- In 1960, Petaluma split in half and the other half became Estrellita, sadly Estrellita folded in 1985,
but they had some of the same traditions. One difference: at Installation, Estrellita's version of Friendliest
Girl award was called the "Eager Beaver" award. For more traditions, see Petaluma Assembly.
- It is tradition in our Assembly to call the new Faith "Baby Faith". The outgoing Faith buys some baby stuff
including a bottle, juice, baby food (about 5 different kinds), baby cookies, and a pacifier. Following the
Installation the outgoing Faith feeds the new Baby the food. Everyone watches in amazement and anticipation for the
look the girl will give after each bite of her "delicious" food. Usually we buy the most digusting kinds and one
decent tasting one. For some reason prunes is always on the list!
- Installations. The Worthy Associate Advisor "rewrote" a popular song and the assembly sang it to the new WA,
inserting her name and something humorous about the new WA. We had some pretty funny renditions of King Tut and
Boogie Nites. The line officers passed down their officer pins, with good wishes and advice. Faith sometimes got
a bib (that is if someone didn't lose it). To speed up the evening, everytime the new WA opened her gifts...
Gavel, Mascot, etc., the assembly counted to 10, if it wasn't opened at 10 she was supposed to give it back... we
never made her do it though. She also had to name her mascot within the count of 10. Some awards given were
Friendliest Girl, the Service trophy for most service hours and the Ritual award for the girl that did the best
work for initiation.
- Meetings. We had coin march and NO NOs. You were fined for chewing gum, saying "Guys" instead of "Girls" (the shout of "NICKEL" still rings in my ears), not wearing merit bars, forgetting your mascot, and any other transgression. At least once a year we emptied the piggy bank and used the money for Grand Assembly or the Grand Service Project.
- During refreshments, if someone was caught eating with their elbows on the table, we sang and clapped to a
lively song about keeping your elbows off the table... this is not a horse's stable... while the misguided sister
traveled around the table. The words to the Elbow song:
-
Katy Katy (whatever the girls's name is...with clapping)
Strong and able
Get YOUR elbows OFF the table
this is not a horse's stable
but a decent dining table...
(following tune: London Bridge is Falling Down)
Round the table you must go
you must go, you must go
Round the table you must go
you were naughty
naughty naughty naughty
naughty naughty naughty(After she runs around the table once we send her back the other way)
Back around the other way, other way, other way
Back around the other way
you were naughty
naughty naughty naughty
Naughty naughty naughty - Initiation. To keep the candidates busy while waiting for the ceremony to begin, we had her count the stripes
on the ugly wallpaper in the dressing room (thankfully the wallpaper was changed to flowers, then we had her count
the flowers). Also there was a slipcover on the sofa in the dressing room with a floral design, we told the girl
there was a ladybug somewhere in the design and she had to find it. Of course, there was always that pesky greased
pig or goat to think about. The new girl was given a big sister to help her learn about the assembly.
- Farewell. Hope collected quilt squares all term long that each girl embroidered, made a quilt, then presented
to the outgoing WA.
- Our Assembly name was coined by a member of one of our original sponsoring bodies, the Eastern Star Chapters
of Woodbridge and Lodi. Hence the name, Wood-Lo.
- At Installations, the outgoing Faith was responsible for making pantaloons for the new Worthy Advisor.
The Line Officer's mascots would be appliqued, painted or embroidered on the front legs, with the Worthy
Advisor’s mascot on her behind. The outgoing Faith also presented the new Faith with the Baby Necklace,
composed of many rattles, each with the name and term dates of previous Faiths, which she had to wear
for the rest of the Installation and reception. Faith was also given a Ritual cover, embossed with her
name, by the Advisory Board. The outgoing Worthy Advisor received her Rainbow Bible, embossed with her
name, from the Advisory Board. The outgoing Worthy Advisor also presented the new Worthy Advisor with a
stuffed toy of her mascot.
- Girls who had finished earning their Service bars, pot of gold & wreath still earned Service points,
which they could redeem for items from the Lindeburg catalog (100 points=$1), thanks to our Advisory Board.
