USA > New York > The History of New York State Grange, 1934-1960 > Part 12
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"In addition, "Mr. Fake pointed out, "the Governor's office, at the conclusion of each Legislative Session, asks the Grange
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recommendation in many instances. I have received word from the Governor's office, also, that the number of letters received there, in response to my request, are most impressive and greatly strengthen the recommendations at that office."
Mr. Fake paid high tribute to the hard work of State Master Leland D. Smith in his assistance at the State Capital, in the hard fought battle to win just laws for rural people. "No group re- commending legislation at our State Capital," Mr. Fake pointed out, "can have greater pride in the degree of accomplishment than was ours in 1959-60."
QUESTION: What are some of the accomplishments of later years? The following became law, 1959: The Grange re- commendation that milk vending machines be exempted from licensing requirements.
An amendment to the Conservation Law in relation to water resources, planning and development.
That $1.00 Farm Vehicles be exempted from the full applica- tion of the Motor Vehicle Law, as to certain equipment.
That motor vehicle plates, upon suspension of insurance, be returned to the county office of the Motor Vehicle Bureau.
Commending hard top surfacing of Erwin Plan Town Roads, farm-to-market roads.
Since it affected 90% of Grange membership, and many non-members, it may be the greatest accomplishment was the amendment to the unwieldy 1958 Chauffeur Law, to relieve the great majority of those farmers who drive trucks, from the necessity of qualifying as chauffeur and obtaining the chauffeur license. This amendment relieved the operator of the pickup, farm vehicle and other commercials up to two ton capacity, when not used for hire.
The 1960 record is also impressive. Out of eight Grange sponsored requested bills the Governor signed seven. Among these were the long sought bill which became law, and which would permit children over twelve years of age to do light work, when school is not in session, with written consent of parents and every safeguard provided, for not over four hours per day. The main purpose of the Grange was based on the firm belief that such moderate occupation will be most helpful in prevention of juvenile delinquency, and children will be enabled to learn the joy of work during formative character years.
The discontinuance of dating of milk was approved, as an amendment to the Public Health Law; no other Northeastern market requires dating, wholly unnecessary under modern sani-
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tary conditions. .. . Special classes for retarded children became operative by law. .. . Abusive or offensive use of the telephone became illegal. .. . The accurate weight of farm animals sold for auction, became a legal necessity ... . An uncertainty as regards road use of farmer owned small snowplows, not used for hire, was clarified as to legality.
Kenneth H. Fake, our capable and devoted Legislative Re- presentative, sums up the legislative program of the Grange in this wise: "The real responsibility for a strong legislative program rests with the individual member of the Grange. You must care- fully consider these subjects in your Subordinate and Pomona Granges. The first and fundamental responsibility rests with you."
2. COOPERATIVE SERVICES
1. COOPERATIVE GRANGE-LEAGUE-FEDERATION- EXCHANGE, INC.
Largest and most successful cooperative of its type in the United States and probably in the whole world, the Grange- League-Federation Exchange, known popularly as G. L. F., has termed the early Grange meeting-
THE CRADLE OF COOPERATION: "At its first meeting in 1874 the New York State Grange adopted a resolution in support of agricultural cooperation. Grange leaders educated farmers to the benefits of pooling their buying power, and paying cash for sup- plies. Out of this beginning grew the Grange Purchasing Service, the Grange Exchange, and eventually the Cooperative Grange League Federation Exchange-G. L. F."
In the G. L. F. Shareholder, February, 1930, Ruth Royce, Ithaca, who had studied early annual State Grange reports, announced her findings. Her conclusion: "They, therefore, 'RESOLVED' that the more direct communication between pro- ducers and consumers is one of the main objects of our organiza- tion, and that we recommend the improvement of market ac- commodations in the State."
The cooperative Grange Exchange had a capital of $100,000., but something better was on the way. Lawtons Grange No. 1176 and their Mr. George S. Pickens, Erie County Pomona and New York State Grange had a part in this developing future. In 1920 Mr. W. L. Bean, President of the Grange Exchange, took a num- ber of bright ideas to "Ed" Babcock, Secretary of the Farm Con-
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ference Board, of which the State Grange was a member. Thus ยท stimulus was lent the pioneer plan, and the G. L. F. was on the horizon.
