USA > New York > The History of New York State Grange, 1934-1960 > Part 14
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GRANGE QUEEN CONTEST had its origin thus, as related by Charles Riley, Superintendent: "Just before State Fair week of 1955, the State Fair officials called me by 'phone and asked who was the Grange Queen. The Grange had never had a queen, and that gave me the notion we should have one. The State Grange Executive Committee approved, and Mrs. Florence Pickett, Young Adult Committee Director, arranged this very carefully. The State was divided into districts and elimination provided. Miss Julia Earls, first selection, was every inch a queen, and accom- plished a lot as a good will emissary."
On Wednesday of Fair Week, 1957, the new Grange head- quarters. in the Horticultural Building was formally dedicated as the Grange Hall. This provided for all exhibits to be housed together, an office for Grange officers, the Service and Hospital-
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ity Rest Room, a fine stage, well lighted, with draw curtain and dressingroom, and the Grange check room. To the satisfaction of large audiences, this relocation partially lessened the very objec- tionable noise of the former Grange Building. In 1958, Frank J. Riley, former State Grange Secretary, witnessed: "The Grange has a very prominent place in the Fair now."
THE GRANGE, A FRIEND OF THE COUNTY FAIR has been demonstrated by amateur shows, exhibits, floats and general activity. L. L. Allen, in the 1940 November National Grange Monthly, phrased it well: "Through the active cooperation of the Grange new life has been breathed into many rural fairs that were threatened with extinction after many long years of useful- ness. The Grange has shown what a real agricultural fair should be. The rural people generally have lent their support and saved the fairs." Thus the Grange has again saved and served rural welfare.
7. CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
"Civilization itself rests upon the soil," said Thomas Jeffer- son. Theodore Roosevelt concurred:
"The loss of fertile soil is a loss beyond measure. When our soils are gone, we, too, must go, unless we find some way to feed on raw rock or its equivalent."
Our New York State Grange was an early advocate of conser- vation in its varied forms, hunting, fishing, wild life, timber re- sources, aspects relative to farming as well as general welfare. Resolutions favored restoration of the Hewitt reforestation pro- gram of not less than $400,000, annual appropriation until one million acres of reforestation reached consummation; study of soil and moisture conservation, erosion control, dangers from rabid foxes, and action to protect land owners from "claim con- scious" trespassers injured through their own carelessness, sug- gest conservation range.
NEW YORK STATE SOIL CONSERVATION COMMITTEE has five voting members, all farmers, selected by the Governor from lists submitted by New York State Grange and the Extension Service, two each, and one member-at-large. Included among Grange representatives we find: Harold M. Stanley, 1942; Leon Benjamin, Chairman of the State Soil District Committee, 1945; Kent Levitt, Millbrook, 1947; Charles Downey, dairy farmer, Dryden, and Rodman Fellows, dairy-sheep farmer, Trumansburg, have for several years been the appointees. Mr. Fellows is a partner in the National Farm Consulting Service.
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The germ of the Soil Conservation District idea seems to be a resolution passed in 1939, Syracuse session, which authorized the State Grange Legislative Committee to meet in joint com- mittee with other groups to study possible legal machinery under which farmers could organize to avail themselves of assistance of the Soil Conservation Service. In 1940 the law was passed authorizing such districts. From this action, one or more names were presented by both the County Pomona Grange and the Farm Bureau, from which the Board of Supervisors selected the Direc- tor for each County. In October, 1959, the State Committee had assisted the county Boards of Supervisors to organize successful, operating soil conservation districts in 46 counties. The State Association of Soil Conservation District Directors, of which Mr. Harold Craig, Clinton, past Oneida County Deputy, is Sec- retary-Treasurer, works under direction of the State Committee.
BASIC: When State Master, Henry Sherwood said: "Conserva- tion of our basic natural wealth of soil and timber must be prompted through sound soil building, water conservation and fire prevention. .. . While the program on improved pasture and hay lands is but one of many soil conservation practices, it pro- bably is of paramount importance today to New York State Agriculture."
In addition, the State Grange and State Committee deem such practices as these essential: Contour tillage, cover crops, prevention of water run-off, rotation of good sod crops, irrigation, diversion terraces, strip cropping, farm drains, pure water supply and its effect on industry, riparian rights of land owners over water on or under his property, and relevant legislation. In 1955, State Master Leland Smith attended a meeting of the Joint Legis- lative Committee on Natural Resources, called to study the Small Water Sheds Act. Mr. Smith's report to the State Session was followed by two significant resolutions adopted by the delegate body. One favored the small watershed program of retention dams, proper soil and water control measures and stream channel improvement. The other, since use of water is increasingly im- portant to farmers, industry and muncipalities, urged that Subor- dinate Granges and the Extension Service cooperate in bringing information to the public.
