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Every year, Meeker high school students applying for a Freeman Fairfield scholarship are asked to write an essay about the man and his contributions to Meeker. May 9 is the anniversary of Freeman Fairfield’s birth in 1899. Fifty years ago, the community celebrated May 9 as Freeman Fairfield Day. Somewhere along the way what was supposed to be an annual celebration fell off the calendar.
Fairfield was born in Meeker to Edwin and Addie Fairfield. When he was a young man, Fairfield’s mother fell ill and died. Where some might have allowed such a loss to affect them negatively, Fairfield seems to have turned his grief to good. After graduating from Meeker schools in 1917, Fairfield attended schools in Denver and Grand Junction. In 1921 he moved to California where he went to work in the oil fields, eventually creating his own company — Oil Tool Corporation — and making his fortune.
During his lifetime, Fairfield continued to give back to his hometown: he organized plans to build Meeker a hospital, gave the town its first ambulance, donated funds to St. James Episcopal Church in memory of his parents, set up a Christmas Trust Fund for residents of the Walbridge Wing, and upon his death in 1967 established the Freeman Fairfield Charitable Trust. The interest earned on this $2 million trust fund was designated for educational, scientific, religious, charitable, literary and educational purposes. Twice a year, a board comprised of specific community members oversees the distribution of the fund for scholarships, textbooks, school trips, church repairs and equipment, new equipment for the hospital, help for the historical society and more.
After his death, the Trust helped fund the construction of the Fairfield Community Center, which opened in June 1974, and included the construction of senior apartments as well as the library and community meeting rooms. For 45 years the community center has been the venue of choice for weddings, funerals, church services, dances, fundraisers, community dinners, voting, senior meals and more. Today, the space once occupied by the library now hosts the county’s public health and human services departments.
Coincidentally, the Walbridge Wing at Pioneers Medical Center is planning a “Parent’s Day” parade for its residents on Saturday, May 9. Head up to Pioneers at 11 a.m. Saturday (barring rain or bad weather) for a drive-by parade for the residents. While you’re there, think of Freeman Fairfield and the legacy he left the community that is still benefiting its residents in very tangible ways decades later. [/responsivevoice]
By Niki Turner | [email protected]