At the Niagara Falls session, December, 1934, State Master Fred J. Freestone pointed out: "Straight through the depression, the G. L. F. has been one of the very few business organizations which has kept itself on a sound financial basis, continued to pay dividends to its stockholders, and built up sound reserves. Every farmer in the New York Milk Shed should be proud of the G. L. F."
In 1936 this cooperative did nearly $50,000,000 business for farmers in this region. In 1937 State Master Raymond Cooper reported: "At the last annual G. L. F. meeting in Syracuse there were three thousand present; one had but to look over this gathering of intelligent farm leaders and listen to decisions to feel sure that the cooperative idea of the Grange is being carried out in full measure."
The November, 1940, National Grange Grange Monthly re- corded: "During the year the G. L. F. business reached a $64,000,000 volume, striking evidence of what the agricultural interests can do to promote their own welfare when they actually pull together. It is a true example of democracy at work; the ownership, control and use coming directly from the farm folks in the 675 communities in New York, New Jersey and northern Pennsylvania served by this great cooperative."
In 1942 State Master W. J. Rich said: "Through the G. L. F. farmers own their own grain and feed mills, warehouses, seed cleaning machinery, fertilizer plants and milk cooler factory, so that with these facilities 140,000 farmers can do together what no one of them could ever do alone."
June 30, 1948, Mr. J. C. Corwith, G. L. F. Director, reported a business volume of $152,681,000. "To visualize the amount of feed handled I figure that last year if all had been loaded on freight cars, would have reached from Buffalo to New York City and back to Syracuse." In 1949 Mr. Earl B. Clark, another Direc- tor, emphasized the fact that during the war, the G. L. F. set up reserves, amounting to several million dollars, to protect the G. L. F. financial position during the post-war recession. This stood in good stead during those testing days.
Grange readers will appreciate the statement once made to delegates by Mr. James McConnell, successor to H. E. Babcock as General Manager: "As the years have gone by, I have been impressed by the fact that while the New York State Farm Bureau and the Dairymen's League were very helpful with men
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and financial backing in bringing the G. L. F. into the world, that the basic spade work was done over a period of years by the local Granges. Speaking for the G. L. F., I wish to pay my respects to the Grange for its leadership and its courage and persistence in pioneering the cooperative work which finally resulted in the formation of the Grange League Federation. The child G. L. F., which traces its lineage direct to the Grange, has become a robust cooperative in its own right."
Robust it is. Early in 1960 Mr. E. H. Fallon, today's General Manager, sent out a brochure of significance. In spite of the fact that in New York the Soil Bank had removed 11% of the crop land, 620,000 acres, from the picture, in six months, July 1 to December 30, 1959, the G. L. F. Exchange had a dollar volume of nearly $80,000,000. In addition, Service Stores and Petroleum plants contributed over $70,000,000. Dairy feed amounted to 239,459 tons, while farm supplies netted over eleven million dollars. The G. L. F. had 53 grants-in-aid to agricultural colleges for research. A fine "mill-to-farm" service had developed. "In ten years time more than $32,000,000 have been spent in building and modernizing G. L. F. plants and local services. "In 1960, the G. L. F. celebrated its fortieth birthday.
The G. L. F. Board of Directors is composed of fourteen men, two each nominated by the State Grange and Farm Bureau, and ten chosen by G. L. F. Committeemen from the ten districts in G. L. F. territory. Directors nominated by the Grange include: Edson J. Walrath, Evans Mills; William Hubbard, Fulton; J. C. Corwith, Watermill and Earl S. Clark, Norwich.
Over the years New York State Grange has made wise invest- ments in G. L. F. Holding Corporation, G. L. F. Exchange Pre- ferred, and G. L. F. Common. Proportionate interest has returned.
G. L. F. has demonstrated friendly cooperation for New York State Grange at all times. This has been especially true of the loan of the G. L. F. owned Bibbins Hall, Ithaca, for Deputy and Pomona Lecturer Schools, the Farm Dinner, and valuable assis- tance with staff material. The relationship between the two has been of mutual pride and respect.
2. THE CAPITOL DISTRICT COOPERATIVE, INC., MENANDS
"The American Market for the American Farmer" has long been advocated by the Grange. The Declaration of Purposes, adopted in 1874, reads: "For our business interests, we desire to bring producers and consumers, farmers and manufacturers into the most direct and friendly relations possible. . . . All our acts, and all our afforts, are not only for the benefit of the producer
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and consumer, but also for all other interests that tend to bring these two parties into speedy and economical contact."
