USA > New York > The History of New York State Grange, 1934-1960 > Part 13
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We next find, in 1912, Grange leaders in New York, Pennsyl- vania and Ohio met in Syracuse, New York, to form a charter and to organize a life insurance company. A charter was applied for and directors were elected and temporary officers appointed. However, they became the permanent officers, as E. B. Norris was elected first president, and held the position until 1916.
In 1913, the New York State Grange, by Resolution 55; adopt- ed at Buffalo, New York, as follows:
'Whereas, the National Grange has approved of a life insur- ance company based upon a legal reserve plan
'Resolved, that we, the delegates of the New York State Grange in annual session duly assembled, do hereby approve of a legal reserve life insurance company organized under the in -. surance laws of the State of New York, the majority of stock of same to be controlled by members of the Grange.'
Similar resolutions were passed the following year by the Pennsylvania and Ohio State Granges. With this authority, the temporary organization was made permanent, and the company proceeded to do business. The capital in the beginning was $200,000 and the surplus $100,000.
The Company rapidly expanded its territory after Pennsyl- vania and Ohio took action, until it includes, at the present time, more than 20 Grange states and the District of Columbia.
In 1919, the capital stock was increased to $300,000, with a corresponding increase in surplus.
We can trace the small beginnings of this Company from 1914 to the present time when it has voted to mutualize, and has acquired 93% of all stock outstanding.
The National Grange, by resolution every year since 1914, has endorsed this Company and favored its support by Grange people everywhere." Louis J. Taber.
In his 1936 report to the National Grange, State Master Raymond Cooper said: "The Farmers and Traders Life Insurance Company has nearly accomplished its goal of three new policies in each Subordinate Grange. This Company has paid to policy- holders in the twenty-two years of its existence the sum of
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$5,750,000. During the past year it made a larger net gain than any other New York company."
In 1942 Louis J. Taber of Columbus, Ohio, became full-time President. He had been part-time President for three years.
Mr. Alvin Hanson, Executive Vice-President, is quoted here: "Life insurance is one of the corner stones of freedom. Your Grange Life Insurance Company is a medium developed by Grange leaders to make it possible for us to enjoy personal secur- ity, and personal freedom from want in times of economic stress. Literally thousands upon thousands of Grange members are pro- tected under one form or another of insurance protection,- mortgage redemption, retirement, hospitalization, and salary continuance. Protection is used for education, family subsistence, estate transfer, federal estate tax, etc., accident and the popular 4 Square Franchise Hospitalization."
In September, 1958, the new Home Office, Syracuse, built of gray limestone and very modern, was dedicated with hundreds of Grange guests. The dedication coincided with Mr. Taber's 80th birthday. He received 3,510 cards, as well as letters from Presi- dent Dwight D. Eisenhower, former President Herbert Hoover, and Vice-President Richard Nixon.
In 1959 the company assets reached a new high of $47,165,907, all of which is invested in widely diversified securites and sound real estate mortgage loans.
Among the twenty-four Directors are five New York State Grange leaders: State Master Leland D. Smith, Fred J. Freestone,* Clarence E. Johncox, Harold M. Stanley and Matthias Smith (farmer and State Grange Steward).
"The co-operation on the part of your State officers is excel- lent," declared Mr. Richard M. Troendle, Agency Assistant, "and we both appreciate and enjoy this fine relationship." New York State Grange may well take pride in this great company which it sponsored over 45 years ago. New York was the first State to commend it, and has recommended it continuously over the years since that early date.
We quote Mr. Taber: "Our company has been a trail blazer, a pathfinder, and a builder of the best things in life."
4. DAIRY INTERESTS AND MILK PROMOTION
"Milk regularly used in liberal quantities is the best possible
* Deceased
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foundation for a balanced diet," said Dr. Flora Rose, College of Home Economics, Cornell University.