Many girls worked on charm bracelets or other small jewelry items. In the past (pre-1960's), it had been
tradition to give a charm bracelet with the Rainbow emblem charm to a girl who had completed her merit bars,
and earned 500 more Service points. I'm not sure when this tradition changed.
- At Farewell (the WA's last meeting), the outgoing WA was given a memory quilt, created by Charity, with
squares embroidered (or painted) by the members, Board, her family and other good friends. It was presented
after a skit done by the members. The WA then gave a small memento (i.e. key-chains, candy, bubble necklaces,
pencils, candle) to each girl and Board member.
- Our Assembly had Ooga Booga, a secret initiation given in the middle of the night at sleepovers, or at
Grand Assembly.
- To honor the newly-elected Faith, outgoing WA, new initiates, or some other special person, after Closing
March we sing "Ain't She Sweet". Other Assemblies do this too, but Wood-Lo did it differently. We clapped the
beat while singing, but when we got to "Just passing by, in my direction, oh me oh my, ain't that perfection",
we clapped double-time. Then we sang "da-daa-da-da-dah", as we bent slightly forward and gestured with one hand
in a circling motion (think of the hand gesture some people use when saying "and so on, and so on".) before
continuing with the rest of the song, and clapping at regular time.
- We had a song, which I can only remember singing once (tune of "Beautiful Dreamer"):
-
Rainbow of promise, spanning the sky
Our lovely symbol is shining on high
Telling us ever of God's boundless love
Beautiful rainbow shining above.
Red, Orange, Yellow, Green and the Blue,
Indigo, Violet, in one blended hue.
These colorss tell us of lessons sublime
Beautiful Rainbow in Wood-Lo will shine,
Beautiful Rainbow in Wood-Lo will shine. - Closing March. After Closing March, Drill Leader leads the girls into a circle around the altar. The song
sung during that time (tune "Onward Christian Soldiers"):
-
Now the meeting's over
Night is drawing nigh
Shadows of the evening
Steal across the sky. - The first Grand Assembly in California was held in 1931, in San Francisco. The first Rainbow Assembly (San
Francisco #1) was instituted on May 23, 1924.
- Famous Former Rainbow Girl: Lee Ann Meriweather of Alturas Assembly. She was Miss America in 1955, and Grand
Color Bearer during 1955-56. She is perhaps best known for being Catwoman in the 1960's Batman TV series.
- Our state newspaper is the Pot of Gold. This was originally a monthly bulletin put out by the four Assemblies
in the city of San Francisco, but eventually became the state newspaper (by the late 1930's). It is now published
quarterly.
- California does not allow crowns. They never did, although in the 1930's, about four Assemblies did have them.
- The terms in California are four months long. Installations are generally in January, May, and September.
- California allows hoopskirts under formals for Worthy Advisors and PWA's. Some Assemblies allow smaller ones
for the Line Officers. If wearing a hoop, pantaloons MUST be worn. Dresses had to be light in color (no dark blue,
green, or metallic fabrics), but they relaxed on the dress code in the mid-90's, and we can wear emerald, indigo, royal
purple, and metallic fabric. In the late 80's/early 90's, dresses had to have an inch-thick strap. We are now allowed
to wear spaghetti straps. In the 50's, we could wear strapless dresses. We are not allowed to wear burgundy, black,
and other really dark colors.
- California has Pledge Groups.
- Merit Bars. To earn the top bar (and I believe first pin) you have to earn 150 points for EACH. Each additional
"Service" bar is 100 points, and the pot of gold and wreath are 150 points each. Service points are earned 1 per hour
worked, dollar of fundraising earned, hour of charity work given, etc. Some Assemblies wait until you've earned the
top pin AND the red bar before presenting you with them.
- Marching. We float, or glide (name depends on who you ask). Looks very impressive in a hoopskirt. Grandies are
especially good at this. Arms are held at the sides; they do not swing.
- Choir sings "Onward Christian Soldiers" when entering the Assembly room.
- Opening Bible song (tune "Love Divine"):
-
On the altar pure and white,
lies the symbol of white light.
Open now the book divine,
that it's rays on us may shine.
