Our History

A Brief History

Chaffey Community Republican Women

October 10, 1950 was very special in the history of the West End area - that was the charter date of the Chaffey Community Republican Women, Federated - providing leadership throughout the cities embodying the West End of San Bernardino County, known then as the Chaffey District.

The main objective of this club was and still is:  (1) To promote an informed electorate through political education; (2) To encourage active citizenship; (3) To facilitate cooperation among women’s Republican Clubs; (4) To foster loyalty to the Republican Party and to promote its ideals; and (5) To cooperate with the Republican State and San Bernardino County Party for the election of Republican candidates to office.

Mrs. Lovon Phillips of Upland, well-known volunteer and Republican Party activist during those early years, was the founding president and provided outstanding and dedicated leadership while the club continued to grow in enthusiasm and membership as well as becoming a viable influence and politically powerful organization throughout the western portion of the Inland Empire.

During the first ten to fifteen year, the Chaffey Republican Women grew in numbers until it boasted around 460 members - all giving volunteer time to further Republican party ideals and to help Republican candidates win election - although our success rate was not 100%, still all in all, no Republican office seeker would consider running without our able help.

1964 saw the dawning of a full time Republican Headquarters established by the Chaffey Republican Women - with financial cooperation pledged from other organized local Republican clubs , we were able to afford the maintenance and manning of this all year around headquarters - every year whether an election year or not.  In 1993, after 27 continuous years, Chaffey Republican Women discontinued the year-round headquarters due to increased rental and utility costs

In 1964, “The Trumpeter” was selected as the name for our informative news bulletin, which is still being published, with every-increasing readership.  Rummage Sales and Fashion Shows were regularly scheduled throughout the years to help with funding the Headquarters - Membership Teas or Coffees have always symbolized the heritage of the club and many a new member has been invited to join through this effort each year.  In addition, Luncheon Card Parties have periodically been organized to raise funds.  Also, the “Day at the Races” held at Santa Anita Turf Club was an annual “fun and fund” day enjoyed by many.

Two Inaugural Balls have been held by the club at Red Hill Country Club, celebrating the presidencies of Richard M. Nixon and Ronald Reagan.  Ike and Dick Campaign Rallies were organized and executed  and a special event featuring Governor Ronald Reagan.  We participated in a reception at the Hilton Hotel in Ontario with Presidential Candidate George Bush and his lovely wife Barbara.

One of the biggest kudos for this group was the coordination - along with an able assist from the local Young Republican Club of a speech featuring United States Senator William F. Knowland, held in the Gardiner Spring Auditorium.  This was in the era of cross-filing at the time of the June Primary in the State of California and our effort was instrumental in Senator Knowland being re-elected during the June Primary of that year.

During the year 2000, heralding the  clubs 50th birthday anniversary and the  beginning of the 21st Century, effort and volunteer assistance of club members helped elect President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney.

Members of the club performed a myriad of campaign tasks:  door-to-door precinct work and voter registration;  staffing the local Republican headquarters; telephoning precinct lists from throughout the county; preparing  

needed mailings; supporting the Bush Rally at the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds on the opening day of the annual fair; and being honored by staffing the Senior Citizen Center in Rancho Cucamonga when George W. Bush shared with the nation via television his plan for the privatization of Social Security.  Member Maggie Stewart and her granddaughter, Heather Preston Nehamen, had the thrill and distinction of introducing the then-candidate Bush.

Not to be forgotten was the outstanding National Federation Program that evolved around the theme “No Child Left Behind” - the presentation of this program led by member Maxine Curtis received commendations from the National Federation as well as the California Republican Party and the State Federation of Republican Women.  All in all, the year 2000 was very eventful for this club and it should be noted that San Bernardino County did carry the vote for our President George W. Bush.

A woman affiliated with the Chaffey Club, June Wallin, cut a wide political swath in the Republican Party politics over a period of many years:  locally -  in San Bernardino County—the eight counties of Southern California, known as Southern Division of the California Federation of Republican Women—and, as President of the California Federation of Republican Women.  Unfortunately, after a long battle with cancer, June passed away several years ago.

With the advent of the 21st Century, Kathleen Brugger, another long time active member of the Chaffey Club, has made our organization very proud because of her extensive affiliations with the Republican Party.  Kathy has been our club President, San Bernardino County President, Southern Division President, and California Federation of Republican Women.

We are indeed citizens by birth or choice of a common country – Our Free America!  Let’s continue, through the Federation of Republican Women, to encourage active citizenship and to keep our red-white-and blue flag of freedom waving over our homes, our state and our country.