In Grange lecture hour programs, with milk and milk pro- ducts served at Grange meetings, the Grange has endorsed this best of all possible foods. Hundreds of resolutions have gone to State Grange Dairy Committees, discussion and adoption by session vote. Here are a few samples, reduced to most simple wording consistent with intended purpose:
1934 Niagara Falls session (Onondaga-Greene Counties en- dorsed), resolved that the Control Board of the State should not set a minimum price below cost of production .. . From Montgom- ery: That State Grange use its influence to have the State Milk Control Board provide bi-monthly payments for milk to dairy- men. .. . Onondaga: That weighing and testing of milk should be done by a man furnished by State Control Board,-man to only remain in one section one calendar month. .. . Saratoga and Lewis: Whereas, according to the Associated Press, the Depart- ment of Farms and Market, backed by the Attorney General's ruling, plans to push forward eradication of bovine tuberculosis with State not obligated to repay farmer for destroyed herds (a breach of faith by New York State with dairy interests) Resolved that New York State Grange immediately take action requesting an appropriation of at least $2,000,000 as indemnity for condemned and destroyed cattle ... . Orange County: Resolved that all barn inspectors and veterinaries be required to disinfect footwear, instruments and all equipment between each barn visit.
1939: St. Lawrence County requested an appropriation of at least $1,000,000 for control and eradication of Bangs' disease. . . . 1944: Livingston County,-that all bona fide dairy cooperatives and farm organizations put on an educational campaign to en- lighten the public as to superior nutritive value of butter in comparison wth various imitations encouraged for sale by low point value, price, etc. .. . 1952: Cattaraugus County-That New York Grange urge that all patties of oleo served in hotels, restau- rants, etc, be imprinted with the name "Oleo.". .. . 1955: Living- ston County-that New York State Grange favor the installation of milk vending machines in all public places, also in schools and factories.
Oswego County favored the New York Milkshed Committee formed of Dr. Everett Case of Colgate, State Secretary Harold M. Stanley and Supreme Court Justice Paul Graves, Gouverneur. Their report was unbiased, comprehensive, a study of marketing and price system, made without influence of any handler or milk cooperative, or any agricultural college closely connected with any handler or milk cooperative. Oswego urged New York State
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Grange to have this report brought into light and studied by competent dairy farmers. This resolution was adopted.
State Masters have expressed the concern of the State Grange for dairy welfare. State Master Fred J. Freestone, Lake Placid: "Our most immediate challenge will be the marketing of milk. We are embarked on a new marketing plan under State and Federal direction. I urge all Granges and Grange members to study the field of milk marketing during the next few months; to divest our minds of prejudices and give our best judgment to the solution of this problem. .. . (Niagara Falls .. The grange sup- ported the campaign to increase the consumption of milk. The Milk Publicity Campaign is receiving fine cooperation from hotels, railroads, consumer organizations, health boards, churches, radio and the press."
GRANGE SLOGANS promoted use of milk: "LET'S GET OUT AND SELL MILK." "DO NOT FORGET MILK MONTH, Septem- ber 15-October 15, 1934."
In 1936 State Master Raymond Cooper advised: "I believe the Grange idea should be applied to the marketing of fluid milk. We should at least plan for all groups of dairymen to meet to- gether in council, lay all facts upon the table, and work together to the common end because it is our common interest." (Ogdens- burg, 1937) "The Rogers-Allen Bill, approved by the Conference Board of Farm Organizations, became a law following repeal of the price-fixing features of the State Control Law. This gives dairymen control of their own product through their cooperative organizations. Dairymen themselves must work out their own salvation in the true spirit of democracy." In 1939, "The Rogers- Allen Law, declared constitutional by the Federal Supreme Court, is now working in connection with the Federal Marketing Agree- ment to the great advantage of the dairymen of this State."
In 1946 State Master Henry Sherwood reported: "During the past. year our Executive Committee, in fulfillment of the dele- gate action of last year, established, together with other agricul- tural groups, a branch of the American Dairy Association in this State. This Association, to promote the sale of all dairy products regardless of trade name or company, is now active in 38 States. Its main purpose is to create additional sales for dairy products by advertising, merchandising and research. . . . It is entirely fi- nanced and controlled by farmers and all producers may work in harmony in a united front. Results will be shown favorably in the milk checks for years to come."
That same year Grange support of dairy interests took the form of hard cash. The State Grange and dairy industry raised $15,000 to carry out a plan outlined by the College of Agriculture
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to increase fall production of milk, as part of a drive to get 100,000,000 pounds of milk for which the market was expected to be short that fall.
The National Grange Monthly of 1949 said: "In the program 'Milk for Health'" (to which the Grange incidentally made the first contribution for organizational purposes,) "backed by Grange, Farm Bureau and all leading cooperatives, we propose to finance active milk promotion by the extremely small con- tribution of $.01 for each 100 pounds of milk delivered to milk plants. This activity includes participation of American Dairy Association of advertising, merchandising and research, and American Dairy Council of educational and nutritional promo- tion."
