THE GRANGE AS AN INSTITUTION 



293 



way with the new order. The first subordinate Grange was estab- 

 lished at Fredonia, New York, in 1868, by Mr. Kelley himself 

 (Fig. 51). Subordinate Granges were next started in Minnesota, 

 Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee. From Grange No. 1 comes 

 S. J. Lowell, present master of the National Grange (Fig. 52). 



It is well to pause here and enquire what were the real purposes 

 of the Grange when it was organized. Since politics and religion 

 were ruled out as subjects for discussion, these may be omitted 

 from consideration. Rereading 

 this early Grange history in the 

 light of the present it is evident 

 that the original purposes were 

 not sharply defined in any one's 

 mind, and were not set down in 

 hard-and-fast rules. It is also 

 evident that while Mr. Kelley 

 was a practical man, yet he was 

 actuated by lofty and idealistic 

 views of economic, mental, moral, 

 and spiritual blessings for the 

 farmers. Apparently the spirit- 

 ual blessings rather than the 

 material were uppermost in his 

 mind, and being a practical man, 

 doubtless his views were not the 



Same from year tO year Or in FIG. 52. S. J. Lowell, a farmer of Fredonia, 



State after State which he visited. S-MaSer" sta^cS^ : G i8Sr of'thJ 

 Time and place changed them. It National Grange, 



is only fair to let Mr. Kelley speak for himself here, so the follow- 

 ing quotation is introduced from his early writings : 



"September 4, 1867: I have traveled some in our glorious country for it 

 still exists as God made it, notwithstanding the political troubles. I have 

 noticed particularly those engaged in cultivating the soil who comprise the 

 bulk of the population, and among these are noble minds, rough diamonds, that 

 only need the polishing wheel of education to show their real value. Agricul- 

 tural papers and works of art are doing much good among those who will read 

 and think. Agricultural fairs have accomplished much; but these come but 

 once a year, and while being advertised, create an interest; but as soon as they 

 are over the interest is gone. Now what I design is this: An Order that will 

 create an interest and keep it up. . . . Among the objects in view may be 

 mentioned a cordial and social fraternity of the farmers all over the country. 

 Encourage them to read and think; to plant fruits and flowers; beautify their 

 homes; elevate them; make them progressive. It will increase the subscrip- 

 tions to the agricultural papers." 