While Menands did not originate in a Grange meeting, but was the outcome of the effort of a group of farmers who in 1917 determined to organize the Albany Market Gardeners Associa- tion, "with the express purpose of improving marketing condi- tions in the Capitol District," it cannot but bring pride to every Grange member. The opening of Menands, for long "the only primary market in the United States, owned and operated by farmers themselves," became reality June 16, 1934. Previously the only farm outlet was a poor so-called market of one and one- half acres, located in an old, congested section of the City of Albany.
Approximately 700 farmers from Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady Counties became share- holders in Menands, -- a twenty-five acre rectangular field bound- Ed on the east by the Hudson, west by concrete highway, south by Albany and north by Troy, also easily accessible to the New York State Thruway, the new Northway and the Delaware and Hudson Railroad.
At the outset all Granges in the supporting counties actively backed the enterprise. Edson Walrath, New York State Grange Executive Committee Chairman, other Grange leaders and State Grange monetary investment were behind the cooperative.
Did anyone oppose Menands Market? The City and County of Albany backed the passage of a bill in the Legislature, which Governor Herbert Lehman signed, to create a Regional Market Authority and regional market within the City of Albany, at tax- payer cost of $750,000. Such a market within city limits would have had policies dictated by the City, regardless of farmer wel- fare.
Now Menands represented seventeen years of work prior to the opening. Farmers who had good money already invested in Menands were up in arms. The Grange, led by State Master Raymond Cooper, with other ' farm groups, fought this unjust law vigorously. Hundreds of Granges and Grange members, determined not to let the Menands Market be destroyed, took up the cudgels. The law was repealed. .
Menands forged ahead. The Market set-up included 300 farmer stalls and 100 buyer stalls.
From June 1 to August 20, 1937, twelve weeks time, the Market handled cooperatively 7,427 loads of locally grown pro- duce, early sweet corn, tomatoes, cabbages. Nearly 1,500,000 baskets, barrels, cases and crates of locally grown fruits and
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vegetables passed through Menands. Often 1,000 to 1,500 motor vehicles came from a radius of 225 or more miles. Mr. L. Huested Myers, Cooperative Secretary, stated that in 1959 "there were 15,301 loads of produce sold on the farmers' section of the market. About 3,500 car loads were sold on the wholesale section. Also an undetermined number of truck loads, probably 5,000, passed through."
The Cooperative has an investment of approximately $400,000, (cost figures, not inflation values), and tenants have an estimated $100,000. "On March 25, 1958, the Twenty-fifth Anniversary saw the burning of the last remaining mortgage. .. . The area of dis- tribution reaches from Canada to Boston, Buffalo, Philadelphia, and occasionally to Washington and Baltimore. . . . Most locally grown produce comes from an area of fifty miles radius, but shipped in produce comes from all producing areas of the United States, Mexico, South America and other foreign countries."
The State Market News Service, Department of Agriculture, newspapers and radio report prices daily. The Menands Market represents "a long step forward" as the interesting Cooperative brochure states, from old market methods to "this new age in which Regional Planning has become the program of every modern city, and the food supply comes from the far corners of the earth."
We understand that nearly all employees are Grange mem- bers. Walter Emerich, President, was first Master of Colonie Grange No. 1548, in 1937-39, and Master of Albany County Pomona, 1941-44, as well as Albany County Deputy 1945-46. Mr. L. Huested Myers, Menands Secretary, was Master of Bethlehem Grange No. 137, 1944-45, 1949-50, 1952-54, and has been an Executive Committee Member of Albany Pomona. Mr. G. William Noechal, Treasurer, is a former Pomona Grange Treasurer. For a long time Colonie Grange held its meetings upstairs over the Administration Building. Every Grange mem- ber may well be proud that the Grange has given contributory endorsement, financial and enthusiastic, to this fine cooperative, well in line with Grange principles.
