USA > New York > The History of New York State Grange, 1934-1960 > Part 11
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When Mr. Babcock resigned in 1941 as the Grange Trustee, his mantle fell upon:
HAROLD M. STANLEY, a member of the Councils of the Col- leges of Agriculture, Home Economics and Veterinary. He also serves on the Advisory Committee of the Agronomy Department, has been a member of the Executive Committee of the Board; on its Government Relations Committee and the Committee of Student Health and Hygiene. He served on a Sub-Committee of Buildings and Grounds, which recommended a long term build- ing plan, including: An Agricultural Library, fireproof, to house the already existing valuable agricultural library then contained in a rather hazardous shelter (The Library was named Mann Hall, after a fifty-year Grange member, Dean Albert Mann.) Also re- commended were an Agricultural Engineering Building; a Poul- try Research Farm and Plant with Science Building; a 19 Build- ing Plant for Veterinary purposes; a Research Library to house 2,000,000 books and with a seating capacity of 1,200.
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Noteworthy among buildings constructed is Savage Hall, the new Biochemistry and Nutrition Laboratory, the first school building on any campus to be financed entirely by farmers. "Through the generosity and foresight of farm groups this fine building was erected. Farmers as well as other groups have a great stake in this very essential work," said Mr. Stanley. The School of Nutrition in this Hall was named after Professor Elmer Seth Savage, for 35 years a member of the College faculty, and for 22 years Secretary of Tompkins County Pomona Grange.
Among other prominent Grange members who were active on the College of Agriculture faculty we include Professor Henry Wing, Golden Sheaf member. It was he who sponsored the original resolution which created the purchasing agency of the New York State Grange, forerunner of the G. L. F. Exchange. Professor Wing was an untiring civic, social and religious worker. Professor Emeritus of the Animal Husbandry Department of the College of Agriculture, the Coliseum at State Fair is named the "Wing Coliseum" after him. He was President of the Holstein- Fresian Association of America, State Dairymen's Association, and American Association for the Advancement of Science. He died in 1936.
In the forefront of distinguished Cornell Faculty Grange members was one who belonged to McLean Grange No. 1075, no less than Dean Carl Ladd, who said: "Happiness comes not so much from what you do for yourself as from what you do for others." After his death the Conference Board of Farm Organiza- tions, assisted by New York State Grange, many Granges and hosts of friends raised a Memorial Fund of $100,000. to provide scholarships for farm girls and boys. Nothing could have pleased Dean Ladd more than to have farm people raise a fund to educate farm youth. "A program to be successful must come out of the hearts and desires of the people themselves," said Dean Ladd in State Grange session. He passed away July 23, 1943.
Three others were placed high in this list by H. E. Babcock: "Cornell University, the State Grange and New York State may be proud of three men, all connected with the College of Agricul- ture, and all three high in the councils of the Nation: Professor George Warren, Professor Pearson and Professor W. L. Myers, later Dean of the College."
The underlying thought of our Grange representatives as they reported to State Grange is well worth consideration:
"Membership on the Board carries with it a very consider- able challenge, a challenge to represent adequately a great indus- try like agriculture, and particularly a great farm organization like the Grange." Mr. Babcock, 1934, Lake Placid.
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"A few years ago I pointed out there were almost no men on the Board who knew Agriculture first hand. Now such outstand- ing farm leaders as Eastman, Burritt, Sibley, Van Wagenen and Ten Eyck capably represent agriculture, and give consideration to policies which concern the State Colleges, and Experiment Stations." Mr. Babcock, 1936.
"Research, education and cooperation have become the magic words in agriculture today." Mr. Babcock, 1939.
"Like the Grange, Cornell came into being in the critical period following the Civil War. Today we find both again looked upon to play important roles in the critical years ahead. Both have records of being pioneers and of giving enthusiastic support to worth while things." Mr. Stanley, 1945.
"Cornell has had a program of Public Lectures and Forum Discussions in which a systematic attempt was made to place be- fore the public the story of the great American Traditions and Freedoms." Mr. Stanley, 1949.
"At least three out of every five farms in this State are using practices recommended by the College of Agriculture," Mr. Stanley, 1953.
