140 



CHAPTERS IN RURAL PROGRESS 



was officially organized. For four or five years 

 this unexampled prosperity continued ; then the 

 reports show a feeling of weakness creeping in. 

 In fact, the order as a whole steadily declined in 

 numbers and prestige during the whole of the 

 decade following 1880. The losses were most 

 serious, however, in the South and West ; for in 

 New England and the Middle States it retained 

 its vitality, and, indeed, grew steadily. 



During the last fifteen years there has been a 

 widespread revival of interest in the organization 

 and the outlook is exceedingly promising. 

 During the decade following 1890 the member 

 ship increased not less than 75 per cent. Dur 

 ing the last few years the rate of gain has been 

 even greater. The following table gives the 

 official records in the five leading Grange states: 



These states lead, but the order is also active 

 and strong in Vermont, Connecticut, Ohio, 