In 1950 State Grange delegates unaminously endorsed "Milk for Health, Inc.", fluid milk sales and nutrition promotion. Mr. James Stone, Marcellus, commented: "I'm glad to see the farmers doing some progressive advertising and selling. This 'Milk for Health' seems like the best way to do it."
PRINTER'S INK proclaimed the Grange position. In 1956, State Master Leland Smith and the State Grange were respon- sible for a series of articles in the press, "The Grange Looks at Milk." The Watertown Times appraised these: "The analysis of the subject was a worth while presentation that above all else revealed there must be strong milk leadership if producers' in- terests are to be looked after."
In 1959 State Master Leland Smith praised the excellent programs of
THE AMERICAN DAIRY ASSOCIATION AND NATIONAL DAIRY COUNCIL:
"Both of these groups, whose programs are fully coordinated, are ready to go to work on a full scale here in New York as soon as we can make up our minds to pull together like a team for the good of the industry."
1960 showed both these groups combined in one cooperative, known as American Dairy Association and Dairy Council of New York. This is the new fluid milk promotion for Order No. 27 markets. It is a voluntary organization, toward which the pro- ducer agrees to invest $.03 per hundred weight for promotion. It is already at work in this State, and more and more producers are signing up. $.02 of this amount goes to the American Dairy Association for research, merchandising, advertising and public relations, while $.01 goes to the National Dairy Council for nutri-
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tional education and public relations. The dealers match this so the National Dairy Council also has $.02. All this is in addition to the total nutritional program by A. D. A. All of the New York investment is to be used for FLUID MILK PROMOTION. Butter and cheese promotion comes from funds from other areas.
Final allocation of funds will be approved by the Board of Directors of American Dairy Association and Dairy Council of New York, Inc. Nineteen district dairy promotion committees, seven major cooperatives. New York State Grange and Farm Ex- tension Service are represented on this Board. The above facts were interesting as presented by graph at the 1960 Watertown session, by Harold M. Stanley, State President of the Association.
GRANGE CHALLENGE TO PUBLIC INTEREST runs through several years, and with this story we conclude this section: In 1933 and for some years after, Jefferson County and four others cooperated in a Sunday event at Theresa. A 1937 description reads: "We met with Patrons of the North Country at Theresa, where were gathered together hundreds of Grange members for 'Milk Queen Sunday.' Subordinate Granges were represented by 'Queens' of their selection, who made a beautiful sight dressed in white with green sashes, as they sat in front of the pulpit. Genial Edson Walrath of Evans Mills presided over the afternoon session, which followed a picnic lunch. Five Deputies spoke briefly, and there was a special Grange speaker."
L. B. Skeffington, Associate Editor Rochester Democrat- Chronicle, and a Grange member, originated the idea of State- wide "Milk Sunday." Rev. Fred Dean, State Grange Chaplain,
**
Mr. Charles White, Rey. Fred Dean, Mr. Sherman J. Lowell
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was keenly interested. Perhaps the first "Milk Sunday," a Church-Grange service, was held at Greece Baptist Church, near Rochester. The morning service was followed by a luncheon where milk was the beverage. Brief greetings were given by former State and National Master Sherman J. Lowell, also former member U. S. Tariff Commission; Charles White, President State Farm Bureau, and Dana Waldron, Steward of New York State Grange. The Scripture lesson was read by Mr. Ernest Strobeck, Macedon, Director Dairymen's League; prayer was offered by Ernest Staines, North Chili, Secretary Western New York Pro- ducers' Association. The service held a dramatic note for dairy- men, as former opponents in the "milk war" united in worship. State Chaplain Dean used as his text: "A land flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands." (.Ezekiel XX,6.) "After all," said Mr. Dean, as he urged brotherhood, "this is a religious matter. The returning glory of milk waits for coopera- tion, fair play, consecrated brains and sacrifice. We must insist that anything as essential to human life as milk, is holy."
5. RURAL ELECTRIFICATION
The Grange was a material factor in breaking down barriers of rural isolation; it was the prime factor in obtaining such bene- fits as Rural Free Delivery and Parcel Post; now every Grange member can be justly proud of Grange action and Rural Electri- fication. Education,- social opportunity,- light and power are among shining beacons of Grange achievement.
