USA > New York > Steuben County > A history of Steuben County, New York, and its people, Vol. I > Part 42
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In states where granges are most numerous, they have been a potent factor in improving the condition of the farmer and his family. The saving in money, by combining orders and purchasing for cash; encouraging the practice of selling direct to the consumer and buying from the manufacturer; the combining of granges in one or more counties to form mutual fire relief associations-all have aided in improving the financial condition of the members of the order. But greater and more lasting benefits have been derived from the discussion and practice of improved methods of farming, dairying and stockraising; the establishment of grange libraries, reading and lecture circles, and the great prominence given to genu- ine and useful educational work.
Comparatively early in the history of the order the granges in several of the states of the middle west, notably Illinois and Wis- consin, undertook to control railways, elevators and other public utilities through the legislatures of those states; but the right to make such regulation was resisted. Litigation resulted, which final- ly reached the supreme court of the United States and were known as the "Granger cases." Six in number, they are reported in volume 94, U. S. Supreme Court Reports. Because they grew out of certain state statutes regulating grain elevator tolls, and the charges of warehousemen and common carriers, this court sus- tained the constitutionality of these statutes, affirming the com- mon-law doctrine that when private property is devoted to a pub- lic use, it is subject to public regulation, and that this right is not affected by the fourteenth amendment to the constitution of the United States, which ordains that "no state shall deprive any person of life, liberty or property without due process of law." The founders made it a part of its fundamental law that the or- der should not meddle with political questions. Agriculturists of all political parties and religious creeds, or of none, are equally welcome to the order, but they must not bring into it discussions of partisan politics, sectarian or party measures or doctrines, un- der penalty of expulsion.
Though the National Grange was formed first, the subordi- nate grange is really the unit of the organization, and must con- sist of not less than fifteen members, of whom not less than four must be women-thus recognizing the female contention for rep-
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HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY
resentation. A complete grange must have thirteen officers, viz., master, overseer, lecturer, steward, assistant steward, chaplain, treasurer, secretary and gate keeper (may be all men) ; and Ceres, Pomona, Flora and lady assistant steward (must be all women). These have their appropriate insignia of office, and their well-de- fined duties. There is also an executive committee of three per- sons, and frequently an organist and librarian. Subordinate granges confer four degrees. All business meetings are held in the four degrees. The meetings of the subordinate granges are held monthly, or oftener, and may hear and determine upon such measures as shall promote its interests and those of its members.
Pomona Granges are district, or county organizations, com- posed of masters and past-masters of subordinate granges and their wives who are members, with all other four degree members in good standing who are recommended by subordinate granges in the county or district for the fifth degree. The Pomona Grange is a fifth degree grange, although its business, aside from degree work, is done in the fourth degree.
State granges are composed of masters of subordinate granges and their wives who are members of subordinate granges. It is provided that when these become so numerous as to render the body too large, delegates shall be selected to represent the whole body, upon such a basis as the grange may decide. The sixth de- gree belongs to the state grange, though it may confer the fifth degree at its pleasure.
The National Grange is the highest in authority and the laws and ordinances enacted by the state, Pomona and subordinate granges must not conflict in any way with those enacted by this body. The National Grange confers the sixth and seventh degrees. The state and national granges meet annually and their officers are the same as those of the subordinate grange. The officers of the subordinate grange are elected for one year; those of the state and national granges for two years.
In Steuben county there are thirty-two granges; there are thirty-two towns in the county and granges are organized in all of them but three. Some towns have two and three. Grange meetings are held in each twice a month. The total membership in the county is now over three thousand. All the granges are in a flourishing condition, and many of them have halls of their own, with retiring rooms, well furnished and carpeted, and good libraries. The total value of grange property is estimated at $25,000.
