Early day community groups thriving

Beginning in the 1880s through the 1920s, the Elk-Camden-Chattaroy area of northernmost Spokane County was a thriving lumber community. (Chattaroy was known as Kidd in the early years) The Great Northern Railroad built its lines through the territory and settlers came from all directions.

The lumber mills and railroads are long gone. Their demise caused many hardships and much poverty to the rural communities, but the people never lost their spirit of fellowship, and that is still evident today. For those of you who are new to the area or the long-timers who would like to renew old friendships, there are still several organizations in which you may be interested.

Camden Grange

The Camden Grange was founded in 1918 with 33 original members. Jean Hansen, a 50-year member, recalls the excitement of the Grange dances with the highlight of the evening being she and Elma Peterson serving their homemade pies.

The Grange is still used today for various community meetings, auctions, receptions, parties and other gatherings. It is currently hosting the meetings for the new fire station project. The hall and kitchen may be rented by calling 292-2569. The Grange meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. and new members are always welcome.

The Grange is on Elk-Camden Road just north of downtown Elk. The Grange lies in the 22-square-mile strip of Elk that is in Pend Oreille County.

Inland Grange

The Inland Grange was built in 1921 and, like Camden Grange, hosted many community events over the years. It closed down for a few years but was reactivated in 1998. It is home to four 4-H Clubs, a Boy Scout Troop and a clothing bank. Grange member Kathy Olmstead reports they are pursuing the possibility of opening a SCOPE office in the building.

Currently, volunteers are working on adding new siding to the building. The dining area, kitchen and/or the main hall are rentable by calling 292-9663.

Inland Grange meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m., and everyone is welcome. The Grange is at Nelson and Conklin in Elk.

Elk-Chattaroy Social Seniors

According to Jean Martin, she and April Ogden, Doreen McBride and Barbara Evenson founded the Elk-Chattaroy Social Seniors in 1996. They meet monthly on the second Wednesdays at 1 p.m. for potluck luncheons at Chattaroy Church on Chattaroy Road. They offer a variety of activities, including musical entertainment, bingo and speakers. Some speakers share historical information and others bring educational information to the group.

The seniors like having the time to socialize and love to meet new friends. Everyone is welcome, and they will arrange for rides. Call 238-4496 for information.

Elk Ladies Homemakers

The Elk Ladies Homemakers was founded in 1965 through the Spokane County Extension service. They met at members’ homes at first, then the fire station and later at Inland Grange. They are no longer affiliated with the County Extension and have met over the past five years at the Elk Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in the veterans activity room.

They have luncheons, share homemaking tips and household information. Longtime member Dorothy Wright reports the members do several community service projects, including adopting a Christmas family from the Teddy Bear Tree, make donations to needy causes and contribute to the Riverside Scholarship Fund. New members are always welcome on the second Wednesday of each month at noon. For more information, call 292-2638.

Look for information about more Elk-Chattaroy-area organizations in the May 8 edition of the North Side Voice.