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A HISTORY OF THE CONSUIJS'S CO-OPERATIVES
IE OREGOH PRIOR TO 1900
Tver Willis llasterson
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University of Oregon Thesis Series
No, 8
A thesis presented June, 1938 to the Departiuent
of Economics and the Graduate Division of the
University of Oregon in partial fulfillment of
the requirements for the degree of llaster of
Arts,
Reproduced October, 1939 through T/orks Progress
Administration 0. P. ilo, 665-94-3-51, sponsored
by the Division of Information of the Oregon
State System of Higher Education,
To reimburse the sponsor for State System funds
spent for materials, equipment, and binding,
copies of this thesis sell for:
25 cents
A' 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Founding of the Grange
Co-operation Prior to State Grange
State Grange Attempts at Co-operation
Co-operation in Local Granges
Co-operation in Eastern Oregon
Fire Insurance
Life Insurance
TQiy Did the Grsoige Co-operatives Fail?
Comparison Tfith a Recent Attempt
Development of Laws Under l^ich Co-operative
Stores Operated
Appendix
Addresses of Officers and Reports of Coimiilttees
as found in the Proceedings of the Oregon State
Grange#
Articles of Incorporation of the Co-operative
Enterprises are on record at the County Seats
of the Counties
Bibliography
A P P E il D I S
Fire Insurance
Life Insurance
State Agency
Reports of Committees
Articles of Incorporatioi
of Co-operatives
IIWRODUCTION
The pioneer farmer often spent the year "working long hours and endur
ing many hardships and deprivations, only to find himself just a little far
ther in debt than he had been the year before. Analysing the cause of his
drifting farther into debt, he saw that if he had been able to sell fam
crops at the price prevailing in the larger markets; if he had been able to
buy the necessities of life and of the farm at or nearer the v/holesale pric ,
he would not have slid down hill but would be accumulating a small surplus.
This was the problem that confronted the farmer during the period fol
lowing the close of the Civil War. He vms forced to pay exorbitant prices
for the articles that he muprb buy and to accept the minimum price for the
products that he sold. The wide difference between the price he received
and the market price abroad could be seen but what could be done about it?
Now if he could only eliminate the middleman and keep the difference in
price, the income from the farm would be greater. If the storekeeper could
also be eliminated and he could buy at wholesale prices the expenses of the
farm would be smaller, consequently the profit would be greater. The far
mer then would not be doing the work and receiving only a meager living,
while the middleman who was doing no work as far as the farmer could see,
was becoming rich,
Em wore these' economies to be effected? How were enough of the far
mers to be brought together to be able to carry on the work of the middle
man with'ut it becoming a burden to them? This problem was to be solved
by Mr. Oliver Hudson Kelley,
mm
FOOTDIHG OF THE GRAITGE
Oliver Hudson Kelley, a Hew Englander who had settled on a farm in
llinnesota, in 1864 secured an appointment to the position of clerk in the
Agricultural Bureau at Washington, D, C, In 1866, he was selected to travel
in the Southern States in order to gather information for the bureau. While
on this trip he was impressed with the lack of progress!veness among the
farming classes. Mr. Kelley was a Mason and realized the benefits of a
fraternity, so concluded that if some fraternal organization based upon
agricultural development could be devised for the farmers, they could be
induced to advance themselves in their methods of work and business./l
Kelley pondered on the idea of a farmers' fraternal organization dur
ing 1866 and 1867, and finally enlisted the support of Mr. W. I!, Ireland
and Mr. William Saunders who were also government emoloyees at Washington.
Mr. Saunders took with him to a moetjng of the United States Porno logical
Society at St. Louis, a number of circulars to give to the farmers with
whom he might come in contact. These circulars told of the disabilities
suffered by the farmnrs and proposed a secret organization for them, with
the object of advancing agriculture and binding the farmers together.
Much interest, as evidenced by letters of inquiry concerning further
details of the proposed organization, was shown by those who received the
circulartS, so on Deo. 4, 1867, the National Grange of the Patrons of Hus
bandry was founded. The first active subordinate Grange was set up at
Fredonia, Hew York, in 1868. Little progress, however, was made in the
organization of subordinate Granges until Mr. Kelley ceune to the realiza
tion that the Granges must be organized in the rural districts wh.cro the
farmers lived, and not in the cities.
Hot until 1872 did the movement reach Oregon, when the first subordi
nate Grange in the state was organized. By May 19, 1873 there were 9
Granges in the state, numbered as followsj 1. Marshfield, 2, Eagle Creek;
3. Oak Point, 4. Monmouth, 5. Buena Vista, 6. Oak Plain, 7. Tangent, 8.
Corenthian, 9. Shedd. The movement progressed rapidly so that by September,
1873, when a State Grange was organized, there were 37 Granges in the Com
monwealth, 33 of which were represented at the first State Grange eating.
•■The articles of incorporation of the Oregon State Grange, which was
patterned after these drawn up for subordinate Granges, gave the state body
many and varied powers from the dispensation of charity, through store man
agement and shipping business, to banldng.
1. Buck—Granger Movements
2* Appendix, page 15
CO-OPERATIOF PRIOR TO STATE GPAWQE
In. the reports presented by conimitteea at the first meeting of the
State Grange the need for co-operation among the farmers was forcefully
stressed, resulting in the establishment of two co-operative warehouses,
one of which also carried on a mercantile husine»ssj while in the second
year following two co-operative farmers' stores were formed.
The Grange, however, was not the initiator of consumers' co-operative
associations in Oregon, for before a single Grange had been formed in the
state, a group of farmers at Fairfield, Marion County, had organized and
incorporated the Farmers' Mercantile Association, with its principal office
at Fairfield./5 This association was incorporated with a capital stock of
$8,000, divid"^ into shares of $100 each. Its charter provided that no
person could own more than five shares of stock at any one time. The in-
corporators proponed to engage in transacting a general receiving, fon'/ard-
ing, and mercantile business, Ho other record has been found of this cor
poration, and no one contacted by the writer remembered anything about it,
Evidentally, it operated only a short time.
After the Grange had found its way into Oregon, but before the above
mentioned btate Grange meeting, another group of farmers living in the
neighborhood of Eugene, Lane County, united them-selves into a corporate
body under the name of the Farmer's T/arehou.se Company, The purpose this
group had in mind was to do a general forwarding and commission business,
ITo one remembers this company, either, so its period of activity must also
havo been short,
STATE GRAHGE ATTEI>'PTS AT CO-OPERATION
The State Grange, soon after its organization, entered the field of
co-operative buying and selling. This it did by setting up a central
organization at Portland, Oregon, which it named the State Agency, The
first mention I found of this was in December 8, 1873, when the Willamette
Farmer carried the notice of the appointment by the Executive Committee of
A, J, Dufur as general buslne-^ss agent for the Grange, with this place of
business at Portland, As agent, he vms to buy and sell all thing-s de-sired
by tine Order, and later reported that everything from jewels to combines
were being handled. In May, 1874, Mr, Dufur announced that he had succeeded
in making an arrangement whereby the Patron-s could be supplied with farm
implements at very reasonable prices.
