Community Corner
Murrieta's Rich History Comes To Life With Eagle Scout Project
"Few people appreciate the positive impact that scouting has on local communities," said Jimmy Aanderud's father, Jim.
MURRIETA, CA — People living on the west side of Murrieta near Old Town know about two distinct landmarks, but now locals and visitors alike can learn the historical significance of these community treasures thanks to an Eagle Scout project.
Working with the Murrieta Historical Society, Troop 318's Jimmy Aanderud created large interpretive signs that provide photos and facts about the two destinations.
The first sign now stands next to the ruins of the second Murrieta Grammar School, which operated from 1920 to 1956 near the intersection of Second Avenue and B Street. The sign tells how the campus served as both a school and a community center, and how it had replaced the first Murrieta Grammar School that was built on the site in 1885. Read more about the history of the Murrieta Grammar School here.
The scout's second sign stands at the long-abandoned Murrieta Valley Grain Elevator at Clay and A streets. The mammoth structure is one of the city’s most notable landmarks. The new sign details the mill's history, which spanned 1918 to 1975. Read more about the history of the Murrieta Valley Grain Elevator here.
The Murrieta Historical Society provided photos and research for the project. The information was enhanced with details from Homer Rail, who provided first-hand knowledge of the grain elevator. The city of Murrieta approved the project, and sites were chosen for the installations. Finally, on Nov. 19, Jimmy and his father, Jim Aanderud, along with a team of volunteers, installed the signs.
"Few people appreciate the positive impact that scouting has on local communities," said Jim, who also serves as Troop 318's Scoutmaster. "Even though it is most often associated with outdoor activities, fundraising and holiday parades, the organization places a significant emphasis on volunteering. In fact, each of the six ranks in scouting requires community service. Whether it’s volunteering at a thrift store, helping out at a senior center, improving hiking trails, or performing services for local schools and churches, each scout commits a substantial number of hours serving their community."
Jim said one of scouting’s most underappreciated contributions is through Eagle projects like his son's. The projects must benefit an organization other than the Boy Scouts of America.
"This is often the last step before earning the rank of Eagle Scout," the proud father said.
Few people are aware of the existence of Eagle Scout projects.
"Whether they’re memorials, benches, signs, playgrounds, gazebos or flagpoles, they can be found scattered throughout our communities," Jim said. "In fact, from 2018 to 2020, nearly 90 projects were completed each year in the Tahquitz District, which encompasses Murrieta, Temecula, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar and Menifee.
"So, the next time you find yourself sitting on a bench at the Santa Rose Plateau, or admiring a memorial in front of a fire station, appreciate the fact that an Eagle Scout spent a lot of time and effort making it happen," the elder Aanderud added.