Holy Bible, book of faith,
may thy white light penetrate
every listening heart today;
lead us in thy righteous way.-
Book of faith we close thee now,
while in reverence we bow.
Pray thy penetrating light
will lead us safely through the night.
Holy Bible, book divine,
may your white light ever shine
through our lives that all may see,
in love and service we follow thee. - After Closing March, we wind up behind the bow. We hold hands and say the Rainbow Prayer:
-
Heavenly Father, up above,
help me live the words I love.
Help my Rainbow dreams come true
in everything I say and do.
Bless those who have faith in me
That the girl they want is the girl I'll be.
And when the sunset ends the day
Our living Rainbow will guide the way.
Amen. - In California, we sing Rainbow Dreams (after closing march, standing around the altar, while clasping hands,
arms crossed right over left in front of us) but we don't sing the complete song. Only Stockton #9, and perhaps one
other Assembly, sings the first verse.
-
(1st verse)
My Rainbow of Dreams that gladdens my heart,
makes life worthwhile to me,
it brings hope and cheer while I'm waiting here
and tells us a story of things yet to be.
(2nd verse -- the only part California sings)
My Rainbow Dreams are calling me and leading me away,
they have a magic spell that thrills and holds me day by day.
I wonder if I'll find you there, some time, some happy day,
when all my Rainbow Dreams come true, before they fade away. - Closing. Grand Officers (past & present) and Grand Adults form a circle around the altar after the other
songs are finished and sing "The Grandies Song" (tune of "Let me Call you Sweetheart"):
-
Now the meeting's over
and it's time to part.
Thank you for the memories
we'll keep in our heart.
Rainbow Girls together
always have such fun,
Help [Grand Service Project]
Each and every one. - Bow songs sung at Initiation:
-
Love -
Love is the pulse that warms us all life through
shown by the red ray of our Rainbow hue.
Love dwelling in our homes, Love for our friends,
Love which makes the rosy glow at Rainbow's end.Religion -
From the heart of God above
Comes the orange hue so bright;
And our souls would rise above
Toward Religion's gift of light.Nature -
Golden Yellow is the sunshine of each day;
Beauty grows in flowers bright and in songs gay.
In the fluttering butterfly,
in the clouds drifting through the sky,
Nature gives to each girl some of her treasures.Immortality -
In the ages long ago,
and in the future yet to be,
Green light of everlasting life
reveals Immortality.Fidelity -
Truth and faith and honor
make Fidelity,
blue light of devotion
asks our loyalty.Patriotism -
America, we hail,
thou land of patriots true;
We give our pledge to always serve
the Red, the White, the Blue.Service -
Thus all our Rainbow dreams
help us each day it seems
while on the rainbow trail for Service stands;
When violet shadows fall
Rainbow Girls hear the call.
Come, maiden, each and all, give us your hand. - The Grand Cross recipients for the year are announced at their local Assembly, shortly before Grand Assembly.
Then, at Grand Assembly, after the Grand Cross Breakfast (with runny eggs and rubbery bacon!), the degree is given
and medallions are presented. There are also Area Grand Cross Breakfasts in November, sometimes, and the work is
exemplified there.
- Grandies. All Grand Officers (Floor Officers, Grand Executive Committee, Pot of Gold staff, Representatives,
etc.) are equal in status. In California you may only be a Grandie ONCE. The only exception is Assistant Editor to
the Pot of Gold (our state newspaper). She is Assistant Editor her first year, then Editor the following year. Each
Assembly is allowed to recommend one girl per year for a Grand Office [correction: this year Boards were told they
could recommend two girls, but it wasn't encouraged]. Sometimes, twin sisters are both Grand Officers the same
year. To be eligible for recommendation, a girl has to be a PWA, 17 years of age (though they have made rare exceptions
and allowed a 16 year old), must have the Grand Cross of Color, and they are supposed to have their Proficiency pin.