In the meantime, another association Imown as the Northwest Storage,
Shipping, and Commission Company, commonly spoken of as the N, W, S, S, &
Co, was organized with headquarters also at Portland, Oregon, whose busi
ness, when put into operation,was almost indentical with that of the
Agency, By the fall of 1874, it, too, was conducting a rather large busi'-
ness, thus taldng away that much trade from the Agency, for the N, W, S,
S, & Co.,was also a Grange product and none but Patrons might oiim stock in
3# Appendix, page 16
it or buy from it» The State Agency seems to have been the only concern
officially authorized by the Grange; on the other hand, though the Execu
tive Committee had not organized the N» W, S, S, & C» Co, Some of the mem
bers of the Executive Committee had helped with its organization and were
prominent in its work. It had been so arranged that A, J, Dufur, who had
previously been appointed as State Agent, now accepted the Presidency of the
H, Vf, S, S, &s C, Co., and a certain Mr, TYarner had been elected as State
Agent, After acting as Agent but a few months Mr, Warner was dismissed and
Mr, S, P, Lee was chosen as State Agent at a salary of $1200,
At the state meeting in 1075 the officers of the Grange and manj*^ other
Patrons in attendance were irked to a fighting mood, demanding a straighten
ing out of the affairs of the two co-operative organizations. The Master
firmly stated that it must be decided whether the Executive Coiranittee or the
N, W, S, S, & C, Company was going to conduct the business of the Grange,
A report of the Agency was given showing that business up to Sept, 1 amounted
to about $60,000; that the commission charged had been 2^; that there had
been a deficit of approximately $1918,38,
Before the State Grange Meeting of 1875 such questions as the follow
ing were accusingly asked, and given to a committee to investigates 1,
Was it an avowed object in organizing the N. W, S, S, & C, Co, to raise
funds to be placed at the command of the State Agent, and the Executive
Committee? 2, Did Brother A, J,Dufur make a contract with the Koline Wagon
Company while in the employment of the State Grange and if so, did he have
a right to transfer that contract to the N. W, S, S, & C, Co, or any party
except the Executive Committee? 3, Did the II, W, S, S, & C, Co,, after the
compromise with the ''^xeoutive Committee in December, order five hundred
wagons from the Moline Company, knowing that the Executive Committee had not
the means to pay for them? 4, Did the N, W, S, S, & C, Co, go into the
market either in person or by agent and complete with the Executive Com
mittee in chartering a ship, thereby increasing the price of freight,/4
The committee appointed to investigate brought in a report to the
effect that they believed there existed an honest difference of opinion
between the two groups; the only written evidence to verify it is a circu
lar which contained this, "In order to raise funds (for purchasing) and
have it under the control of the stockholders,..,"; that A, J.Dufur had
done as charged in the second accusation by contracting with the Moline
Plow Company in his own name for the P, of H, and he had never been re
quested to transfer the said xvagons; that the N, W, S, S, & C, Co, con
tracted for 500 wagons in November, 1874; and that no evidence was found
to sustain the fourth charge.
Mr,Lee took hold with enthusiasm in spite of the dissenf'ion that had
arisen between the Agency and the N, W, S« S, & C, Co., and made a more
encouraging report to the State Grange at the 1876 meeting, stating that
in ten months the business had been able to show a profit of $400 instead
of a deficit as had been shown in the report of 1875,
4, Proceedings of the State Grange 1875,
A new scheme of financing the Agency was evolved at this time# The
plan put into effect, which v/as well described in a report of the committee
on co-operation may be condensed as follows: That each member should loan
to the Agency such amount as might be deemed proper, or that the Agency
might loan to the Grange; that all amounts loaned vrere to be set aside by
the treasurer as a State Agency Fund; that the treasurer should issue each
person or Grange loaning a certificate of deposit bearing interest and pay
able out of the State Agency Fund upon the return of the dertjfioatcs pro
perly endorsed; that the funds should be subject at all times to the con
trol of the Executive Committee; that if certificates were returned for
payment and there were no funds, the money should be drawn from the busi
ness; that all articles sold by the State Agency should be sold above cost
at a rate determined by the Executive Committee; all profits in excess of
the interest and expenses should be distributed among holders of the certi
ficates in proportion to the amount of their purchases#
The first part of the plan v/orked nicely, but the last oart could
never be carried out #
Trouble still was brewing,for although the previously mentioned com
mittee had conducted its investigation, no action was taken in regard to
its findings. The report of the State Agent in 1876 was a little more
encouraging although he complained for lack of support on the part of the
Grangers. In his report he stated that $28,000 worth of business had been
handled during the three months prior to September of that year. The re
port appeared to have been incomplete for several aocaants were not listed
as the agent admitted,
A compromise meanwhile had been suggested to the effect that the Order,
represented by the Agency, should take over the mercantile and furniture
business, leaving the regular produce storage, and shipping business to
the Company# (5f# W, S, S, d, C# Co.) This compromise had failed to be ac
cepted by the parties concerned#
The committee on co-operation then came forward with the follov/ing
proposal which was adopted and provisions dravm up to carry it into effect:
"Because of the division of patronage of our order between the State Agency
and the l-.W# 3. S, t C# Co., business is injured and since the National
Grange has recommonded the Patrons Co-operative Association, vie recommend
that we organize such an association in the Northwest that wa connect our
selves v/ith the Rochdale Society of England; that this association supplant
both the above mentioned. However the State Agency shall continue in force
until $25,000 is in the treasury of the new association; that the capital
stock should be $50,000; and that the loans of the other two were to be
placed in this organization."
A committee was then appointed, including in its ranks the newly
elected State Master, which met in Portland, Oregon and decided upon the
plans and general outline of this business venture. The committee effected
an agreeable adjustment between the N# W, S, S# & C# Co, and the State
Agency by which the former comnany delivered to the Executive Committee to
6i Appendix, page 10
be sold on oommission, their entire stock of goods. The 11. W, S, S, & Cm
Co, stepped out of the way of the new company and offored their united
support in launching the proposed plan.