3. EMPIRE LIVESTOCK MARKETING COOPERATIVE. INC.
At the Oswego session in 1947, State Master Henry D. Sher- wood reminded the delegates how for many years there were thousands of cull dairy cattle sold to individual dealers, but in most instances the farmer had to accept prices far below the market price, and did not know the weight of his animals. To correct this unfair and tremendous loss to the farmer, our groups in New York State went to work. The Empire Livestock Market-
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ing Cooperative was the result. This became an incorporated, bonded organization with twelve directors, two each from the six sponsoring organizations. New York State Grange invested in both common and preferred stock.
Mr. R. V. Hemming, General Manager, stated at the Lake Placid session, 1948: "Empire's function is to provide facilities where unprofitable cows, calves and other meat animals can be sold to processors of meat animals at going market prices." Animals are sold by weight on periodically tested scales, with all stock consigned, sold on merit only,-ownership of animal un- known at time of sale. Animals are always treated humanely, and premises clean.
The Empire Markets are modern in every respect. At pre- sent there are ten markets, located at Bath, Buffalo (new), Bull- ville, Dryden, Caledonia, Gouverneur, Greene, Oneonta, Water- town and West Winfield. Empire Markets have developed be- cause farmers needed and wanted them to market surplus stock. Because they have been farmer created and operated they have been successful.
Clarence Johncox is Vice-President. Leland Smith is a Direc- tor. Harold Stanley is on the Operations and Public Relations Committee. State Grange session resolutions have been similar to this: Whereas the Empire Livestock Marketing Cooperative has proved its worth in areas covered, therefore be it resolved that we favor its extension to such areas as may be found practic- able as rapidly as possible.
INSURANCE
In 1922, National Master Sherman J. Lowell called a meeting of all State Masters at his farm home near Fredonia. They gave the "green light" to the new program for liability insurance. Early beginnings held struggle and ultimate survival. There is a fascinating history, of which we can barely hint.
At the 1935 Oneonta session, State Master Fred J. Freestone announced: "Our Grange Fire Insurance, Farmers and Traders Life Insurance and Mutual Auto Liability Insurance are saving our members thousands of dollars each year." Let us take cog- nizance of their respective values through this period of time.
State Master W. J. Rich reported to the National Grange session, Syracuse, 1940: "We have 34 Grange Mutual Insurance Companies with 72,525 policies in force, representing a total in- surance of $248,004,291." This group of Mutual Grange Fire
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Insurance Companies represented a huge saving to Grangers insured throughout the State.
In 1941 Mr. Rich warned: "The Grange and mutual insur- ance seem to have gone hand in hand from an early date. Today a large proportion of rural property is insured in the numerous Grange Mutual Fire Insurance Companies. No policy should be written or renewed unless the applicant is a member in good standing of a Subordinate Grange. The future of the Grange and the insurance companies is at stake on this particular point."
In 1944 Mr. R. M. Stanton, Secretary, New York State Central Organization of Cooperative Fire Insurance Companies, made a point about this: "I have been inclined to think that Grange Insurance for Grange members only, really meant some- thing because we assumed that at least the moral hazard was much better if our policy holders were Grange members. We have also assumed that fire prevention activities, including safety programs, were conducted in Grange meetings which would re- duce the fire loss rate. .. . I also note with interest that the operat- ing cost of all companies was $.84 per $1000, whereas the operat- ing cost of the Grange Companies was $.67. This proves to me that money paid for inspection and fire prevention activities is well spent."
In 1950, the delegates adopted a resolution which favored a person receiving the first four degrees before a policy could be made out. Later insurance laws and competitors' rates made a difference in the picture so that in some sections membership is not a required feature. There is no question but that this has made some difference in Grange membership but it has not altered the loyalty of genuine membership, well aware of the exceptional values the Grange offers to all members.
We are indebted to Mr. Freestone, late Chairman of the Board of the National Grange Mutual, for much of the following infor- mation as regards Fire and Liability.
On December 30, 1935, the National Grange Fire Insurance Company was organized at Keene, New Hampshire, to provide fire coverage for Patrons, to supplement the liability company and furnish re-insurance for smaller companies. Much of the stock was owned by National, State, Pomona and Subordinate Granges. The organization has been a gratifying success, expend- ing steadily and maintaining rates representing very substantial savings for Grange policyholders. The first President of the Company was Orlando L. Martin, former Vermont State Master. Following his death in May, 1951, he was succeeded by James C. Farmer, past National Grange Lecturer. The record has been
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one of splendid progress and service. In 1943, when the company was twenty-two years old, there were 89,485 policyholders and a conservative estimate of savings to policyholders of $3,500,000.