Long before the Federal Government set up its program of Rural Electrification, Empire State Grange lecturers were stress- ing programs on rural electrification. "New York State farm homes the best ligated and equipped" the high aim.
At National Grange, Sacramento,1935, State Master Fred J. Freestone reported: "The Grange is leading the way in rural electrification. A committee, composed of representatives of all farm organizations with the Pomona Master as Chairman, is set up in every county. A state Committee is also functioning actively with a representative of the Grange as Chairman. The State Power Authority, State College and Public Service Commission all render valuable service in advisory capacity. A very pleasing reduction in line extension plans and rates has taken place in every company operating in the State."
It would be of interest if the total number of rural families actually served with this longed-for light-power wonder were known. The following may be an indicative signpost:
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The Seneca County report in the Journal of Proceedings read: "Over 200 farmers have already indicated intention to take this service. Engineers estimate an average 41/2 customers per mile." In Chautauqua County alone, 1935, over 100 miles of ex- tension had been accomplished. On engineers' estimate that would point to 450 farmers served there. The 1936 report of Cort- land County showed forty-seven miles of extension brought city current to two hundred and forty rural homes in that county. A stretch of such figures across the State means outreach of under- standing.
In the November 1935 National Grange Monthly State Secre- tary Harold Stanley added: "Let's not forget that the Grange is taking the lead in rural electrification; every Grange and every member should cooperate with the Pomona Master. If your community is not served with electric power, if you wish to secure this service, be sure to contact your Pomona Master at once. Other agencies and organizations are helping but the Grange must lead. Every member will be proud of the achieve- ment possible if we work and work together. We must remember that rural delivery of mail was not obtained by just talking. We may be equally proud of another great accomplishment if we will only learn all there is to know about this great question and then plan active participation. The entire program is so much like the Grange anyway in that it brings 'Light' and 'Power' where needed, that the Grange offers exceptional advantages as a leader."
In 1947, Claude Wickard, Rural Electrification Administrator, said, in the Grange Monthly, "'Visionary' and crackpot' were the mildest of the adjectives that critics of REA applied to the 'dreamers'-many of them leaders of the Grange,-who a dozen years ago looked forward to and strongly supported electric service for all American farmers. Today, it is plain that the one- time vision was not after all so wild a dream, for it is already half realized."
Here's to the spirit and vision that started those electric light poles across the rural darkness, and touched the blessed button inat maue farm homes and barns alight.
6. NEW YORK STATE FAIR
In a press release of 1936, the State Agricultural Society is credited with the founding of the Fair "96 years ago, and much help received from the Grange and also the Federation of Farm and Home Bureaus. .. . The Grange has been one of the most active co-operating agencies of the Fair. It has its own Grange
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building, where many of its exhibits are housed; it has one day of the Fair set apart for its program. In addition, this organiza- tion sponsors numerous contests, such as the singing contest, State-wide affairs with practically all Subordinate Granges par- ticipating."
At the Oneonta session, 1935, State Master Fred J. Freestone indicated Grange participation: "It is proper that New York's great agricultural Fair should have the support and cooperation of New York's biggest farm organization. Grange Day was a real success."
In 1938 State Master Raymond Cooper wrote in the State Fair premium list: "There are each year eleven Subordinate Grange exhibits in the Horticultural Building and one State Grange exhibit. What one can see in this building alone is well worth the price of admission to the grounds."
We quote former State Grange Historian Leonard Allen, in the 1940 National Grange Monthly: "Grange cooperation has meant much in the conduct of the New York State Fair at Syracuse; the Grange singing contests, speaking contests, etc., have added much to the expositions' drawing power."
During all these years standing room only and overflow audiences crowded the inadequate Grange Building, really a wing of the Institutions Building. Resolutions which requested adequate space were repeatedly presented at State Grange ses- sions and taken to State Fair authorities. It was most unsatisfac- tory to have Grange Rest Room, check room, State Grange exhibit and headquarters in the Grange Building, while other Grange exhibits were in the Horticultural Building some distance away. Mr. and Mrs. Dana Waldron, in charge of the Grange Building, did their utmost. In 1941 the Grange Building was somewhat improved by murals and arrangement, but space was still lack- ing. Eventually room for four booths was provided in the Institu- tion Building, but this was revoked later.
ULTIMATE SOLUTION ... . from the suggestion of Mr. Charles Riley, with Executive Committee approval, the whole Grange Department was removed to the Horticultural Building.