Articles of incorporation were filed in Multnomah County, October 31,
1876; 2;^stock books were opened and subscriptions solicited, but the air
was still tainted with the ill feeling aroused by the two ventures that
had previously been in existence. Consequently stock was not taken rapidly,
and when the meeting time of 1877 arrived, Mr, Caatlemen, who had been
made president of the newly organized company, reported that there were at
least 1500 shares of stock that must be subscribed before the organization
could be completed. The report in 187'^of the committee on co-operation
was to the effect that though both the IT, W, S, S, & C, Co, and the State
Agency had failed to give satisfaction or enlist the general s^/mpathy and
support of the order the committee believed that the Grange Co-operative
Association of the ITorthwest e*;bodied the best plans yet proposed and was
the only enterprise that could run as an arm of the Order on a satisfactory
basis. They also recommended that special effort be made to have the neces
sary amount of stock taken to insure its organization. Further they re
commended that, should this association fail to organize, the Grange go
back to the first principles and establish co-operative associations in
the Subordinate and Pomona Granges, In another resolution it was asked
that the Master send stock books to each delegate of the counties through
out the state for stock subscriptions to the Co-operative Association of
the ITorthwest,
At the 1379 meeting the committee on co-operation made the follov/ing
reeortj "That on account of the failure of all co-operative plans hereto
fore submitted, as well as those nut to operation, we would recommend that
we go back to the first principles and commence co-operation in the subor
dinate Granges," This was the dying breath of the Grange Co-operative
Association of the ITorthwest, and it was mentioned no more in the State
Grange Meetings,
Such was not the case with the State Agency for it was to be heard of
many times, not in a complimentary way but because of the difficulties
encountered in closing the Agency's business and settling the debts. Much
merchandise was returned to the manufacturers in payment of accounts, money
received from sale of the merchandise retained was applied to other account
and a resolution was adopted by the State Grange by which the per diem
allowance v/as donated for use in settling the Agency's debts. Grange and
individuals who had made loans to the Agency through the certificates of
stock were also asked to donate these loans and cancel their certificates.
The debts of the Agency were mentioned in a number of the State Grange
meetings in the 1880's and finally wiped out in 1894 when a motion was
passed to pay the certificates presented by all members in good standing
pro rata according to the amount in the treasury.
It is interesting to note that even while these debts were still hang
ing over the Grange, a committee offered a resolution favoring the estab
lishment of another Agency in Portland, and recommended that a committee
6, Appendix, page 19
7» Appendix, page IQ
be appointed with their actual expenses paid to ascertain the feasibility
of such a laOTe./B As far as I can learn this committee was never appointed,
CO-OPERATION IN LOCAL GRANGES
During the time that the State Grange was carrying on its unsuccessful
attempts at organizing co-operative enterprises, the local Granges were
also attempting the formation of associations. The more prosperous of
these did not frtart, however, until after the otate enterprise had failed.
At Eugene, Lane County, another company was formed in 1874 known as
the Agricultural Warehouse Company./9 According to Mr. P, M, Wilkins, a
pioneer of Lane County, this Agricultural 'Warehouse Company contracted for
a large supply of thrashers, mowers, plows, and other farm machinery more
economically to the shareholders and making some profit on sales to non-
shareholders.
This company, having hired a certain Mr. Matlock as manager and sales
man, started operations, but found the competition with such companies as
Hally and Dod, strong hardware firms in Portland, so keen it was unable to
realize the anticipated profits. Three years of business operations used
up the capital and caused the directors to close the business.
Another co-operative venture sponsored by the Eugene farmers was that
of putting a steam boat on the T/illamette River to compete with the South
ern Pacific Railroad, and to make the railroad company reduce freight rates,
A certain Captain Gray, who had invested money,acted as river pilot. The
trip from Eugene to Portland was quite satisfactorily made but the return
trip took three days. Boats could be operated during the high water only,
because of shallow rapids; oven then on some of the rapids it was necessary
to anchor, hook to a tree with a capstan and pull the boat up through the
swift water. Sometimes the crew were compelled to stop along the way and
cut cordwood in order to keep up steam. This venture apparently soon
proved a failure; the boat sprang a leak and sank causing the plan to be
abandoned.
The Granges in the Lower Willamette Valley were next to take up co
operation. One group formed the Granger's Market Company in the city of
Portland in 1875 for the purpose of operating a general meat and vegetable
market, and handling live animals for butchering purposes. This organiza
tion provided that no person could own more than five shares of stock un
less authorized by a three-fourths vote of all stockholders. Also Green
ville Grange No. 49, Washington County, provided for rfiSOO in their articles
of incorporation to carry on a general merchandising business, Sherwood
Grange, Washington County, likewise operated a small store. In February
1876 the Grangers at LaFayette, Yamhill County, organized the LaFayette
Grange Company with a capital stock of $1000, and with the privilege of
increasing it to $3000,
8, Appendix, page 10
9, Appendix, page 16
At Tigard, Washington County, was operated another enterprise at the
home of Mr. Tigard. It was just an addition built to the house, never being
incorporated as a store, but simply doing business under the grange's corpo
rate power. This corporate power of carrying on a general merchandise store
was written into all the articles of incorporation of the early Granges.
Grangers at Gaston, Yamhill County, united into a buying a'-nsociation and
purchased all their sugar, flour, and other major supplies in a body direct
from Portland. They were successful enough to.hurt the business of the
Gaston merchants considerably. The buyers association was short lived, how
ever, operating only two years and was then discontinued. Mrs. Bryant, a
daughter of one of the merchants whose business was crippled, gave this rea
son for discontinuance, "They just wouldn't stick together."
Again the tide of co-operation swings back to the upper Willamette
Valley. At Eugene, Lane County, in 1876, was formed the Lane County Farmer's
Mercantile Association, with the fair sized capital of $20,000 divided into
$20 share s./lO
In an interview with the before mentioned Mr. P. M. Wilkins, 1 gained
the following information in regard to this store. The company, being a
farmer's organization and catering to the farmers' trade became very popular.
The organizers promised large dividends to the stock holders who were com
posed exclusively of Grange members. Such a percentage of the farmers'
trade went to this store that it crippled the other Eugene stores, and as a
result the private business organizations ganged together and cut prices to
such a low margin that the Association could not long realize the promised
profits. The Association also labored under a handicap of debt caused by
the fact that the capital stock never was completely paid.
When the farmer stockholders received no dividends and discovered the
prices at other stores equally as low or sometimes lower, that too the pri
vate stores would ofbimes pay more for their products, they gradually drift
ed away. The volume of sales dwindled causing the store to become unprofit
able, and the directors were authorized to sell the business. This they
did to McClung and Johnson for slightly less than 50 cents on the dollar of
the par value of the capital stock. The store was located at 8th and
Willamette streets, in the first stone building in Eugene.
A slight ebb now occurred in the movement until the Grangers took steps
toward co-operative enterprises in 1877 at which time an association known
as the Silverton Co-operative Association No. 134 was formed in Marion County.
In the upper Willamette Valley co-operative enthusiasm was again pro
nounced in 1880 and 1881 when, according to Mr.Fred Nutting,a pioneer news
paper editor of Linn County, the farmers nnar Albany organized a Grange store
which they opened on the comer of First and 'Washington Streets with John
Blevins acting as manager. A large number of farmers traded at this store
for their household supplies which seemed to be the principal th3.ngs carried.
Farm machinery and implements v/ere never stocked, probably due to the fact
that the Linn County Council was in operation at this time, and the farmers
did their buying of machinery through it. The stock of goods carried by the
10. Appendix, page 18
Grange store was estimated by Mr. Nutting to be worth $5,000 to $6,000,
At the same time Mr, S, E, Young operated a very large active store
at Albany, He did much advertising, while the farmers' store as far as I
can learn did no advertising at all. The co-operative store only operated
for about two years, and a supposition is that Mr, Young soon regained the
lost trade and that the farmers' store had to close, Another attempt was
made to start a store at Albany in the early 90's but was even loss success
ful, No articles of incorporation for either store were filed. Evidently
they operated under the articles of incorporation of the Grange, for as
before vStated, the early Granges were specifically given the right to buy
and sell goods and carry on a general merchandise store.