The grangers represent the best of the farming and all other interests and business, and their membership is made up of live, progressive farmers, vineyardists, stock-raisers, dairymen and all other honest and industrious persons, with their families, who are studying and working to improve the farming and allied business and occupations, as well as all of the surrounding conditions and influences. As an uplift among farmers, this organization which was started in this eounty in 1873, nearly forty years ago, has been more effective than all of the commissions the government could appoint, or the alleged agricultural sehools that the state ean support. It has brought together the best workers of all kinds and their families for sociability and mutual improvement, and
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HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY
not only made better farmers and dairymen, but happier and more cultivated homes. There the intelligent and reliable neighbor and member can eonvinee his fellows why given soils will produce the best adapted grain, give the reason why, and, if necessary, produce an exhibit to sustain his position. He can tell his listeners the kind of potatoes best for marketing, and the variety best suited for home consumption, with demonstrated reasons, why tobacco, more than cabbage, exhausts the soil; which is the more profitable for the farmer, stoek-raiser or dairyman-the Jersey, the Holstein, Dutch belted cattle or the Texas long-horn; why superior for the farm is the Percheron, Clydesdale or Morgan to the beautiful Ara- bian horse; which is preferable to raise and propagate of sheep, the Cotswold or the Merino, and why; and the difference be- tween the Berkshire swine and the razor-baek hog. These men know what they are talking about and their neighbors have confidence in their integrity, their intelligence and their experience.
At the grange meetings are the wives and daughters, who, like the husbands and sons, are also members. They possess knowl- edge, godliness (cleanliness) and kindness. They are the queens of the household; adepts in the domestic arts and sciences; past- mistresses in butter and cheese-making, fruit preserving, vegetable cooking and bread-making. They are the true aristocracy. So- cially, they are entitled to the right-of-way. They may not be club-women, with their surface polish; but they are far more- they are useful, true-hearted women. The grangers of both sexes go home from their meetings satisfied that they have learned some- thing reliable, derived from actual knowledge and experience; not evanescent, sweetened fog, from a silver spoon.
The leading agricultural college sends its learned professors out among the grangers to tell them how to be successful farmers, dairy maids, farmers' wives and fruit growers. In the vicinity of this deliverance large posters and handbills are circulated and exposed, announcing, at a stated time and place, that Professor Ken-tel-a-big-lie, of a famous state School of Agriculture, will teach practical hardworking farmers how best to get the most out of nothing. Of course a large and attentive audience is on hand patiently trying to learn. At the conclusion, and the days following, each asks his or her neighbor what that fellow was talking about ? No good results follow. How different the grange! It has been a tremendous uplift to country life; breaking up iso- lation and stimulating farming, dairying and animal industry, with many allied interests. In the grange, they study and debate economic questions, and especially those pertaining to social and domestie economy, and also general literature and arts. It is the grange that has always promoted, without graft and theft, good and substantial roads, not for the benefit of automobilists alone, but for the use of all who go abroad on wheels. It has agitated, devised and promoted the free rural mail delivery system, and is now vigorously demanding an enlarged parcels post. It has in- troduced telephones to farm houses and rural school houses; and is now aiding in inaugurating an enlarged free rural school'sys- tem, bringing the advantages of the high school system to every rural community. The grange has made and is making the coun- try home equal in all respects to the city home. It will labor for
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HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY
the utilization of all natural aids and agencies. The noisy cascade and the murmuring brook will not much longer run away from the energies of man, but will be devoted to generate electricity in the lighting and heating of rural buildings and dwellings; pumping water and extinguishment of fires; in supplying energy for driv- ing vehicles, and doing all the drudgery of farm life, and further- ing, in general, the comforts and conveniences of rural homes. The power of organization will accomplish all these; and the grange is the organization that has done so much, will do all these and more.
It speaks well, and forcibly for the progressiveness, intelli- gence and high standard of the farmers of Steuben county, that so many granges exist; and the number of grangers connected with them, all possessing the determination to carry out and perpetuate the objects of its founders. Below are the places of location and dates of organization, with both county and state numbers of the granges in Steuben county :
County No.
Name.
Location.
State No.