SPECIAL EXHIBITS: In 1934, for the first time, the State Grange had an exhibit in the Farm Products Building. Colorful, this exhibit depicted the ideal rural community, with church, school and Grange Home Community Center. In 1941, the Joint Juvenile exhibit, put on by Cuba Juvenile Grange No.50, Allegany County; South Rutland Juvenile No. 24, Jefferson County; Mar- cellus Juvenile No. 101, Onondaga; East Fayette Juvenile No. 329, Seneca, and Wolcott Juvenile No. 48, Wayne County, attracted
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much attention. In 1946, in the old Grange Building, the G. L. F. set up a large composite exhibit of several projects fostered and developed by the Grange.
In 1942 the Fair suspended for the duration of the war, and not resumed until 1949. In the interim of war the buildings were used for Military purposes. Resumption of the Fair on full scale was approved by delegate resolution in 1948. A controversial situation resulted in
A FEATHER IN THE FARM GROUP CAP, GRANGE AND OTHERS:
One of the greatest contributions to the good of New York State came after the Conference Board of Farm Organizations learned that the State wanted to build a new State Fair Grounds near the Syracuse Airport. State Master Henry Sherwood gave a lucid account of the Farm Group achievement:
"We objected to this large expenditure of money. Governor Dewey told us that the commission he had appointed advised him the buildings on the Fair Grounds were useless. We still objected. As a result of our continued objections, the Governor appointed a committee of seven." Mr. Sherwood was Chairman; State Secre- tary Harold Stanley and Clarence Johncox, Executive Committee Chairman, represented the Grange. Mr. Sherwood added: "We were given one month to make a complete study of the situation. We put in seven days and went over everything carefully, and reported to the Governor that the Fair could be held on the pre- sent grounds, that the buildings were in good condition, and that the cost to make the necessary repairs would not cost the State one penny. We uncovered the fact that the United States Government had paid the State over $340,000 during the war. The Public Service Department advised us that all repairs could be made for about one-half of this amount. So we felt pretty good that we had saved the State fifty-three million dollars, which was the amount the new project would have cost. The State Fair, partially revived in 1947, went ahead on full scale in 1949.
TRIBUTE DESERVED was received after Charles Riley, former- ly connected with the State Fair Farm Crops Department, headed the Grange Department. In his column, "The Rolling Stone," National Grange Monthly, Mr. E. Payson Smith, State Grange Publicity Director, commented: "This year, through the direct efforts of New York State Grange, three of whose officers were on the seven member consulting committee, State Fair is back to stav re-activated, bigger and better than ever. We want to pay tribute to Charles Riley for his excellent direction of Grange
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exhibits. Appointed to the job, strictly a shirt-sleeves and over- all job, Charles turned in an outstanding piece of work on behalf of the Grange and you all should know it."
SINGING CONTESTS: One of the most delightful developments of these years was the State Fair Singing Contests, which de- veloped early in the Freestone era, a nice child of the Freestone brain. Contests began in Subordinate Granges, winners to region- al tryouts, and front line selections to compete at State Fair. The purpose was educational, to develop interest in the lovely old songs written prior to 1900, the costumes typical of such date, also to develop singing talent in the Granges. In earlier years Arthur Reynolds, Madison County Pomona Lecturer, had charge of the contests. In 1940 he was succeeded by Rev. Fred Dean, New York State Grange Chaplain. His sucessor was the Rev. O. Blakely Hill, now Chaplain.
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There were four classes, men's solos, women's solos, duets and quartettes. In 1937 winners-over-all began to go to State Grange. That year Rev. Fred Dean, Director, reported 213 singers and speakers, representing 43 Pomona Granges, competed in eight regional contests. He said: "Conviction grows that these contests offer a most effective method for the encouragement of talent in our Granges for they provide an incentive without which many potential singers and speakers could hardly be in- duced to come forward and develop their latent abilities." In 1950, groups from Subordinate Granges began to put on half hour programs three times daily at State Fair. These indicated that properly staged shows could be a decided asset to the Fair. More recently talent contests, replacement of singing contests, have proved attraction values to the Fair-going public. 1960 Examples: Best of Show, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Owens, Schenectady County; Flute Solo, Evelyn Aldrich, Edwards; Quartet, Pine Grove Grange, Jefferson County.
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