During the 1940 Syracuse National Grange session, delegates saw for themselves "Cornell, the Farmer's Friend," in a one day tour. Each have held pride in his heart with one thought. "The great and crowning glory of our Organization is to ELEVATE and EDUCATE the American Farmer."
Mr. Stanley resigned in June, 1961. His successor is Dr. Bruce Widger, Marcellus veterinarian.
2. GENEVA EXPERIMENT STATION
The Cornell Board of Trustees likewise has jurisdiction over the policies of the Geneva Experiment Station. An interesting item in connection with the establishment of the Experiment Station was a resolution adopted at the Fifth Annual Session of New York State Grange held in Rochester January 22-24, 1878. The resolution read in part:
Resolved that we recommend . the establishment of an agricultural experiment station . . . and that it is our opinion that the proposed station can be established more profitably to all concerned, IN CONNECION WITH CORNELL UNIVERSITY THAN ELSEWHERE."
This affiliation did not take place until 1922, many years after the date of this resolution, but it is a tribute to the foresight of the early Patrons of Husbandry in New York State. Charles M. Gardner, in his "The Grange-Friend of the Farmer," said: "The Grange was an early advocate of the establishment of experiment
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stations for agriculture, starting as far back as 1880." The resolu- tion quoted in the above paragraph was under date of 1878, which placed New York State Grange far in the lead as to this unques- tionably valuable enterprise.
Law passed in 1880 placed the management of the Station "with the Governor, ex officio, the executive officers of the State Grange and the several agricultural societies and two members to be elected by the Board." At the 25th anniversary, Experiment Station, in 1907, Director W. H. Jordon said, after paying tribute to the College of Agriculture and its cooperation, "Last, but not least, are the agricultural organizations of the State. Chief among these, and most comprehensive, is the Grange, to whose unwaver- ing support we owe much."
Up to 1951 an annual report of Station activities was given at State Grange sessions; after this Mr. Stanley, our Grange re- presentative on the Cornell Board, included some notations as to Station progress in his annual report. While this is not a history of the Experiment Station, brief extracts from reports of three Station Directors are in order. We quote from Mr. U. P. Hedrick's report, 1934 Lake Placid session:
"The Station is most desirous of helping the Grange and the Grangers. We are ever mindful that it was largely through the efforts of the Grange that the Station was founded, and it is a source of pride and pleasure that the Grange has ever been help- ful and cordial in its attitude toward our institution." Again, in 1937, Mr. Hedrick said: "The Grange was largely responsible for the founding of the Geneva Experiment Station,-it is your Station more than that of any other group of farmers."
In 1941 his successor, Dr. P. J. Parrott, said: "The Grange was one of the original sponsors of the Geneva Station, and both officers and members have always maintained a very intimate and personal concern for the institution and its work."
In 1946-47, Dr. Parrott's successor, Dr. Arthur J. Heinicke, pointed out in his State Grange reports: "The Grange has taken a special interest in the work of the Station from the very outset, and this has been a continuing source of stimulation to our staff .The New York State Grange was prominent among the groups who, some 70 years ago, urged the establishment of an institution to promote the agriculture of the State through scientific investigation and experimentation."
"A SCIENTIFIC LABORATORY" with fields, orchards, gardens and herds ranking with microscopes and balance as implements of research," was Dr. U. P. Hedrick's definition of this Station.
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It is interesting to note that in 1934 research was conducted in 191 different projects, involving animal disease, pasteurization of milk, diseases of fruits and vegetables, with tests made of about 3,000 kinds of fruits. In all there have been about 200 projects involving production, use and. processing of fruits and vegetables.
"FARM RESEARCH," the Geneva publication was started in 1935. Many valuable bulletins originated in the Station. Its service has been world-wide, and its respect international.
CELEBRATION of the Geneva Experiment Station's 75th anni- versary occurred October 4, 1957. During the Anniversary pro- gram Dr. Heinicke referred to the major part played by New York State Grange in the origin of the Station, and so recognized the vision of the young State Grange of 1878.
EARLY GRANGE GOAL: "To increase the products of the earth by increasing the knowledge of the producer, is the basis of our structure; to learn and apply the revelations of science, so far as relates to the various products of the vegetable world, and to diffuse the truths and general principles of the science and art of agriculture, are ultimate objects of our organization." So said William Saunders, noted landscape gardener and first Master of the National Grange, in a speech made in 1870.