1
Prattsburg
Prattsburg
112
2
Avoca
Avoca
176
3
Dansville
Rogersville
178
4
Caton
Caton
248
5
Bath
Bath
294
6
Savona
Savona
302
7
Stephens Mills
Fremont
308
8
Big Creek
Fremont
324
9
Niels Creek
Avoca
345
10
Thurston
Thurston
346
11
Cameron
Cameron
355
12
Pleasant Valley
Urbana
408
13
Ingleside
Prattsburg
426
14
Towlesville
Howard
430
15
Canisteo
Canisteo
460
16
Talbot Creek
Jasper
539
17
Jasper
Jasper
618
18
Rathbone
Rathbone
656
19
Bradford
Bradford
816
20
Coopers
Erwin 820
21
Greenwood
Greenwood
830
22
Lindley
Lindley
840
23
Hornell
Hornell
846
24
Borden
Prattsburg
847
25
Addison
Addison
854
26
Urbana
Hammondsport
856
27
Freeman
Tuscarora
859
28
Woodhull
Woodhull
871
29
Cohocton
Cohocton
974
30
Howard
Howard
976
. 31
Hedgesville
Woodhull
1069
32
West Union
West Union
1193
.
The first grange organized in the county was at Prattsburg, in 1873, and later, in the same year, at Avoca and Rogersville, in the town of Dansville. Eight were organized the following year.
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HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY
EDUCATION BY GRANGE AND COLLEGE.
The education derived from the well-conducted, progressive and up-to-date grange is the equal, if not superior, to that fur- nished by the agricultural schools. It may not be in theory, be- cause theories partake too much of the individual teacher or pro- mulgator or, except it be of one of the very few exact sciences. But in practice the grange is considered by many very much su- perior. There the intelligent, industrious and successful farmer tells his fellow members and auditors of his methods of prepara- tion, and cultivation; the care of his crops and his animals, with the practical results. He has the confidence of his associates, and the gleanings of his life are better than all of the degrees, or certificates of ability conferred by any school of agriculture. It is the knowledge derived from intelligent experience. The grange libraries, if well selected (and they usually are), supply the theo- ries and conclusions of many wise dreamers, frequently as diverse as their political, social or religious creeds. The difficulty with the agricultural schools is that they are turning out too many graduates who, without the least experience, want to teach oth- ers how to run or manage a farm, rather than to do any farming themselves. If a few of these scientific agriculturists could be in- duced to take worn-out or abandoned farms, and with the ordi- nary capital and help of the ordinary man, make good farms of them, it would make a better demonstration of the value of agri- cultural schools than their parchment diploma. This position is so forcibly stated by Mrs. S. L. Durand, a most successful woman dairy farmer of Lake Bluff, Illinois, in her admirable address on "My Experience in Dairy Farming," before the State Dairy- men's Association, held last fall at Ogdensburg, that the following extracts are made: "There is something lacking in the really care- ful preparation of the boy for farm work; in too many instances, the young man finishes his course at the Agricultural College and goes forth with a swelled head to teach the farmer who has had years of practical experience back of him. My whole being is aroused with indignation when I see in the books of the agricultural colleges, a list of the names of the young men, from seventeen to twenty years of age ("kids"), wanting positions as "managers" of farms at from seventy-five to one hundred dollars a month. I feel very much as if I should like to thrash them for their impu- dence. The agricultural college is greatly to be censured for per- mitting such nonsense. It has been rare, indeed, that I have had a boy fresh from an agricultural college that was worth more than his board at first. I hear the same complaint everywhere. A remedy for this condition, in my mind, would be to organize as many farms as needed into an association, and, in conjunction with the State Agricultural College, give these young men one or two years in actual experience and hard work; these years being part of the curriculum of the Agricultural College course, the boys to work for their board and small remuneration. If found pro- ficient later, a larger wage may be given. In my estimation it would take a year or two of good hard work to get that enlarged head of the average agricultural graduate down to its normal size."
