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, 