We believe the Geneva Experiment Station is one of the realizations of this early dream of the Founders of our Order.
3. AGRICULTURAL AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTES
Throughout the years, New York State Grange and these Schools have been on most friendly, cordial terms. These six Schools or Institutes are: Alfred, Canton, Cobleskill, Delhi, Farmingdale and Morrisville. One phase of this co-operation has been especially delightful. Featured at evening programs of the annual State session, speaking contests between students of the six Institutes were among most noteworthy events. The original text was the product of individual thought and research, thus fresh, appealing, a credit to the training afforded students. Such contests were carried out from 1932 through 1948.
The State Grange presented medals to all contestants, with first, second and third awards. The Chairman of the State Grange Executive Committee presided, -- Edson Walrath through 1940, then David Kidd, Leland Smith and Clarence Johncox in years when Chairman. In 1941-43 State Lecturer Helen Keller present- ed the Grange medals.
At the Seventh Annual Contest, 1938 Jamestown session, Dr.
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A. K. Getman of the State Department of Education said these contests have served as a stimulus to the students. "These young men are a living demonstration of the kind of education these schools are giving. .. . During the seven years these contests have been held, there has been a 20% increase in registration." Dr. Getman expressed his appreciation to the State Grange for con- ducting these contests.
To indicate quality of thought presented and its relation to the State Grange program, we include a few selected titles: "What Young People Expect in Rural Life,"; "Agriculture, the Cradle of Democracy,"; "Cooperatives Have Grown Up,"; ". "The Farmer Becomes a World Citizen,"; "Why Not Work Together?"; "Agriculture, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,"; "The Rural Community on the March,"; 'The Grange in America,"; "Che- murgy and Agriculture."
Such speaking contests continued for eighteen years. In 1949 a change was made, in an entertainment program in which all six Institutes participated. Mr. M. B. Galbraith, Director of Morrisville was in charge. Mr. Stanley, State Secretary, record- ed: "The change from former years was much enjoyed and gave us a good cross section view of these students, their capabilities and their training." In subsequent entertainment programs each Director presented a number.
1950 saw another feature added. James Hall, Field Editor of the American Agriculturist, presented gold medals to winners of The American Agriculturist Achievement Awards for young Grangers: Award winners were Audrey Morehouse, Garratts- ville, and Willis Simpson, Port Jervis, both sixteen years of age, and each trained in the Juvenile Grange. Paul B. Orvis, of Alfred, presided.
1956-60 saw unusually fine musical programs presented by one school or another, with chorus, concert choirs, solos and in- strumental numbers. These touched a high note in State sessions, to which all looked with keen anticipation.
In 1946, study of the needs of these six institutions led tora Grange recommendation to the State Legislature for a five year expansion plan, with approximately $7,000,000 appropriation for much needed buildings, dormitories and equipment. This would give opportunity for more and better trained boys and girls to operate New York State farms.
In 1959 the State University considered a plan to: 1. Transfer the State Agricultural and Technical Institutes to the counties where located, and 2: Charge $300 per pupil instead of free tui- tion. At the 1959 Elmira State Grange session the delegates opposed this action because: 1. The maintenance would fall upon
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the counties of location, and real estate taxes, already heavy, would be burdensome. 2. Graduates of these Schools have made a great contribution to the economy of the State, and the prin- ciple of free tuition should be preserved to enable such students to continue education.
At the 1960 Watertown session, State Master Leland D Smith reported: "The State University, largely because of Grange effort, has given up the idea of making Community Colleges out of the Agricultural and Technical Institutes."
Up to 1960 the heads of the Institutes were called Directors. In 1960 the title was changed to President. Among those who have served so ably are (partial list): Alfred, Paul B. Orvis and Walter C. Hinkle, Acting President; Canton, Van C. Whittemore (former State Grange Steward), and Albert E. French; Cobleskill Institute of Agriculture and Home Economics, Ray L. Wheeler, Charles M. Gaffney, Dean; Delhi, William R. Kunsela, President, William F. Kennaugh, Acting President; Farmingdale, Halsey Knapp, William E. Medesy, Charles W. Laffin, President; Morris- ville, Royson N. Whipple.