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HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY
Graduates of agricultural colleges come out thinking they know it all; more than the men who have spent their lives in practical hard work on the farm; and then look for an easy job, at high pay, to tell others how to do it. They want to become instructors in butter-making and cheese-making; superintend the selection and care of the animal, on large pay. They don't want to go into the fields and hoe, pitch and dig, in actual farm work. They are inclined to paraphrase Mark Twain's favorite motto into: "It is noble to work, but it is more noble to tell others how to work; and it is easier." Keep well in mind that graduating from an agricultural college does not make a farmer; graduating from the grange, with the farm work, will make the better farmer. Grad- uating from a law school does not make a lawyer; only a helpless waif adrift on a sea of trouble. Better is the humble pettifogging law student, in the police or inferior courts, where tact, knowledge and skill are incubated for future honors. The graduate from a medical college, even with high honors, stands a poor show for success in the public confidence, alongside of his neighbor, who is so well grounded in his professional knowledge, gained by patient study and instruction in the office of and visits with the country doctor in the face of all adversities.
The graduate of the agricultural college must face like situa- tions, if he desires to win confidence in the value of his training ; if by patient industry and intelligent application, he can demon- strate that he knows something of farming, there will be more faith in agricultural colleges, and in the wisdom of large public appro- priations therefor. Until that now remote anticipation becomes a reality, the graduates from the granges and the "Patrons of Hus- bandry" will, in the public confidence, have the right-of-way.
The last declaration of principles, or platform, was adopted by the National Grange-patrons of husbandry-on November 26, 1910, at Atlantic City, and to it all granges are committed. It declares for federal aid for road improvements, the parcels post, conservation of natural resources, a national income tax, direct election of United States senators by the people, agricultural edu- cation, for tariff revision, for a non-partisan tariff commission and the speedy construction of a ship canal connecting the Mississippi river with the great lakes and Atlantic coast.
The Steuben County Agricultural Society grows each year in its usefulness, and, among like bodies, it holds its place among the most useful. It is devoted to the general improvement and benefit of the farmers, dairy people, stock-raisers, fruit growers, vineyardists and market gardeners. Its annual fairs present speci- mens that are not excelled by any exhibitions of like kind in his or any other state. Journals devoted to the advancement of the productions of the soil, have representatives at these fairs, and al- ways highly commend the displays on exhibition; occasions when people of all classes, youth, manhood and age can find safe amuse- ment and practical instruction. No other organization in the county devoted to its general welfare has such undivided sup- port and regard. The management is honest and fair; it is not a close corporation, for the benefit of a few on the inside, but is devoted to the advancement of the intelligence and right living of the people as a whole. Its annual exhibitions are planned
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HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY
months in advance of the dates fixed for them, and are marked as the red-letter days of the year.
Agricultural societies have been organized and fairs held at several other places in Steuben county, notably at Prattsburg and at Troupsburg; and during their existence accomplished good work and made very creditable exhibitions of the products of the vicinity and neighborhood. The improved methods of reaching the larger town by means of railroads and improved highways made means for travel easier each succeeding year and resulted to the advantage of the larger towns and the disadvantage of the smaller ones, sometimes absorbing their attractions and advantages until they became dormant or extinct.
HORNELLSVILLE FAIRS.
In 1860 the Canisteo Valley Fair was held in Union Square, village of Hornellsville. It continued two days, and was held under a tent. Among its originators were Joseph Lanphear, Otis Thacher, Philip Van Scoter, Michael Crotty, Andrew S. Charles and Miles W. Hawley, of Hornellsville; John Hurlbut, William Hurlbut and George Davenport, Arkport; William B. Taylor, Miner Sam- mon and Obadiah Stephens, Canisteo; Charles Oliver, Joshua Healy and Simeon Kreidler, Dansville; Elisha G. Stephens, Joel Russell and Eber Bartholomew, Fremont; John W. Whiting, Asa McConnell and Silas Johnson, Howard; and Charles S. Hall, Peter Lippencott and Samuel Karr, of Almond. The posters for that fair would now be a curiosity. The second day of this fair was held in Jones' field, now Seneca Park, and was attended by a large crowd, such as usually came to Hornellsville upon any gala day, with the usual results. This fair had an intermittent exist- ence during the next ten years upon the same grounds. After- wards, under an act of the legislature of this state, the Hornells- ville Farmers' Club was incorporated, for the main purpose of exhibiting the speed and endurance of horses. This venture, not meeting with the expected financial success, was dissolved, and its successor was a town agricultural society located in the city of Hornellsville, for the promotion of agriculture, horticulture and the mechanic arts. Such an organization, created in May, 1903, was called the Hornellsville Fair. The city purchased the land for the purpose of holding the exhibition of this fair, and is now occupied by it. The city has erected commodious grand- stands, with comfortable seatings, and the necessary buildings, such as dining halls, sheds, stables, yards and pens for animals, for which the fair pays a satisfactory rent. These grounds are within the city limits on the line of the electric railway ; are abun- dantly supplied with city water, and lighted by electricity when needed; are accessible to trains on all the steam railways, and, all together, among the best in the country. The annual exhibitions of this organization are not so essentially devoted to the interests and uplifting of the farmers, stock-raisers, fruit culturists and vineyardists, as are those of the Steuben County Agricultural Society. More pains is taken and money expended in procuring all the latest inventions and devices of the day and thus furnishing for its patrons stimulating and broadening influences. All classes of farmers of Steuben county are now-thanks to the information
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HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY
and practical knowledge disseminated by the granges, exemplified and illustrated at the fairs of its agricultural organizations-alert in producing the best products in the state adapted to its soils and conditions.