Across the Willamette River in Polk County the farmers were again think
ing along business lines in 1881, and a group of them organized the Farmers'
Mercantile Association of Monmouth, but limited its length of operation to
ten years.
Several years passed before any more ventures were made in establishing
new co-operative storesj then lIcMinnville farmers tried their luck and estab
lished in 1882 one of the most successful co-operative stores that operated
during this period and probably up to the present time.
Previously the McMinnville Grangers had arranged trade agreements with
certain stores whereby they received a discount on all purchases. Some
Grangers could not refrain from telling of the agreement and soon everyone
demanded a discount or else they wouldn't trade with these particular stores;
the stores consequently had to discontinue the giving of discounts or go
out of business. The wholesale houses also refused to sell to stores that
were giving discounts to Grangers, This was illustrated in the case of a
man v/ho wished to buy a wagon. He priced the wagon at McMinnville and
found that it was higher than the price quoted by a Portland dealer with
whom Grangers had a trade agreement. The farmer went to Portland, bought
the wagon, came back to Mcl'Iinnville, drove up and down the street in the
wagon, and laughed at the hardware dealer, telling him what he had paid for
the wagon in Portland, The hardware merchant reported to the wholesale
dealer and the wholesale dealer refused to sell any more wagons to the
Portland firm.
This Grange store at McMinnville was incorporated under the name of the
McMinnville Grange Co-operative Company which was to issue capital stock to
the value of $2,000 to be divided into $10 shares. The following year
the company increased its capital stock to $4,000, and in October 1884 it
reorganized under the name of the McMinnville Grange and Farmer"' Company
with a capital stock of $4,000 divided into $20 shares
The first manager of this store wag Mr, Alexander Reid who, according
to Mrs, Ellenette Booth, wifo of one of the inoorporators, "Put his soul
into the work and was responsible for its early success". The store was
commented upon very highly at a number of the State Grange meetings, and was
11, Appendix, page 20
12, Appendix, page 21
pointed to as an example of what could be done in co-operative purchasing#
Other managers weres Milton Richardson, K. J» Olds, and Charles Melson.
In 1901 a meeting of the stockholders was called and it was voted to
increase the capital stock to !|15,000;/l3 .stocks were sold to persons who
Were not farmers, and as a result the control got out of the farmers'hands#
The new stockholders were afraid of fire breaking out in the old wooden
building where the store was located so decided to build a new brick build
ing# All this expense accompanied by a lack of the best kind of management
v/as too much for the co-operative store and it vms forced to close in 1902#
As an apparent outgrowth of the Grange Master's address in 1876 and
before the Grange Co-operative Association of the Uorthwest was incorporat
ed, a group of farmers from six different counties, namely Lane, Linn,
Benton, Washington, Yamhill, and Wasco,. met and filed articles of incorpo
ration in Portland, Oregon, for a ccanpany which they named the Co-operative
Company with the right to carry on business in Oregon, Wa.shington, Idaho,
and Monta na./l4 This large territory they planned to contact by use of
agents and subordinate offices# They incorporated with only a capital
stock of $1000 but with power to increase this amount, presumably intending
to expand if the business transacted was sufficiently large# However no
record of its business can be found#
The next attempts at co-operation were scattered, one enterprise being
set up at Hillsboro, Washington County, called the Washington and Willamett
Vfarehouse Company; another at Salem, Marion County, called the Salem Co-ope
rative Association No# 17 of the Patrons of Husbandry—especially of note
because of its specifying that, "No Patron shall continue a member unless
he purchases goods from the as,sooiation to the amount of $20 each year."
A third company owned by farmers, but not, so far as I can learn, actually
a co-operative, was incorporated at Independence, Polk County, under the
name of the Farmers' Grocery and Produce Company,
The same year, 1886, there was organized, at Hillsboro, Washington
County, the Hillsboro Co-operative Company./l5 This company organized with
a capital stock of $2,000, divided into $20 shares, and selected John C#
Clark as the manager# The Grange and the Co-operative Company together
erected a joint building, using the upper floor for Grange meetings and the
lower floor for the store# This, according to Mr#W# D# Hare, son of the
W# D# Hare to whom the store was later sold, was the first co-operative
Grange store in the county, thus arousing groat enthusiasm among the farmers#
A stock of goods valued at from $10,000 to $12,000 was carried, and a large
volume of business was transacted#
For some reason the store was sold to Mr# W# D# Rare, who continued
to run it on a co-operative basis# He strongly believed in the co-operative
program and in selling to the farmers at a price that would just cover costaiif
operating expense# Under the new management and ownership, the purchases
decreased and the stock dwindled until finally it ̂ vas run just as a small
13# Appendix, page 21
14# Appendix, page 19
15# Appendix, page 22
hardware store. This plan of doing business was continued until the store
closed in 1896.
Two more unsuccessful ventures were launched in 1889: one, the Farmer's
Produce Exchange at Hillsboro, Washington Countjr; and another, the Lane Coun
ty Patrons Co-operative Butcher's Association at Eugene. The former had only
$100 capital stock, divided into $1 shares, the latter had $1,000 capital
stock, divided into $10 shares, and required the use of the Rochdale princi
ple of voting.
CO-OPERATION IN EASTERN OREGON
No co-operative enterprises had been established up to this time in
Eastern Oregon, but the center of action then swung to that part of the state
and was first evidenced at Helix, where the farmers organized, in 1890, the
tJmatilla County Farmer's Co-operative Company, with a capital .stock of
$3,000 divided into shares of $25 eaoh./l6 The control and management of
the organization were to be vest-d in not less than 3 directors, but this
number might be increased if provided for in the by-laws. The first man
elected to manage the store, according to Mr. Irwin King whose father was
one of the stockholders, was George Gibson, who acted in this capacity for
approximately two years. Clark Walters was then given its management until
the store closed in 1894 or 1895. This establishment did not handle general
merchandise, but confined its stock to farm implements, repairs and acces
sories. In 1890 the deputy Master from Umatilla County announced at the
State Grange meeting that two car loads of implements had been ordered from
a firm in Portland./l7 The before-mentioned Mr. King states that the store
attempted to carry on a credit bu.siness, and that when the depression of
1892 and 1893 came upon them, the .store had large accounts on its books,
many of which could not be collected. The result was that the company was
unable to continue business operations and was forced to close its store.