In 1957, in line with State Grange action, joint consideration by the Committee and District Directors led to proposed revisions in County and State highway laws as to securing rights of way, in that the State should obtain title to all lands before entry for construction purposes; that, if necessary, viewers should make appraisal, and the State be required to pay check at title trans- fer. In 1957, Corning session, Mr. Rodman Fellows pointed out the wisdom of saving highly productive soils for agricultural
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production, also injustices in certain existing laws and methods. In this same report, Mr. Fellow asked the delegates how many saw the weather exhibits at State Fair and Farm and Home Week, Cornell. "We helped to sponsor this exhibit," stated Mr. Fellows.
Mr. Charles Downey, Grange representative and State Com- mittee Chairman, at the 1959 Elmira session, reported: "Water is becoming a critical resource to all segments of our economy. Water for our cities and villages as well as for industry and agri- culture will be a major question in the coming decade or two. We in New York have a plentiful supply if we can only protect and develop it before it has been wasted away or polluted through ignorance or unconcern."
Mr. Downey discussed the importance of the Barge Canal as a source of private and public water supply and commented: "It is important in that the total question involves giving away con- trol of some 40% of the State's water resources. Here we feel is the important basic issue-Federal versus State control of water resources,-and our committee agrees with the Grange represen- tative in that we feel control of our water resources should re- main at home,-within our State and Counties where we can manage them to the best interest of our State and Counties. .. . After all, we are only temporary stewards of the land, and it is our aim to leave it in as good or better shape than when it was handed to us."
State Master Leland D. Smith expressed it well: "Conserva- tion of the soil is both a science and an art. As a science there are many gaps in our knowledge. As an art, it calls for the best in man. It demands respect and reverence for life."
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Chapter 7.
FIELD OF COMMUNICATIONS
1. RADIO
A new avenue of Grange Communications to the public developed over the air. Examples: Charles M. Gardner, then highest ranking Grange ritualistic officer, spoke eloquently over Station WGY each Christmas Eve. From Station WESG, Ithaca, Seneca Juvenile Grange No. 29, with Matron Gertrude Kinney, broadcasted in 1934. For years Station WSYR, Syracuse, featured Grange singers and speakers at State Fair. In 1935 this Station started a series of entertaining and informational Grange broad- casts for Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga and Oswego Counties. At first Arthur Reynolds, Madison County Pomona Lecturer, was Chairman, then the duties were taken over by William Turner, Cortland County. These broadcasts re- quired prior audition for tone and variety.
In 1937 Florence Pickett, Saratoga County Pomona Lecturer, was influential in primary regular WGY Grange broadcasts for which Mr. G. Emerson Markham, member of Niskayuna Grange No. 1542, was announcer. The April 1938 "Pomona Lecturers' Journal" announced a ten-county sponsored program, bi-monthly, in charge of Mrs. Pickett. In 1939 Vermont State Grange and Berkshire County, Massachusetts, cooperated. In 1941 The National Grange Monthly used this caption: "Grange Broadcasts Are Popular," put on jointly by Grange groups from three States every Saturday. 'A great listening audience was built up.
Among timely topics were: "New Crops to Help America," Washington County; "Economic Justice for Agriculture," Mont- gomery; "Do Taxes Threaten Private Enterprise?" Berkshire South, Massachusetts; "How Would Socialized Medicine Affect You?" Otsego; "Save a Garden, Save a Life," Delaware; "Gracious Living in the Farm Home," Saratoga; "Get Out the Vote," Dut- chess; "Grange and Church Cooperation," Herkimer; "American Farmer and the American Market," Warren; "Farmer-Owned, Farmer-Operated Cooperatives," Albany; "Are Lottery and Gambling Laws Strictly Enforced?" Greene; "Are We Neglecting Temperance Education?" Schenectady; "Do We Need More Acres Under Cultivation?" Ulster; "Uncertain Values of Money," Columbia.
Rensselaer, Saratoga, Otsego and Schoharie combined in a series: "What the Grange Expects of Officials,- Village, Town, State and National." Robert Child, Supervisor of Broadcasting,
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WGY, announced that a Schenectady seventh grade teacher had her pupils listen, then requested 1000 copies of these broadcasts. "Proof of their value and that people do listen."