In 1946 an expansion program was initiated in New York State with National and State Grange Executive Committees acting in conjunction with the Company Board of Directors. The purpose was to offer broad insurance service to people eligible for Grange membership or otherwise allied with agriculture and thus build greater interest in the Grange Fraternity and larger membership. As in the past, the Company contributed materially in manpower and finances during this entire period, to strengthen and build Grange membership. This expansion program was also made necessary following the enactment of Compulsory and/or Financial Responsibility laws in many States. The wisdom of Grange leaders strengthened the Company for difficult years ahead.
Eleven district offices are located at Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, Ithaca, Jamestown, Long Island, Plattsburg, Pough- keepsie, Rochester, Utica and Watertown. There are two Branch Offices, one in Rutland, Vermont, and one in Syracuse, New York. A new Branch Office in Syracuse was occupied May 10, 1957. This is of New England brick with Tennesee marble trim, modern, fire-resistive, air-conditioned, designed to produce great- er efficiency in operations, with ample parking space.
In 1958 the National Grange Mutual Liability Company assumed all outstanding liabilities of the National Grange Fire Insurance Company and the Company name was changed to National Grange Mutual Insurance Company. This important step resulted in substantial economies. The Fire Insurance Com- pany was liquidated with a pro-rata distribution of net assets to stockholders, including National Grange and various State, Pomona and Subordinate Granges. An excellent profit was re- turned to them during the time they held the stock and when net assets were distributed.
The Company has published a "Farm Safety News" twice in New York State, and has been active in the New York State Rural Safety Council. A fine insurance educational program is conducted under the sponsorship of Ithaca College. In 1960-61 monetary and other awards were made for Grange membership gains.
National and State Grange officers have always directed Company activities. Among present officers and directors are National Master Herschel Newsom, State Master Leland D. Smith, Past State Masters W. J. Rich and Fred J. Freestone. The latter served as Director for thirty-two years, President for twenty-four years, and late Chairman of the Board. James C. Farmer is now
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Honorary Chairman, and Frank H. Peet, Past Connecticut State Master, is President.
The Company general Policyholder rating of "A-Plus Excel- lent and AAA-Plus" financial rating by the Alfred M. Best In- surance Report are well deserved because of the quality of service and character of personnel in its background. In 1923 there were 500 policies, and January 1, 1960, 337,348. Since that early date surplus to policyholders has increased from approximately $500 to $8,133,361.95. During the same period, total assets have in- creased from approximately $6,000 to $37,195,677.26. Savings to policyholders from 1923 through 1959 were $24,869,000. The Company's operations are conducted in 23 States and the District of Columbia, and the Company is qualified to meet the Financial Responsibility Law requirements of all States and all Canadian Provinces.
The Company will continue to forge ahead, not only financi- ally, but in the wide areas of human service, so deeply a concern of the Officers and Directors and all involved in this great busi- ness.
CHALLENGE OF THE FUTURE will be met in line with Grange principles. Richard C. Carrick, Secretary-Treasurer and one of its founders, phrases it well. "We accept it with a firm resolve to continue to meet the changing needs of tomorrow with the wis- dom and dedication of yesterday."
At the 1960 Watertown session Edwin D. Patrick, Mutual Vce President who presented the 1960 More Grange Member awards, said: "We can all take pride in the fact that our Grange Fraternity has for years been a truly Democratic organization, re- presenting a part of our American heritage that seems to be slip- ping away, working and progressing on basic principles that are an answer to the threat of domination of the free world. This is no time for complacency, and it is no time to be standing still. Your Grange Fraternity has a real job ahead, and can make material contributions to the solution of both domestic and foreign problems."
Thus Mutual is in the fight to help with the challenge.
FARMERS AND TRADERS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
The following early history comes from the able pen of the late Louis J. Taber:
"The first mention of a life insurance company being organized in New York appears in the Committee on Insurance and Cooperation in 1911, William T. Creasy of Pennsylvania,
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Chairman. The Committee recommended a Grange life insurance company be organized under the legal reserve plan and in the State of New York because New York laws were more stringent, and they recommended that the majority of all stock be controll- ed by Grange members.
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