Some would say that recreation dates back to Lord Charles Fairfax, whose extensive property became the site of the Marin Town and Country Club in Fairfax. Over the decades, recreation would become synonymous with the town of Fairfax. From 1910 to 1919, real estate began to develop in Fairfax. The Funicular Railroad opened in 1913 and the Northwestern Pacific Railroad added 12 extra cars to accommodate the large crowds who had started riding the train to Fairfax from San Francisco to picnic in the fresh country air.
The Fairfax Pavilion — a centrally located property — was the vision of the “Fairfax Volunteer Fire Boys.” They bought 14 acres for $36,500 and sold a portion of land to the school district for $9,000. With a capacity for 2,000 people, the building was completed in 1921 and dedicated on May 28 with the St. Vincent’s Orphanage Band performing for the special occasion. After Fairfax was incorporated in 1931, the volunteer fire department deeded the building and land to the city.
Many different types of entertainment have been enjoyed in this unique building. Flappers graced the floor with the Charleston in the 1920s; vaudeville and cabaret groups raised money for Marin County’s unemployed during the Great Depression in the 1930s. Nelson Eddy made his debut in 1934, opening the Marin Music Chest’s season. Another generation raced on roller skates to big band tunes in the 1940s. Music, dancing and sporting events were popular in the 1950s, in addition to hosting the Policeman’s Ball in March 1954. Entertainment from the 1950s to ’70s also included a boxing ring and pool tables.
As the threat of World War II approached, music and dancing died out and the Pavilion sat empty on Saturday nights. After the war, a new long-range plan was needed for the life of the Pavilion and residents. The Fairfax Youth Activities Council — which included youth members — was incorporated in 1953 and established a sports program with money raised from a carnival along with free rent. The collaboration of parents and adults working with kids was one of the most important features of the Pavilion’s revitalization. The town was “all in” when it came to supporting the programs, including the participants. Boys in the boxing classes would put on fundraiser shows. Throughout the decades, repairs and enhancements were made possible by the volunteer fire department, Lions Club, women’s clubs along with the City Council and recreation commission.
When the San Francisco music scene exploded beginning in the 1960s, the Pavilion hosted acts that are now part of American history. The Styx and Knight Riders performed in the summer of 1966 for the price of $2. High-profile performers included Janis Joplin with Big Brother and the Holding Company, Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead. Fairfax acquired a unique reputation as “a center for grooviness,” with amazing musicians performing all over town and attracting large crowds. On Aug. 22, 1981, the Jerry Garcia Band played with the show billed as Jerry Garcia’s “birthday benefit” for the Fairfax School District. It featured lots of balloons and cake was served to everyone.
More recently, the Pavilion houses the offices for the Fairfax Recreation and Community Services Department, the artist-in-residence studio, the Fairfax Theatre Company, festivals and many celebrations. After more than 100 years, the town of Fairfax still considers this special building “the heart of their town” just as it was for all those generations who made and experienced history.
(Originally published as History Watch article in the Marin Independent Journal)