294 FARMERS' ORGANIZATIONS 



In another letter he shows the policy toward young people. 



" Bring up the boys and girls, and as fast as they prove by good behavior 

 and ability that they are worthy of advancement, give them a higher degree. 

 It will stimulate them to be temperate, studious, and good. They will feel 

 they are respected. Every organization will be provided with a library, and 

 from that they can have books to impregnate their minds with sound sense 

 ... I hope we can inaugurate an Order that will elevate our occupation as 

 farmers, so that it will be a work of credit, not only to be a member of it, but 

 also make it an honor to be a cultivator of the soil." 



Somewhat similar views are expressed by other prominent 

 members of the order. For instance, L. McKinstry, charter mem- 

 ber of Fredonia Grange (No. 1) and its first Lecturer, in his address 

 of welcome to O. H. Kelley (25th Anniversary of Fredonia Grange, 

 1893) said: 



" But in my estimation, Brother Kelley, the Order you founded has had a 

 higher value than in the line of material interests. It has served to stimulate 

 and improve the social side of farm life. The social, parliamentary and literary 

 education that has been gained in the Grange has brightened the life of many a 

 family that would have otherwise led a lonely existence." 



The rapid growth of the Grange, after the first three years of 

 hard pulling, was beyond the fondest expectations of its best 

 friends. The years 1873, 1874, and 1875 are the banner years in 

 Grange history the climax coming in 1875, reaching a member- 

 ship of one and a half million. For instance, in the year 1868, ten 

 dispensations had been issued; in 1869, thirty-six; in 1870, one 

 hundred and thirty-four. In February and March 1874, four 

 thousand dispensations were issued. Granges were springing up 

 all over the country, like mushrooms in the night. Not only among 

 farmers, but also in villages and cities, Granges were being formed 

 the members claiming to be " interested in agricultural pursuits." 

 Three thousand organizers were in the field in 1874. During these 

 three banner years the moneys received at the Secretary's office 

 amounted to $350,000. This made the Order financially strong. 

 Miss Hall compiled a song book for the Order for which she was 

 given $1,000 by the National Grange. The Grange showed tre- 

 mendous strength at this time in the States of Kansas, Missouri, 

 Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio. There is clearly a con- 

 nection here between the growth of the Grange and the economic 

 depression sweeping the country at this time. It is true that the 

 panic of 1873 was both industrial and agricultural. But the agri- 

 cultural depression was more deep-seated and more enduring than 

 the financial and industrial crisis. The West, after the Civil War, 

 had been too rapidly settled. Aided by a huge government sub- 