THE HAPPY FARMER was the theme of a nation-wide broad- cast in 1939 at Fredonia Grange Hall. Staged by the "Firestone Voice of the Air, "it centered around eighty year old Sherman J. Lowell, Past National Master. Mr. Lowell said in part: "The Grange serves as a training school for real leadership, and con- stantly ยท fights intemperance, injustice, intolerance, monopoly, public extravagance, graft and dishonesty. The thing dearest to us all is the preservation of the one family farm. The Grange has been second only to the church in moulding ideals."
In 1940 Station WTRY, Troy, ventured a new Grange series. Station WMBO, Auburn, featured a talk, "The Grange and Americanism," by Dr. W. C. Waterman, member Conquest Grange No. 1027 and teacher Socialogy, Brooklyn College. Station WHLD, Niagara Falls, had monthly Grange broadcasts with Mrs. Leonard Vogt, Mrs. Edwin Gifford and Mrs. Fred Zimmerman, Niagara County Service and Hospitality Committee, participat- ing. Station WATN, Watertown, for some years welcomed Grange Broadcasts. Among cooperating Granges were a number of North Country Granges, among them Beaver Falls Grange No. 554. Grange news was spread periodically. In 1950 Cortland Station WKRT, with William Turner in charge, used informational talks. These still continue. Thomas Turner has also had charge.
The April, 1953, National Grange Monthly told of Mrs. Cheritree Hubbell, Warren County, who reported for three Pomona Granges and 33 Subordinates in a morning broadcast over Station WWSG, Glen Falls. "These broadcasts have contri- buted materially to favorable publicity received by the Grange."
INTERNATIONAL RADIO REACH: At the request of the British Broadcasting Corporation, State Master Henry Sherwood gave a talk on the work of the Grange and its values to farm interests. Robert Child, WGY "Farm Paper of the Air," worked out record- ing details. Questions were asked by William Young, President of the Scottish Farmers' Union, and William Graham, Secretary of the National Farmers' Union of Great Britain. This exchange program was broadcasted over one of Scotland's leading stations. In January of the same year. 1946, the British Broadcasting Corpo- ration had given similar information about the United Kingdom.
RURAL RADIO FOUNDATION
Rural Radio Foundation, non-profit parent of Rural Radio
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Network, was organized in 1947 by ten State-wide Farm organiz- tions: New York State Grange, Farm Bureau, Federation of Home Bureaus, Poultry Council, Horticultural Society, Artifical Breed- ers' Cooperative, G. L. F. Exchange, Vegetable Growers' Associ- ation, Dairymen's League and Empire Livestock Market Cooper- ative. No financial profit accrued to any, since all monies went to Rural Radio Foundation for research, education and other public interest projects.
As one of the charter members and financial backers of promotion, New York State Grange had three Directors, David Kidd, Overseer, Harold Stanley, Secretary, and Leland Smith of the Executive Committee. Harold Creal, a Grange member of Homer, was first President of both the Network and the Foundation. In 1950 Harold Stanley was President.
RURAL RADIO NETWORK
In 1947 the Federal Communications Commission ruled favorably on construction permits for the six station FM Radio Broadcasting System. FM means frequency modulation: static free, it had no interference, no fading. The six stations were all on elevations of over 2,000 feet and were located: Near Wethers- field, Wyoming County; Bristol Center, Ontario; Ithaca, Tomp- kins; DeRuyter, Madison; Cherry Valley, Otsego; and Turin, Lewis. The Network was farmer-owned, since most farmers belonged to at least one organization. At the outset all officers were farmers and Grange members, including Harold Creal, President, Clifford Snyder, Vice-President, and George Slocum, Secretary-Treasurer.
"As time goes on and the facilities of this network are en- larged," said State Master Henry Sherwood at the 1948 Lake Placid session, "it will be one of the more important methods of radio communications available to the farm people of this State. We should be honored that the New York State Grange had a part in forming this great service to the rural areas of the Empire State."
PURPOSES OF NETWORK: Mr. Bruce Gervan, Acting Mana- ger, at the 1948 Deputy-Lecturer School, said: "To supplement existing radio service by supplying rural people with equivalent of a good farm paper, with particular emphasis on weather, markets, crops and agricultural developments with top listening hours devoted to these subjects." Such rurally helpful facilities were not available from regular networks, since located in larger cities as they are, appeal must be chiefly geared to more urban interests.
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GRANGE HALL OF THE AIR: Mr. Gervan, 1948 Lake Placid session, said this program had an opportunity of developing into one of the greatest public services on radio, stimulating public discussions and giving city people an insight into agricultural problems. "FM sets are important farm tools."
