CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Now celebrating its platinum anniversary, the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce recently feted more than 80 supporters at a Milagro Center celebration.

President and realtor Izzy DeLancey was among directors raising champagne glasses. “Our Chamber is as important to the community as our community is to the Chamber,” said DeLancey. “Our purpose is that collaboration. It’s notable that representatives of all our elected officials were there for the celebration. It gives us a sense of how important they feel we are to their constituents.”

Formed in 1948 by a handful of merchants, the organization has boosted business and community interests for 75 years.

While no founding members survive, several organizations stand out for more than 30 years of support. Carmichael Water District and Lind Brothers Funeral Home have 44 years and 33 years of membership respectively. Churches, senior homes and service groups boast more than 30 years.

Though the platinum fest is historic, the chamber has even deeper community roots. It morphed from the Carmichael Colony Improvement Club, formed by local settlers in 1913. Legendary farmer Mary Deterding was its first president. Her volunteers read like a local street map: the Van Alstines; the Stanleys; the MacDonnells; the Gibbons; the Boyers and the Clarks. Meetings convened in barns and homes and pioneer needs were addressed.

Getting electricity and telephones lines to the new colony took major effort and the group lobbied the American Canyon Company for reliable irrigation and household water. Road signs were another project (club members evidently had few qualms about naming streets for themselves) and founder Daniel Carmichael was cajoled to supply wood for signs and land for the first school. Through five decades, club efforts brought parks, a library and a post office to the town.

Industry mushroomed after WW II. Leaders – including Improvement Club members – formed a business organization. Their energetic new Chamber of Commerce took over representation for local interests. An early Chamber inspiration was to make Carmichael a destination; for this, directors mooted a Western theme for their main street.

Merchants eagerly embraced the idea: they strutted around town in cowboy hats and holsters. Frontier facades were erected for stores; wooden planking was laid over sidewalks; rodeos and Western dances were staged in parking lots. A 1953 “Western Days” festival brought thousands to downtown Carmichael.

Though it took off with a yee-hah, the Western concept did not lasso enduring support.

These days, a “Frontier Village” strip mall and the Western Feed Store are lonely vestiges of that quirky merchant ambition.

Where the Chamber failed at establishing a cow town destination, the Milagro restaurant complex now promotes Carmichael as a chow town. The eight-year-old culinary center, coincidentally, now houses the Chamber office.

Like any non-profit, the group has had good years and lean years. With almost 250 members and energetic leadership, the Chamber is now coming back from pandemic challenges. High-profile events like the Community Award Gala (March 30) and the Best of Carmichael poll (September) continue to garner local interest. Like their Carmichael Improvement Club ancestor, Chamber members are lobbying for town needs through the Property Business Improvement District (PBID).

‘We’re a changing community, says President Izzy DeLancey. “But Carmichael will always be Carmichael. What makes us stand out is being an unincorporated area – so our people are more involved. We all want a better community. Moving forward, we hope businesses will continue to grow and help Carmichael flourish.”

Learn about the Chamber at www.carmichaelchamber.org or call 916 481 1002.