I
At Athena, another Farmer's T/arehouse Company was formed the year fol
lowing the one at Helix. Here it was proposed to stick more closely to
grain buying, storing, and shipping, though it was specified that a general
warehou.se business might be .conducted, thus giving the company a right to
sell the things carried by warehouses. Spurred to action by the aoocanplish-
ments of the store at Helix, the warehouse at Athena, and the work of the
stores in the Willamette Valley, three counties, Wasco and Sherman in Oregon
and Klickitat in Washington, joined together and formed the Ea.«stem Oregon
Co-operative A-ssociation of the Patrons of Husbandry e.stabli .shing its prin
cipal place of business at The Dalle.s, Oregon./l8 This organization .started
with a capital stock of $4,000 which was soon found inadequate because of
the variety of merchandise it desired to carry, so at a meeting held the
24th day of June 1891 the stockholders voted to increase the capital stock
to $20,000. The as.sooiation proposed to engage in, "All Jcinds of business
incident or appertaining there to, for the mutual benefit and profit of its
stockholders who are members of the Patrons of Husbandry." The store was
16. Appendix, page 23, 12
17. Appendix, page 12
18. Appendix, nage 11, 24
to be run according to the true Rochdale principles in regard to voting and
distribution of dividends. The duration of the organization was to be 50
years. Mr E, N,Chandler was hired to manage the store,
Wm, Holder, worthy lecturer from ?fasoo County, .spoke very highly of
the new store in the following address: 'Wasco and Sheman Counties in this
state, and Klickitat County in Vfashington have formed a co-operative associa
tion to run a Grange store, which is now in full blast in the city of The
Dalles and is doing a good business. This enterprise started out with a
vast amount of enthusiasm among our members, and with scorns and jeers from
our enemies. No notice was taken of their opposition, and today no enter
prise that the Grange in this state ever undertook stands in a better posi
tion than it does,"
From the History of Central Oregon published by the ''-''Jfestern Historical
Publishing Company, Spokane, Washingtrn, I find that The Eastern Oregon Co
operative Association was burned in a fire that swept The Dalles September
2, 1891, The loss was 'ij9000 of which only fSOGO was covered by insurance.
This is the last record that I can find of the store; Mr, F,-W, Wilson,
■present Circuit Judge of that district and a lad about the town at the time
of the Grange store's operation, is quite certain that the store never re
opened.
That same year a co-operative warehouse was organized in Sherman County
for the purpose of storing and shipping wheat, while at Tygh Valley a co
operative store was organized.
In the lower Willamette Valley the Grangers were again bu sy in 1891
organizing warehouses both at Hcilinnville and at Butteville, Included among
the orovisions of the HcMinnville enterprise was the right to buy and sell
merchandise. No one consulted seems to remember that either handled any
merchandise. This year of 1891 had boen a thriving year in the co-operative
movement,
In the year 1895 the last two co-operatives of this period were formed.
One, an odd organization named the Co-operative Commonwealth was incorporated
in Multnomah County; the other, a co-operative store organized at Liberal,
Claokamas County, Oregon, The Co-operative Commonwealth provided in its
articles of incorporation that it might do almost anything and everything,
but allowed stock to be issued only up to 100 shares valued at one cent each
and also provided that no person could own more than one share of stock, I
find no evidence of its ever having transaeted any business.
The store at Liberal was incorporated under the name of the Liberal
Co-operative Assooiation./l9 It was given a capital stock of y3,000 divided
into shares of $5 each. No mention of the store was ever made in the State
Grange proceedings, but from Mr, Rueben Wright, one of the incorporators and
now living at Liberal, Oregon, I received a le"bter of which the following
is a parti "We patterned the Liberal Co-operative Association after the
Olathe Association, Olathe, Kansas, Each stockholder had only one vote, no
matter how much stock he owned. We carried groceries, dry goods, and a small
19, Appendix, page 26
stock of hardware. We paid cash on roceipt of invoice for all goods, there
by getting discounts. We carried it on for 3 years, going good all the
time, when our manager's health failed and he resigned. The business was
then sold a private individual. Our experience wa,a to succeed as a co-opera,
tive association; our manager was a capable manager and an honest man, treat
ing each customer as a personal friend."
FIRE IIJSUEAECE
Fire insurance was another form of co-operative venture undertaken by
the Grangers. It was first mentioned at the State Grange meeting in 1875
when a motion was made to organj.ze a fire insurance company with a capital
stock of llOO,000,one-half to be subscribed by the Patrons of Oregon and
the other half to be subscribed by the Patrons of California. Committees
were appointed in 1876 and 1879 to investigate and perfect the plans but
little progress was made. In the address given by the State Grange Master
at the annual session of 1880 the subject of co-operative fire insurance
was again brought to the attention of the Grangers. The Master stated that
the insurance associations were exceedingly simple in detail, and while
perfectly safe, reduced the expense of insurance to the bare cost. This
cost he further stated was less than one-tenth of the amount paid to stock
companies in Oregon.
In 1883 the Executive Committee was authorized to start to work on a
co-operative fire and life insurance program. This committee reported in
1884 through F. C. Yeomans,acting secretary,/ZO that by the terms of the
insurance by-laws adopted at the last session of the State Grange it was
necessary to obtain risks amounting to f100,000 before completing the organi
zation, whereas at that time the committee had only |84,820 subcoribed.
The failure, according to this report to obtain more insurance risks was
due to several causes. One was that the State Insurance Company of Salem
had been well informed of the action of the Grange in 1884 and had sent
out general agents over the country who made special efforts to secure in
surance risks from Grangers, even if they had to misstate the facts to do
so. Another cause v/as the delay in getting the insurance papers into the
hands of the Grange insurance agents, A third obstacle was that the ViTil-
lamette Farmer, finding it could get no money ou.t of the Grange Association
for advertising, virtually sold its influence to the State Insurance Company
A fourth hinderance was the apathy of those for whose benefits the Grange
was working./zi
In spite of the before mentioned obstacles, the insurance company was
successfully organized August 14, 1885, and was incorporated under the name
of the Lower Columbia Fire Relief Association. The committee representing
this insurance association reported at the State Grange meeting in May 1886,
that $150,000 in risks were being carried and no losses up to that time had
been sustained./ZZ
ZO. Appendix, page 1
Zl. Appendix, page 1
2Z. Appendix, page 2
The annual report of the assooiation iseued December 14, 1886 indicated
that $182,845»40 in risks was being carried and that the costs of the in
sured had been 20 cents per (?100 for 16 months, which was just one-seventh
the amount charged by stock companies in the state during that same period.
This Lower Columbia Fire Relief Association, after this time, met with
fair success, and gradually increased its volume of business. In 1893, it
reported $471,092 worth of risks held; in 1896, $473,401,145 and in 1900,
$529,934.29; thus, showing a constant increase from the time of first organi
zations. However, during the years that such an accumulation of business
was recorded, the members of the association living in Washington had been
withdrawing from it, and taking out policies in their own state organization,
the Vfashington Grange Insurance, formed in the meantime. The Oregon venture
in the field of fire insurance is still in operation. It has proved to be
the only co-operative enterprise launched by the Grange that has stood the
test of time,
A group of farmers at Oregon City organized a mutual insurance company
in 1894. This company insured property belonging to anyone; it developed
until it is now known as the Oregon Fire Relief Association, and handles
insurance risks valued at millions of dollars.
