Corn Was Cheaper Than Coal

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31730, 13 July 1968, Page 17

Corn Was Cheaper Than Coal

staJp STORY

written for “The Preet" by KBNNBTH ANTHONY) In 1865 an American farmer tn Illinois took a whole cart load of grain to market—and received for it just enough money to buy his son a pair of shoes. In the neighbouring State of lowa farmers were burning their com as fuel because it was cheaper than coal. Such was the depressed state of the fanning industry in the United States a century ago. But help was on the way. A farmer from Minnesota named Oliver Hudson Kelley' was so disturbed by the poverty of the farming community that in December, 1867, he set up an organisation to protect their interests. Working with only six associates at first, he campaigned for better prices for farm produce, lower interest rates on loans and cheaper freight charges. He called the new organisation the National Grange. Against powerful opposition the Grange made slow headway in its early years. But the farmers came to realise the advantages of a strong national organisation and with the Grange’s help gradually became more prosperous. Today the Grange has 6000

branches and has added many valuable welfare activities to its original objectives. Probably few people outride tiie United States had ever heard of the National Grange until a special stamp was issued to honour its centenary. In appearance it. resembles a miniature poster in the 19111 century style, and depicts a scythe-wielding farmer of the time. The background includes a train crossing a viaduct That F may seem a strange object to c be featured on such a stamp, ’ but in fact there is a strong c connection with the subject 1 Kelley was a bitter opponent of the American railway cotn- ’ panies, which he believed ’ were exploiting the poor ’ fanner with exorbitant transport rates for produce and ; cattle. ’ Few stamps hide such an interesting story behind such ■ an enigmatic design.