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Chapter 6. AGRICULTURAL AND PUBLIC GOOD
1. LEGISLATIVE RECORD
Step backward in time to the Lake Placid, 1934, session, and you will note this outstanding example of service in the legislative area, as presented by State Master Fred J. Freestone: "Had it not been for the work of the Grange in cooperation with other farm interests, every farmer in New York would be paying a 65% surtax on his truck."
History shows that for many years the State Grange was re- presented at our State Capital, during the Legislative Session, by the Executive Committee, or the Legislative Committee, made up of State Master, Chairman of the Executive Committee and State Secretary. Various State Masters have paid tribute to the quality of such work.
At this same State Grange session, State Master Freestone emphasized this type of value: "Nowhere is your Grange more needed and more effective than in preventing legislation unsatis- factory to farmers and in securing helpful laws. Your Grange is represented on the Governor's Agricultural Advisory Commis- sion and the New York State Conference Board of Farm Organiz- ations, in which the farmers of the State work together in a united team for the good of the men and women who live on the land." At the Oneonta session, 1935, he assured the delegates: "This legislative job is one of the most important and least known of Grange activities. As a result of our work and that of other agricultural leaders, New York State has the best farm laws of any State in the nation."
In 1937, Ogdensburg session, a telegram relating to the farm bill pending in Congress was sent to State Senators Royal Cope- land and Robert Wagner, and 'signed by State Master Raymond Cooper:
"New York State Grange assembled in 65th annual session, representing 135,000 farm folks, is strongly of the opinion that the senate farm bill S2787 should be re-committed to the committee on agriculture and its compulsory features stricken out. .. . we are opposed to the wholly unnecessary and un-American regimen- tation of agriculture proposed in this bill. We are persuaded that no progress can be made by evading, nullifying and violating the constitution as this bill does. If the measure is not modified to meet these objections we trust that it may never be enacted."
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A second wire went to the Speaker of the House of Represent- atives, William B. Bankhead. "New York State Grange, assem- bled in 65th annual session respectfully requests that the hours and wages bill be recommitted to the committee on labor, to the end that the agricultural interests of the country may have a hearing and give reasons why this bill should not pass."
In 1941, Rochester session, State Master W. J. Rich comment- ed, "What better organization to defend agriculture than the farmer's best friend, the Grange? The Grange and other members of the State Conference Board secured passage and also the signa- ture by the Governor of several bills including seven which carried a total of $50,000 for research at Cornell and Geneva Ex- per ment Station."
State Master Henry D. Sherwood in his turn, gave an in- sight into legislation which was the direct result of Grange work. Many of our successes were due to cooperation with other farm groups, but certain things came directly from the Grange. I am thinking now of the School Bus Law. Often as I used to drive the roads of the State I would remark as we saw one of the signs," 'Stop for School Bus,' "that those signs were put there by the State Grange. Actually a State Department erected the signs, but we were entirely responsible for the law. I have often said that if we saved the life of one single child because of the law, our pro- gram was a success."
It was in 1949, during the Sherwood administration, that the Grange presented a bill in the Legislature to exempt all Grange Halls from inspection under the Code of the Labor Department. The bill passed and was signed by Governor Thomas E. Dewey. Previously our Grange Halls were classed as places of public assembly, and as such were subject to inspection by State Police and the Department of Labor. "In order to get the bill passed and signed, we had to make definite promises as to what we would do to make certain that Grange Halls were safe places for people to meet. This was carried out, the code was adopted by the Ex- ecutive Committee, a copy was mailed to each Grange Master, who was instructed to post the Code in a conspicuous place. This law saved the Grange many thousands of dollars. Every Grange must cooperate that we do not again return to the severe and un- reasonable demands of the old law administered by the Depart- ment of Labor. Should we fail to comply, and some bad catas- trophe occur, it would be possible to have the Legislature take away that which they have given us."