They are required to wear their hair up in a bun, if long enough to do so, and then cover that bun with a hairpiece (a
small, curly wiglet that is poofy). The Supreme Deputy (I assume) is the one who makes the final decision on who gets
to be a Grandie. At Grand Assembly the Grandies all wear matching dresses. Grand Representatives are encouraged to
actually visit the Jurisdiction they represent, if able to do so. They give a report about their Grand Jurisdiction
at our Grand Assembly, often dressed in costume and props representing their jurisdictions. Besides the Floor Officers
and Representatives, we have Grandies like: Grand Honorary Drill Leader; Grand Executive Committee (GEC) and Dean of
the Grand Cross of Color; Grand Editor; Assistant Grand Editor; Grand Circulation Manager; GEC and Historian; GEC and
Lecturer; GEC and Color Bearer; GEC and California Flag Bearer, GEC and Christian Flag Bearer, GEC and Rainbow Flag
Bearer.
- The new Grand Worthy Advisor in California does not know ahead of time that she will be a Grand Officer
at all. California Rainbow does not elect her, or any other Grand Line Officer -- she is chosen by the Supreme Deputy
from recommendations by the girl's Assembly's Advisory Board. The only people besides the Supreme Deputy to know ahead
of time who the GWA will be are the girl's parents, who are discreetly phoned well ahead of time to get their permission.
- Grand Pages. Pages wear a white dress [correction: the past few years they have been wearing matching dresses
in a certain color], no hoop, and carry a basket they've decorated themselves (there's a contest for best Page basket).
There are several Grand Pages, some assigned to certain Grandies (like the GWA), and the Supreme Deputy. There is also
the Page of Sound (carries wireless microphones to and from Grandies for on-the-floor events), and Grand Pages at Large
(carrying random notes, gifts, etc. to and fro in the Grand Assembly room). Grand Pages are required to wear their hair
up in a bun, if long enough to do so, and many wear a hairpiece, like the Grand Officers. The Pages for the individual
Grandies (and SD) are usually chosen by the Grandies, but the other pages are chosen based on recommendations from their
Board, and/or their Grand Deputies.
- Grand Confidential Observer's Helpers. Assemblies that don't have a Grand Officer on the floor at the current GA
can choose one girl (a PWA, I believe) to be the Confidential Observer's Helper. They wear dresses all alike (no hoop),
and have their hair up in a bun (hairpiece optional). They check dues cards for everyone in their section, and keep
the talkers and other noisy people (eaters, chair-kickers, etc.) shushed during sessions. They usually do not sit near
their own Assembly, from what I remember.
- Grand Choir. Each Assembly can choose one girl to be in the Grand Choir. They wear dresses all alike (usually
with hoopskirts, but it depends on the size of the hall where Grand Assembly is held) and sit together in the Northeast
section of the Grand Assembly room. They are to wear their hair up in a bun, if long enough to do so, though hairpiece
is optional.
- Grand Marshals, for Grand Installation. Girls (PWA's) wear matching dresses, and their hair up in a bun. I
believe the hairpiece is optional. Like Grand Pages, they are recommended by their Assembly's Board, or their Grand
Deputy.
- Grand Mascot and Revelations. The new mascot is first revealed at Revelations, after many, sometimes misleading,
hints are given throughout Grand Sessions. California's Grand Revelations are one of a kind, I am told. The Grandies
form a circle on the floor, seated on sheets (which I believe are passed down from year to year), and one by one,
starting (alternately per year) with the last or first (alphabetically) Grand Rep., the new Grandies are announced by
the Supreme Deputy. Everyone screams as the name is called, and the honored girl rushes down to the floor to meet her
Grandie. Men are stationed along the staircases to stop the girl from racing and injuring herself. The Grandie on the
floor, meanwhile, is usually jumping up and down with excitement. Sometimes her hairpiece comes off. Once in a rare
while, the new Grandie will be so excited that, in her rush to greet and hug her Grandie, she will tackle her.
- PMA. (Positive Mental Attitude.) At Receptions, OV's, Grand Assembly, and some other events, during a lull
(between Grand Sessions, or while waiting for the Assembly to prepare their OV or Reception skit), a person or group
of people will stand up and call out to a person (example: the GWA), "Hey, Grand Worthy Advisor -- how's your PMA?"