LIFE IHSURAFCE
Life insurance, although mentioned at the State Grange meetings in the
'70's, was not so urgently stressed as was fire insurance. In fact, it was
the success of the co-operative fire insurance association that seemed to
bring to the Grangers' attention the possibility of setting up a live insur
ance venture. In 1887 a resolution was pas.sed at the State Grange in favor
of starting a life insurance association./23 This was referred to a com
mittee which was to investigate the matter and report at the next annual
session (1889). The committee reported as follows: "We have had the same
under consideration and investigation for one year, and find that it is
not practicable, and therefore report against a life insurance in the
Grange," Again in 1890, a resolution was proposed by the Surprise and
Turner Granges, favoring a life insurance or Patrons' relief association
within the Grange, and after some discussion, this motion was referred to
a committee of three. Ho further progress was made until the 1396 meeting,
when a resolution was introduced asking that the Master appoint another
committee of three to investigate the subject, and, if it was thought ad
visable, to draft a constitution and by-laws for organization to be sub
mitted to the Grange at the next annual session. This was done,- and in 1897,
a full and complete constitution and by-laws of the Patrons' Life Association
of Oregon was submitted. Three things brought out in these by-laws to be
particularly noted were that, 1, Any member in good standing and satisfac
tory health might belong, 2. Expulsion from the Order terminated the in
surance membership, and, 3. The amount of money to be paid in case of
death was not to exceed $250.
Hothing more was done to put this proposed life insurance association
23, Appendix, page 3
into effect until the following year, when a resolution was introduced ask
ing the Master to appoint a committee of seven "to start up the matter of
life insurance in the Grange." This committee was to work without pay, and
was to call a meeting of the committee to carry out the final steps in
order to organize as soon as 400 applications had been filed.
The committee appointed set to work with instructions to solicit
Washington as well as Oregon for applications for membership. By October,
1899, a sufficient number of applications had been obtained, so the com
mittee met and completed the formal organization of the association. The
following year the committee on co-operation mentioned life insurance and
recommended its benefits and stressed its adoption by a larger number of
the members of the Grange, By glancing through later reports of the State
Grange, I find that life insurance was still in operation in the Grange in
1905, but the volume of business carried on by it was small. This date,
however, is later than I am carrying this paper so I will not follow it
further,
miY DID THE GRAHGE CO-OPFJRATI^/ES FAIL?
Why did these co-operatives fail? This is the question that now con
fronts the writer, A number of addresses given at the State Grange meet
ings express the beliefs of men of the time who were connected v/ith the
stores as to why the ventures failed. Opinions of the pioneers who were
present at the time of the failures give us another source of information.
With these various ideas in mind, we really must analyze the conditions
ourselves and finally come to some conclusion or conclusions respecting
the causes of failure,
I find that "co-operation" has always been one of the watchwords of
the Grange, in fact a basic principle upon which the Order was founded.
I find this idea always paramount in Grange circles: that the farmers
should purchase things at lower prices and that they must eliminate the
middleman. These virere the fundamental reasons for setting up the Grange
stores. l%y, then,were they unable to succeed?
In a report of the committee on the state of the Order presented at
the first State Grange meeting it was said to be the duty of the Grange to
establish stores./24 Provisions for operating such stores were included
in the printed forms that the Grange used for articles of incorporation.
The Grangers resolved that their cause was the same as that of the mechanic
and laborer, and that the farmers should co-operate with these groups.
The Oregon Grangers early established a State Agency with enthusiasm,
believing it to be the best way of accomplishing their purposes. The rea
sons given by the manager, S, P. Lee, for the failure of this State Agency
were: First, that it had not the support of the Order, largely because of
a mania for joint stock companies. Second, that throughout the vstate,com
panies had been formed and the business of the locality was done through
the local agent, "These and other things which I shall not mention," he
24, Appendix, page 5
said, "make it necessary...to close the Agency..." /25What were the other
things to which he made reference in this quoted statement? i'fe have no
record of what was in his mind. One might mention the actions of the first
agent who, a committee stated, kept very inaccurate and incomplete records#
One might even advance a similar statement about the second and third mana
gers, The third manager, for instance, even refused to appear at the State
meeting when a committee went after him. Moreover, the committee that
audited the books of the Agency made very uncom.plimentary references to the
records that he, the third agent,had kept.
The State Master expressed the view in his address that it was not the
system that was at fault but the Brotherhood#
A fair volume of business was done by the Agency, but the profit was,
of course, according to its transactions listed only $442,08, This low
profit was according to the principles adopted by the Agency, but gave it
no reserve to take care of losses that it might incur. No advertising was
done by the Agency in the way of issuing pamphlets or in newspaper columns;
not even a price list or catalog was put out the first year. Such a catalog
was asked for the second year, but I found no account of its ever having
been prepared. One will not often make purchases from a place where he seeS
no descriptions, or even a price list. The Agency also had a rapid turnover
of managers—three in two years. All these things acted unfavorably to its
prosperity.
The Northwest Storage, Shipping and Commission Company was in operation
&t the same time as the State Agency, and throve, in the beginning at least,
while conducting a business almost identical with that of the State Agency#
The N, W, S, S, & C, Co, was not organized by the Executive Committee of the
Grange, though several of the Executive Committee were connected with its
organization. This would indicate that there was a dissension of some kind
in the Executive Committee itself. Both organizations were supposed to be
channels through which the Grangers might buy and sell, V/hy was there
dissension present? The N, W, S, S# & C, Co# took from the State Agency
its first manager, probably because of his experience# Finally, after more
than three years of ill feeling among the members, the good of the N, W, S,
S, & C, Co, were turned over to the Executive Committee of the Grange for
disposal, and the previously mentioned N, W, S, S, & C, Co# discontinued
business operations,
A trade agreement also was entered into with the Pacific Coast Home
Supply Association whereby the Grangers might make purchases at wholesale
prices by combining into clubs of at least five members and paying a fee of
30 cents each. This arrangement, although officially adopted by the Order,
failed to be supported by the Patrons# There must have been some fundamen
tal reasons why these attempts at state-wide organization all failed.
Let us next consider the reasons for the failure of the local co-opera
tive organizations. To do this we must, in drawing our conclusions, refer
to the opinions of the pioneers who were active at the time. In regard to
many of the stores unfortunately we have no information,
25# Appendix, page 7
The Agricultural Warehoune Company at Eugene, according to Mr.
Wilkins./26 found competition keen with the Portland firms; were unable to
make a profit; used their capital for running expenses; and in three years
closed. The Eugene Steamboat attempted competition with the Southern
Pacific Railroad but was handicapped by difficult rapids and low water. The
Granger's Market Company in Portland was quickly overshado^Ted by the two
other Gmnge enterprises, the State Agency and the N.Vir, S, S» & C, Co, All
three failed in less than four years.
The Lane County Famer's Mercantile Association, spoken of as one of
more successful stores, was able to carry on a prosperous business for about
12 years. The inevitable then came; competing stores reduced merchandise
prices xvhile at the same time paid higher prices for farm products. The
farmer responded to this lure, and turned his trade from his own store so
that in a few years' time it v/as ordered sold by the directors for 45 cents
on the dollar of its capital stock value because it was no longer making
expenses.