1934 to date, the State Grange, through delegates action, has favored: The Rogers-Allen Law and Federal and State Marketing Agreement that ... dairymen may solve their own problems by united action. Proper compensation to dairymen for loss of
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reacting cattle from Bangs, Mastitis and Tubercular tests. . . . The right for farmers to siphon water from the Erie Canal for cattle and spraying purposes when it did not interfere with navigation. .. . Driver Education program for schools. .. . State appropriations for Farm and Home Bureaus. . . . Research for control of corn borer, Japanese Beetle and Oriental Peach Moth. . . . Farm-to- market roads. .. . Repeal of Daylight Saving Law ... . A very severe penalty for peddlers of drugs to school children. . . . Abolishment of the State Board of Social Welfare and appointment of Welfare Commissioner by The Governor. .. . Legislative investigation of Education Department. .. . That all decisions of Commissioner of Education be subject to Court review. .. . Recommending revoca- tion of Operator's license of one found driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated, and if such operator be involved in a fatal accident, that he be charged with manslaughter. .. . Right-to-work law ... . Support in suppressing obscene literature. . . . That age limit of purchase of alcoholic beverages be raised to 21 years.
Opposed: Sales tax, except on luxuries, since "a sales tax falls upon necessities of people, violates principle of ability to pay. The farmer must pay a tax on necessities of life for himself, and also on things he buys to enable him to produce his product" . . . . To tolls on the Barge Canal, since such tolls would greatly increase freight charges to farmers and consumers ... . Names of communist candidates for public office ... . Legislation to compel building of civilian bomb shelters. .. . Plan to do away with pre- sent Junior Operator law.
Is it any wonder that Special Deputy Howard Wightman ask- ed: "Can any person in this great country of ours name an in- dividual, a group of people, an organization or what have you, who can say they have lived a single day since 1900 or earlier, without protection against fraudulent or wasteful practices, due to Grange action, discussions, legislation, concerning everything we eat, everything we wear, our medicine, our services in civilian life?"
A LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATIVE was appointed by the Ex- ecutive Committee in 1944. "We look forward to greater and more effective legislation for the benefit of the farmers of our State as a result of our present program," said State Master Henry Sherwood. He pointed out that it would be far wiser and less expensive to employ a legislative representative, who would be in Albany during the entire legislative session, and also be in a position to give advice to the State Grange Legislative com- mittees and otherwise render legislative suggestion. We were fortunate in securing MR. KENNETH H. FAKE of Cobleskill," said Mr. Sherwocd. Mr. Fake had had ten years of experience as Member of Assembly, in which he served as Republican Caucus
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Chairman, and ranking member on both the Ways and Means and Agricultural Committees. He was Secretary of a special Legislative Committee to study needs for legislation to improve county and town highway systems. He specialized in and intro- duced in the Assembly several bills amending highway laws, and establishing the county highway system, and that which led to the State assuming the cost of bridge construction on State Highways.
Kenneth H. Fake's early years were spent on a farm. He has a genuine interest in agriculture since his home county, Schoharie, is entirely agricultural. Educated in Cobleskill High School and Albany Law School, he enlisted in the army in World War I. Discharged as Second Lieutenant of Field Artillery, he went into the insurance business. He has served his church in local, district, State and National levels. He is past Master and now Treasurer of Cobleskill State School Inc. Grange No. 1499, a member of Schoharie Pomona Grange Executive Committee, and a seventh Degree member.
Mr. Fake is helpful as a representative of the State Grange on the Farm Conference Board. He plays an important part in the annual Legislative Conference called by the State Grange for Pomona Masters and Chairmen of Pomona Legislative Com- mittees. From his office go informational letters, sent to Legisla- tive Committee chairmen during the Legislative session. These letters enable the "folks back home" to take intelligent action on pending legislation.
We get some idea of the magnitude of the task when we understand that in 1944, 3,792 bills were introduced in the two Houses, while in 1960 there were 8,662. Of these 1,388 were approved by both Houses and sent to the Governor. Since urban representation in our Legislature is proportionately far greater than rural, our representative must be constantly on watch to safeguard the rights of agriculture. Consistent with Grange prin- ciples, no legislation is supported which is contrary to the best good of mankind in general.
Our Legislative Representative maintains individual contacts with members of the Governor's staff, Senators and Assembly- men, and those in authority in the various State Departments. A copy of the Grange resolution is attached to each particular bill and filed with the chairman of the particular committee to which the bill referred. This service is valuable, and the name of the State Grange is respected. Mr. Fake files memoranda with respect to 35-50 bills annually, with the Governor.
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