At the Portland, Maine, 1948 National Grange session, State Master Henry Sherwood described these broadcasts: "They originate in the Lecturers' programs at Grange meetings. They have been very successful and have created much interest. Of one-half hour duration they feature discussions of current, national and international interest."
FIRST ON THE AIR was broadcasted from Fredonia Grange No. 1, a 45 minute part of its Booster Night program. FM radio sets dotted Grange Halls all over the State, so Patrons could listen to this historic event. Later in the series, Bergen Grange No. 163 used a panel discussion: "Should Price Supports be Con- tinued?" the panel: Harry Graham, Clarence Johncox, Thomas Dermody, Master of Bergen Grange, and Paul Poirot, G. L. F. Economist. Lowville Grange No.71 gave an early broadcast: "Where Should the State Land Buying Stop?" Panel make-up: Local editor John Boyd, District Forester C. D. Kingsbury, re- presentative U. S. Soil Conservation Service Arthur Houck, and Arthur Waterman Lewis County Deputy. West Groton Grange No. 818, Tompkins County, chose this theme: "How Does an American Rural Community Compare with Those of Other Lands?" Four Cornell students, guests of the Grange, comprised the panel.
On Tuesday evening, 1948 Lake Placid session, the "Grange Hall of the Air" went live from the Olympic Arena, Lake Placid. Farmers unable to attend had the privilege of listening in. Theme: "How Can the Nations be Made United Neighbors?" The panel had international make-up: Lois White our Exchange student, Jamesville, New York; Mrs. Russell MacDonald, Quebec, Canada; Mr. John Madsen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Mr. Donald Pringle, Canadian member United Nations. Mr. Harry Graham, Director Grange Expansion, was Moderator, and Mr. Enoch Squires, announcer. Mr. Graham was in general charge of the entire "Grange of the Air" series. On Wednesday of that same week, the well-known Enoch Squires presented an "Interview with State Grange Delegates" which went live for one-half hour to interested listeners. Radio was a lively medium.
The personel of the Network, other than mentioned. was: Robert Child, former editor WGY "Farm Paper of the Air,"; Claire Bannister, Director Women's Program, formerly of Texas Station WTAW; Rym Berry, "The Squire of Stoneposts Farm,"
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humorist; Lee Hammick, specialist in Northeastern Farm Broad- casting; "Bill" Tyler, Agricultural News Service Correspondent, Albany; Whitney Tharin, Agricultural News Service Correspon- dent, Washington; and Charles Hodges, accredited U N Corres- pondent and foreign news annalist. News and names of Grange members were given weekly. In 19950 Florence Pickett was ap- pointed a program committee member to work with Rural Radio. The Network proved itself a valuable public relations servant.
TELEVISION
. September 16, 1947 saw the first televised Grange program. Mrs. Isabelle Harris coordinated the ten minute show, "The Oldest Farm Fraternity," over WRGB, Schenectady. State Mas- ter Henry D. Sherwood and Past State Master W. J. Rich viewed the actual telecast, enthusiastically.
THE STORY: Significant events in Grange development were portrayed, beginning with Oliver Hudson Kelley's assignment by the Government to investigate deplorable conditions in the South at the close of the Civil War. The realization of his dream of the Grange ideal was depicted. Mrs. Theron Pickett took the part of Mr. Kelley's neice, Caroline Hall, that gracious lady who originated the plan of equal membership for women. Precepts of the Grange were emphasized: Flag presentation, Bible on Altar, and two men shaking hands, symbolic of Fraternity.
"AUNT JANE" PARK
The Jauary, 1946, National Grange Monthly carried State Lecturer Marietta Windecker's invitation: "Listen to 'Aunt Jane's' news broadcasts every Saturday. I doubt if anyone has done more to make these Grange programs interesting than 'Aunt Jane, our good newscaster. As you know, she has been doing this for over seven years now, without compensation, except for a gift once in a while. Little do we realize the hours she has so willingly given that we might 'listen each week to the latest news flashes and her own bits of humor that have done so much to keep members will informed." Seven years in 1946-over three times that now, well over 1000 broadcasts.
"Through winter's 'snow and summer's heat," says the Oct- ber, 1954, National. Grange Monthly, "Aunt Jane has walked a quarter mile to the bus, then by bus to Station WGY for the Sat- urday edition of "The Farm Paper of the Air."