At McMinnville the McMinnville Grange and Farmer's Company had an
existence somewhat similar to the store just mentioned at Eugene, although
it was in operation for approximately 18 years. This store conducted an
extensive business and the farmers of the district oonsistantly gave it
their patronage. The first manager proved to have exceptional ability whil
other good managers follcaved him. Finally the directors decided to "grow
big"; they issued additional capital stock which they sold not only to far
mers but also to citizens of the town. At the same time a less capable
manager v/as employed and the expense of a new building was added. In less
than a year it was found necessary to close the business.
At Hillvsboro a slightly different cycle of events brought ultimate
failure. An ambitious manager secured a large stock of merchandise and
built up an extensive trade. The store was then sold to an individual who
was an ardent advocate of consumers' co-operatives, and v/ho continued to
conduct it on a co-operative basis. But his management was not successful,
the stock dwindled until hardware, only, was carried and the store was
finally closed.
In TJmatilla County the store met \7ith failure, probably because of the
hard times of 1892 and 1893 combined with the attempt to conduct a credit
business. Because of the principles used the Grange stores did not have the
reserve capital necessary to carry credit accounts, but this store, depart
ing from the advice of the previous State Master, started a credit system
and was forced to discontinue operations within a short time.
The store at The Dalles met with still a different typo of disaster,
A fire swept through The Dalles in 1891, and due to the fact that insuffi
cient insurance ̂ ms carried to cover all the merchandise, the store w? s
unable to replace the stock. Then, because of the scarcity of money follow
ing the depression of 1891, the farmers were unable to invest in a new store.
At last four of the stores held to the Rochdale principles of the
26, P, M, Willdns, Eugene, Oregon,
English co-operatives, yet these failed to carry on business as long as
many of the other stores. The Rochdale principles had proved to be success
ful in England, so vthy did they fail in Oregon? Was it in reality the prin
ciples or the loyalty of the people that had made the English co-operatives
a success? Yfas it the principles operating in Oregon or was it the sense
of brotherhood, as the State Grange Master expressed it, that had failod?/27
Reasons for failures as stated in the various State Grange meetings by
prominent Grangers may also be cited to indicate why Grange stores were un-
secce''.sful. The State Master in 1877 pointed out that there was opposition
to the stores within the Granger's own ranks. The reasons the State Agent
gave for the downfall of the State Agency have been previously mentioned
but may be sunanarized here as followvs: (l) Did not have support of the
Order; (2) Local agents appointed; (3) Mania for joint stock companies
One committee stated that the State Grange stores had not enlisted the gen
eral sympathy and support of the Order, Another State Master suggested
that they had attempted "the large before understanding the small," Worship
ful Master R, P, Boise warned the organization to beware of the credit
system as tending toward prodigality and bankruptcy. He also stated that
there was no obstacle in the way of complete success provided that the
Grangers united in their trade relations and stood together.
Slowness in getting the Grange fire insurance company organized was
attributed to the following: (l) Delays; (2) The competition of an oppos
ing insurance company; (3) llon-support of the farmers' paper; (4) Indiffer
ence of the farmers toward Grange insurance./29 Had it not been for the un
tiring and persistent efforts of the organizers, this, too, might have
failed,
A committee in one report stated that no plan of business co-operation
adopted by the State Grange would bo accepted or adopted by all the Subor
dinate Granges in the different sections of the country, A later committee
said that the Grange stores were located so far from the manufacturers that
too extensive a capital was required to compete with the large private
companies; that the Grangers lacked the experience in buying and selling
necessary to compete with those trained at it from childhood. Payment of
cash on delivery was also hard for many of the farmers to adhere to. Assis
tant Steward Austin T. Buxton stated that the arrangement in effect with
the Pacific Coast Home Supply Association seemed to be unsatisfactory to
many preferring to deal directly with those with whom they transacted busi
ness.
What were some of the characteristics of the co-operative stores which
may partly explain their failure? The writer would list the follovdng as
common to most of tiiemi (l) Shares of stock issued in small denominations;
(2) Small capital stock, and (3) Large range of business undertakings al
lowed in their articles of incorporation,
I find that in these co-operatives the capital stock was sold at prices
27, Appendix, page 6
28, Appendix, page 7
29, Appendix, page 1
30, Appendix, page 13
of small denomination, ranging from $1 to $25 a share in most oases, though
in a very few instances the pii.ce was si>100 a share# I can see nothing in
this to cause any trouble. It simply allowed a large number of persons in
keeping with co-operative principlevS to own stock in the store, and, if
psychological reasoning is sound, should have added to its durability. I
am informed that it is upon this point of having many shareholders with un
tiring loyalty in their store that the English co-operatives depend for
their stability. The English share holders are reported to be truly lo5«.l
to their organization. They buy from it regardless of the lures that are
put in their way by private companies. The English movement has withstood
opposition so long in fact, and is now so large that private companies don't
even attempt to eliminate it. The English co-operatives started with two
advantages over our early organizations, first, of having their members
living within a relatively ?mall, compact area, and second of having members
Virith a small but steady income.
All shareholders in the Oregon stores of course were allowed to votej
this should also have added to the idea of running the store from a broader
viewpoint. Could there be a feeling present in the movement that no one in
particular owned the store and as a result the interest in management was
lost? Even if this had been true, and I personally do not think that it
was especially in the local co-operatives, the idea should not have carried
over to the directors. Our present large corporations have hundreds of
thousands of stock holders although a few generally own the controlling in
terest and really do the managing while many of the shareholders n' ver even
vote. These large corporations are away in the distance for most tjhare-
holders, and are not the store in the home town as were the local Granger
co-operative stores. The points just mentioned may have been one good rea
son why the local co-operative stores organized by local Granges or by
Pomonas had better success than the attempts made by the State Grange, The
State Agencyj the North West Shipping, Storage and Commission Company; and
the Grange Co-operative Association of the Northwest were distant strange
business firms to all members except the organizers and possibly the state
delegates.
Now let us discuss the capital stock of the Oregon ventures from the
standpoint of amount. Most co-operatives started with an initial capital
stock of from $500 to $5000, a few ranging up to $8000, but the majority
were in the smaller brackets. Was this enough money to carry on a store
business? Could the stores keep in stock the things desired by the farmers?
Were they liandicapped in having to buy in small lots and therefore pay high
er prices?
Going back to the first question, I find that the people in those days,
especially the farmers, did not wish a large variety of merchandise. They
were plain simple folk demanding the staples of life. The wholesale houses
and manufacturers were willing to wait a reasonable time for their money
as was shown in the sale of goods to the State Agency, Large enough quanti
ties might not have been obtained to get the lowest wholesale prices, but
it may be remembered that some of our large stores of today were then one
roomed stores and could probably not get any lower prices than the Grange
store. These small one roomed stores succeeded, and the English co-opera
tive organization built up from an exceptionally small capital, sa why could
not these co-operatives have huilt up also?
The wide purposes of their business as set forth in their articles of
incorporation probabljr caused the stores no ill effect, for they only dealt
in a few of the things mentioned.