The person being asked will rise, and clap her hands to the beat as she replies. This year (2001), the Grandies are
the Kinetic Energetic Koalas. The Grand Worthy Advisor would say, "I am so enthusiastic, I am feeling kinetically
energetic." Assemblies will do this to an Assembly across the convention hall from them, and of course it's always
fun to ask the (very hyper) Grand Choir how their PMA is.
- At Grand Assembly, most local Assemblies hang banners around the arena (or convention hall) where Grand Assembly
is held. They are made of butcher paper or sheets, usually, and tell their girls (and adults) on the Grand Floor how
much they love them, whether they're a Grand Officer or Representative, Grand Choir Member, Grand Page, Grand C.O. Helper, Grand Marshal, Grand Talent participant, or other such party.
- California Rainbow Girls do not make or trade "swaps" for Grand Assembly. Many girls don't even know what
swaps are!
- Receptions. Grandies (also MA for Grand Assembly; State Rainbow Dad; and the Mother Advisors on the GEC, who are
serving their last year on the Committee) have a reception put on by their Assembly. They follow a theme (for Grand
Reps, it could be their state's colors, flag, motto, etc.; for Grand Officers, they usually have certain icons, emblems, colors, etc. associated with their office.) Their Junior Past Grandie is present; she attends to the altar during the reception, kneeling to say a prayer. Near the end of the reception, the other Grandies perform a skit, then the Grandie
is presented with a memory quilt, with embroidered squares done by each of the Grand Officers. They form a circle around
her and sing a special song [lyrics, anyone?]. Also, their Assembly usually does a skit, and presents their Grandie with
a gift (example: china, or silver). Sometimes the Advisory Board also does a skit, presenting the Grandie with a
gift.
- Trailers. These are usually PWA's, from the Grandie's Assembly, chosen by the Grandie to "trail" them to other
Assemblies, for meetings, Official Visits, Receptions, etc. This tradition stopped in the mid-90's (I think it was a
new rule) but lately I have seen Trailers again at events, wearing the Trailer pin and/or a name badge.
- Miss Service. Each assembly votes on a Miss Service, then the girl selected writes an essay about service
and her Assembly's service activities, which is forwarded to the Area GD. The AGD then sends each essay, anonymously,
out to her GDs who judge them. The area winner is submitted to Grand Service and she, along with the SD, I believe,
judge the essays and, I believe, the record of service from each nominee, then choose the winner, plus the Service
Court members from the other two regions of the state. The state is split North, Central & South regions.
- Official Visits. The Supreme Deputy and Grand Worthy Advisor visit each district, every year, to see the girls
exemplify the ritual work. The "host" Assembly (where the meeting is located) rotates among the Assemblies in the
district. The GWA (and sometimes the SD) is given a carry-in piece when escorted, and gives a speech about the Grand
Service Project for the year. The Grandies who came to that meeting plan a skit for the GWA, usually giving her a gift
at the end of the skit. The girls in the District perform a skit, and present the GWA with the money raised by each
Assembly for the Grand Service Project. Also, signing of the Bible. The GWA has a bible that travels with her to each
Assembly, and is used on the altar for the O.V. The current Worthy Advisors in that district approach the altar with
the GWA, after the meeting is over, and sign their names on the inside. During the signing, the other Grandies sing
(tune: Pass it on):
-
It only takes a spark to get assemblies going
And soon all those around will want to keep them growing
That's how it is with Rainbow love,
once you've experienced it,
You spread it's love to everyone,
You want to pass it on.
[missing part? - verse may just be hummed]
We'll shout it from the mountaintops -
Rainbow!
We want the world to know
that Rainbow love is here to stay,
We want to pass it on. - Schools of Instruction.
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Listed below are details about the Grand Assembly of California.
California
updated on 04-04-02
Local (Assembly) Level:
Estrellita Assembly No. 212, Petaluma: (instituted 1960; closed 1985)
Lancaster Assembly No. 17, Lancaster: (instituted August 31, 1927)
Petaluma Assembly No. 6, Petaluma: (instituted September 11, 1926)
Wood-Lo Assembly No. 20, Lodi: (instituted March 15, 1930; closed 2000)
Area (District) Level:
Stockton/Lodi/Woodbridge:
Grand (State) Level:
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