"Aunt Jane" of the "ox-sized heart" promoted a program, "Mittens for Korea" in 1953. She broadcasted appeals for yarn and mittens over WGY, and spoke at National and State Grange
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sessions. Support came from over thirty States. Juvenile Granges had "mitten trees." "Aunt Jane" herself crocheted 268 warm berets and four afghans. Box after box of donated yarn went to sympathetic listeners. Rev. Earl Compton, former Chap- lain, 8th Army, Korea, who first enlisted "Aunt Jane's" services, said she was responsible for hundred of pairs of mittens for cold little Korean hands. The Rev. Signey N. Crumpton, Seoul Mili- tary Chaplain, wrote "Aunt Jane" of the joy of small Korean orphans in receiving mittens, scarfs, stockings and warm hats sent by hundreds of Grange members and friends from all over the United States.
Here's to our "Aunt Jane," well remembered at State sessions for her friendly handshakes, humorous monologues, and famous red hat. What she has poured into the rich reservoir of life has reached what far corners of the world! No wonder that in 1959 the City of Schenectady selected her as Senior Citizen of the Year!
2. THE GRANGE MEETS THE PRESS
January 1, 1934, Mr. L. B. Skeffington, Gannett Newspaper Agricultural Specialist, was appointed New York State Grange Press Correspondent. Mr. Leonard Allen, of The Watertown Times, commented: "Mr. Skeffington has made for himself a most honorable record in this very important position. His out- standing service has been instrumental in bringing into public view the great importance of the Order. He has made the public thoroughly familiar with the high educational attributes of the Grange and its many great achievements."
In 1944 State Master Henry Sherwood urged each Grange to have its own publicity representative. "Give to the papers and radio the accounts of your agricultural programs, bond sales, scrap collections and everything you do for the war effort. People are.interested to know what we are doing."
That same year a daily paper carried the story of Schoharie Valley Grange No. 1572 in a war work contest from January 1 to July 1: War bonds and stamps purchased, $16,985; blood donors 32; materials made included 155 fracture pillows, 46 knee robes, 23 scrap books, 56 miscellaneous items; 440 pounds waste fats, 8,041 pounds waste paper, and 398 pounds tin collected, plus $1,112 donated to Red Cross.
In 1946 State Master Sherwood commended publicity achiev- ed: "Just recently one Sunday paper in this State carried an editorial on the influence of the Grange in that county, stating that the Granges are doing an excellent piece of work by provid- ing clean amusement for young people. While this is only part of
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the good that a Grange can do, it should please us to know that writers and editors recognize the worth of the Grange."
For years The Watertown Times carried a half-page of Grange events, prized by readers. 1946 saw Wallkill River Grange No. 983 pointing with pride to a Grange page in the Middletown Times-Herald, a regular feature that kept the com- munity informed about Grange activities, Charles Crist, Wall- kill member, had a column "Fresh From the Furrow."
The 1947 Diamond Jubilee session, Oswego, found excellent news and pictorial coverage in the morning Syracuse Post Standard, the Oswego "Palladium" and the Syracuse Herald- Journal. Cooperation between the Press, State Master and officer staff was outstanding.
For many years "The Grange Gleaner," with news items devoted to State Grange sessions, was edited by Mr. Skeffington, Hugh Cosline (14 years) and James Hall of The American Agri- culturist. In 1948 the latter assisted Mr. E. Payson Smith with "The Gleaner." Robert Tucker, Associated Press staff writer, and Robert Waters, of Utica Press, issued wire releases throughout the week, which appeared in all major newspapers in New York and surrounding States. George Swayze, editor "Lake Placid News", represented the local press.
At this same 1948 Lake Placid session, Mr. E. Payson Smith, former editor of a Hudson Valley newspaper, gave his first re- port as State Grange Publicity Director. He had contacted pub- lishers, managing editors and subscribers, with favorable results. In the fourteenth week of its life, "The Grange Newsletter" appeared in 169 weeklies and 19 dailies. In 1954 it had place in 222 weeklies and 34 dailies, with over one and one-fourth million circulation. "We have not, however," reported Mr. Smith, "sent the newsletter to anyone who has not expressed a desire for it."
For several years Mr. Smith had a column in "The National Grange Monthly," called "The Rolling Stone," with newsy items collected in contacts with Grange members. He produced a folder, "Let Others Know-Tell the Grange Story," a guide to rural correspondents. He also distributed a helpful booklet, "Grass Roots Publicity."
In 1956 Mr. Smith was succeeded as Grange Director of Publicity by Mr. Herbert Thomsen of Stanfordville, Dutchess County, who has worked largely through the Associated Press. In his first report at Corning, 1957, Mr. Thomsen asserted: "The headline- the eye-catcher, becomes vital to a publicity campaigr. This year, State Grange aimed at headlines in the effort to make more and more people -- particularly non-grangers, respond in spite of themselves."
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