THE PASSING OF THE ' FAST HORSE."
Two decades since, much attention was given to raising and improving fancy breeds of horses. No farmer was considered as of any account unless he had one or more speedy horses; more attention was given to this class of animals than was profitable. They required the expenditure of both eare and money to be of any account. The owner believed that his horse with a manufac- tured pedigree was worth a gold mine; he gave of his time, money and faith, and the result was usually blasted hopes, a mortgage on the farm, and demoralized sons.
The return of common sense, better judgment, wholesome legislation and the automobile, are responsible for the passing of the "fast horse." The Percheron, Clydesdale, a few Conestagas and Morgans, are more useful to the farmer, drayman and carter, where honest heavy work and endurance are required. Visit a horse fair, or other collection of valuable horses; there the beauti- ful eastern horse, like the pet dog or the precocious ehild, will still have many an admirer, but for intrinsie value and worth, the strong well-built and well-cared for draft horse is now the equine king. This county is the equal among the rural counties of the state in this grade of horses.
CATTLE AND DAIRY PRODUCTS.
In the fore part of the last century much attention was given to raising of young cattle and stock for the eastern markets; every town in the county sent one or more, sometimes ten herds, collected from the nearby farms, and drove them to market for beef .. This business was undoubtedly stimulated by the great droves of cattle collected in the Mississippi valley, which passed through southern New York and northern Pennsylvania to the markets of the eastern cities for their meat supply.
The patient ruminating cow is the most valued and best cared for of all the animals of the land. She nourishes the young human and supplies the ehoieest luxuries and the most nourish- ing food for mankind. Observing and intelligent grangers study her comfort and provide for her good care and treatment, and the best of food and nourishment; cleanliness is enforced in her abodes, as rigidly as with the Dutch. Lest she be forgotten or neglected agents from the hoards of health regularly observe her treatment and condition, and the cleanliness and good conduct of her attendants and caretakers. The milk and cream for the home then passes to the care of the dairy maid, whose claim to the aristocracy of good conduet and usefulness is established by the success of her excellent work. The milk and cream not used at the farm, after due inspection, goes to the milk stations, thence to be transported to the factories and converted into ereams, butter and cheese. These products are further inspected by the hawks of authority, who give their certificate of proper manufacture before the manufactures are offered to the consumer.
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HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY
The saddest of all is the separation of the cow and her off- spring. The "calf buyer" is on the trail; the slaughter of the innocents follows.
This county is well adapted to grazing, and in the products of the dairy stands well up in the front rank. This is largely the result of the careful selection of cows with a view to good health and freedom from vermin; the quality and quantity of milk yielded; kindness, cleanliness and intelligence of the cow- herds; the proper location and construction of the stables or houses, supplied with pure water; and sufficient nutritious and well-prepared food. No other branch of agricultural pursuits shows greater progress and improvement than that of dairying and stock selection. This is largely the result of the grange meet- ings, where the information and experience of the attendants are so freely detailed and discussed.
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