In response to community surveys, Bayside Corners was incorporated as a 501(c )3 nonprofit organization in 2007 with a community-strengthening mission for the Jacoby Creek Valley, Bayside, and surrounding communities. Residents value Bayside’s historic character and natural beauty. The formation of Bayside Corners was the start of “placemaking” efforts to repair and upgrade the rundown historic buildings and beautify the surrounding property at the center of Bayside’s historic district. Through grassroots organizing, community potluck picnics, storytelling series, music events, and often serving as the fiscal agent for historic preservation and natural resource conservation projects, we aim to reduce social isolation by organizing neighbor-helping-neighbor activities and strengthen a sense of community identity, pride, and belonging.

The first several years were focused on Bayside Grange repairs and improvements. In 2017, our all-volunteer organization accepted the ownership and responsibility for the Temperance Hall, adjacent to the Grange and at the center of Bayside’s historic district. This also expanded the population we serve to include organizations throughout Humboldt seeking an affordable facility for their services and events. While reviving the Temperance Hall as a useful asset is an ambitious project requiring significant fundraising, this placemaking project is an ideal match for Bayside Corners’ mission and has become a catalyst for increasing community belonging and pride.

Our Current Project:
Temperance Hall
RePAIR & REHABIliTation

Summary 

Built in 1882 by the International Order of Good Templars, Bayside Temperance Hall has served the  community for 143 years! It has provided space for meetings, live music, worship, voting, community  dinners, lecture series, education, celebrations and special events. Many dance classes have been  offered here, including square dance, ballet and international folk dance. 

The Bayside Grange was chartered in 1932. Grangers met at the Temperance Hall until the large grange hall was built in 1942 next to the Temperance Hall. A point of pride, the Temperance Hall has been continuously owned and maintained by Bayside organizations since 1882. In 2013, the deed and legal ownership of the Hall and  property were transferred to local nonprofit, Bayside Corners. 

For 30 years, the Temperance Hall has  been used by Mistwood Educational Center, a private, nonprofit school with an extraordinary academic  program for grades K-12. After the corona virus pandemic, Bayside Corners’ board resumed quarterly meetings and has made Hall rehabilitation and site improvements its priority project. 

Local gathering  places are as important as ever to overcome social isolation and foster healthy neighborhoods. This  Bayside placemaking project to beautify and make useful a declining public space is part of a national  placemaking effort to strengthen our communities. 

The Project: Building Repair and Property Improvements 

Much work is needed to improve the Hall as a useful asset for the community. Repair and painting the  Hall exterior has already begun. The first phase of the project is to replace trenches with a stormwater  drainage system to keep water away from the building. A new foundation is the first priority. Upgrading the electrical system, bathrooms, and kitchen are next. Many other upgrades such as windows and floors are included in the phased Building Master Plan. Landscape beautification, picnic tables, and a  mini-park will complete the overall project and increase public enjoyment of this underused space.  Fundraising events, business sponsorships, pro bono professional services, and volunteer work parties, and grants for rural and historical facilities, will cover the costs to repair and restore this historic community center.  

The History 

When the Bayside Temperance Hall was originally built  In the early 19th Century, there were few alternatives to saloons and pubs for socializing. Bayside, like many western towns and logging communities, was affected by high levels of alcoholism. 

The temperance movement spread throughout the U.S. and Europe between 1800 and 1933. It helps to  understand that the extreme concern about problems caused by alcoholism to families, workplace  productivity, and the community had similarities to the impact of the current opioid crisis for many rural  communities. 

The Templars built the Hall as an alternative to saloons for families and neighbors to  gather and socialize in the newly developing community in the Jacoby Creek Valley. 

The Future: You’re Invited to Join  

• If you are experienced in construction, upgrading historic structures, or improving building  performance, we invite you to join the Building Committee (our “old crows”!) to review the  Master Plan and contractors’ proposals and to advise the board. 

• Are you good at throwing big parties? Let’s bring friends and neighbors together and show them  a good time in upcoming fundraising events. Grassroots organizers and event planners needed! 

• Are you good at financial or project management, social media & website posting, photography, research, or writing? 

• This property has been neglected. Landscape design and maintenance are needed to beautify this centerpiece of Bayside’s historic district with trees and picnic tables. 

• With the help of Cal Poly Humboldt interns, we are researching and preparing maps and markers  for Bayside Walking and Bike Tours. Help us to complete and promote this project. 

• Work on the drainage and Hall interior will be in stages. The first priority is to raise the building to retrofit the foundation.