hall became the meeting house for accommodating the increasing membership. As with other subordinate granges, Willowdale Grange supports various civic activities including sponsoring farm bureau presentations, health and athletic programs, harvest festivals, dramatic plays, and dances.