One of the primary principles of the Grange stores was to eliminate
expenses. As a result their only advertising was in the form of reports or
announcements which were made in the Grange meetings when any new things
were added to the stock and when new shipments were receivedj this for some
psychological reason did not accomplish the desired results of increasing
sales. People here in America will go to the stores that advertise. A
certain amount of better grade advertising is educational to the public;
good advertising puts a person in the psychological mood of buying. Adver
tising might have caused the buusiness to spend a little more money but it
would almost certainly have prolonged the life of the store. By advertising
the industrial workers in the towns might have been induced to trade at the
farmers' stores and have caused the development of a co-operative society
from which all classes would have profited.
We will next take up the subject of the store managers which appears
to have been then the greatest problem and in most oases to have been their
greatest weakness. VJhere ever the managers are spoken of as good or excep-
tiopial, we find the store prospering and able to continue in business against
the competition of the other stores.
In McMinnville where Alexander Reid was the first manager the store
prospered. He was followed by Milton Richardson, and by D, J. Olds,both
men of managerial ability. Mrs,Annette Booth,previously refered to, told
the writer# "Alec, Reid put his whole soul into the work. He tried to take
the farmer's produce in trade for merchandise whenever possible." The last
man who managed the store, Mr. Charles Nelson, was young and inexperienced.
He, according to Mrs. Booth, lacked the quality of self assurance, and was
easily persuaded. This may have been one of the causes for the decision to
increase the stock of goods, construct a new building, and move the store;
the reasons that were no doubt the bottom of his trouble.
The manager of the co-operative at Eugene was said by Mir. Wilkins to
have been outstanding in ability. This store conducted a thriving business
for, a number of years.
In Hillsboro, Mr, John C. Clark who was the first manager of the far
mer's store was snoken of by Mr, Hare as, "An able manager who built up a
large trade with the farmers," though he spoke of his father who succeeded
him as, "A fine man but not with such outstanding ability as a m.anager."
The manager at Liberal was, as quoted from Mr, Rueben Wright's letter;
"A capable manager, and an honest man treating each customer as a personal
friend."
The conclusion then may be drawn that those stores which were operated
by able managers succeeded for a number of years except in a few cases where
the discontinuance was caused by something other than just plain failure in
business,
I wonder if in all probability it was not the general opinion of the
famers that anybody could run a Grange store. It would appear that men
experienced only as farmers were oft-times put in to manage the op-opera
tive store while the managers of the riVal private stores had been trained
in the actual practice of store work for years. The latter had often work
ed as clerks from boyhood, finally buying a store of their own and develop
ing it into a large business enterprise, thus being thoroughly trained in
the art of practical store managing. The untrained store "keeper" could
not compete with the experienced store manager.
The Rural Northwest (Oregon Farmer) in 1891 made the following state
ment j "...Co-operative methods of purchasing goods on the whole have not
been as successful as in selling, but there are in existence a good number
of successful alliances and Grange stores...Where the management has been
honest and wise the benefits have been large...The proportirn of successful
attempts has steadily increased. In the first cases too much was expected,
and disappointment, coupled with ignorance of the business undertaking
proved fatal," The mention of honesty in this statement might indicate that
dishonesty played a part in many of the failures, however the only case of
dishonesty that was found mentioned was in the management of the State
Agency,
Another problem that was never adhered to by the Grange stores as far
as can be found was that of setting aside a reserve* The Grangers seemed
not to realize that there would be lean years in business over which they
must tide themselves. They wanted the lowest possible price today, and
tended to let tomorrow take care of itself. They simply lacked business
judgment in many instances, due mostly, no doubt, to lack of experience in
business.
The writer finds that dissension among the members of the State Grange
partially caused the fall of the state venture; he wonders if similar oppo
sition to the running of stores by the Order wasn't present in the local
and Pomona Granges, There is no proof of this except the statement made
by two pioneer Grangers to the effect that the Grange "Just wouldn't stick
together".
The giving of credit was also disasterous to the Grange stores; every
co-operative store that attempted this policy failed. The store at Helix
serves as a good example.
The farmer was generally hard pressed for cash. This in itself would
make him an easy victim to the lure of paying slightly lower prices and
receiving fractionally higher prices for his farm products.
In most cases failure was undoubtedly due to several of the above
mentioned causes operating together, and not to any one cause. One can
always say that failure may be attributed to bad management.
I would sum up the reasons for failure of the Grange co-operative
ventures as follows, ratng them in approximately the order given;
820190
Poor management
Lack of advertising
Diasension among the members
Attempts to carry on a credit business
Difficulty for the farmer to pay cash at all times
Willingness of the farmer to accept the lure of a reduction in price—lack
of loyalty
ITo accumulated reserves.
The holding of conflicting views about stores by Grangers in different parts
of the state.
Distance from central stores,
COMPARISON A RPCSNT ATTS'PT
In my own home town, a fanall tovm of about 400 people-and with a rural
population of about 1500, a co-operative store was formed just a few years
ago; many bought stock in it, much enthusiasm was shown; a manager was
hired, and the store was started. On the first inspection of prices both
the farmers and the town people who had stock in it remarked, "It isn't any
cheaper than the other stores." In accordance wj.th this attitude the stock
holders made their purchases at the stores that would offer the lowest prices,
and in a year's time the co-op, store was sold to a private individual.
This points to me that the American public lacks the sense of loyalty
to a co-operative enterprise that is shoivn in England and other European
countries. Before co-operative stores can succeed under the competitive .
conditions of high pressure advertising and salesmanship, the consumers of
America will have to be educated to be loyal to their organization. In
England the co-operatives do a great deal to stimulate and preserve a sense
of fellowship among their members. They publish monthly magazines and year
ly reports to tell members v/hat the organization is doing; they sponsor
athletic carnivals and contests, amusements, and recreation to develop a
feeling of unity among the members.
As previously stated the American public must be brought to realize a
feeling of loyalty before large co-operatives can be successfully establish
ed, ?/e forget our loyalty for a nickel, even for two cents sometimes. We
have been instilled with the idea of profit making which v;as, no doubt, just
as prevalent between 1870 and 1900 as it is now. Perhaps it is all based
on our training as a nation in individuality.
The idea of co-operation in a store for the mutual benefit of the con
sumer will not, here in Western America, hold the trade of either the far
mer or the working man. In order to succeed the store even though a co
operative must be conducted on a sound business principle by a man who is
wide awake, alert, and honest and who has good judgment accompanied with
experience in business.
'' V' 
DEVELOHIEIIT OF WiTS WIDER WHICH GO-OPERATIVE
STORES OPERATED
The first co-operative stores in Oregon were formed and incorporated
by virtue of laws passed by the State Legislature in 1862 and 1864« These
laws provided for the formation of private corporations, and were not speci
fically for co-operative enterprises, but for any company that wished to
form a corporate body.
The important provisions of the law of 1862 were as follows: "VlThen-
ever three or more persons shall desire to incorporate themselves for the
purpose of engaging in any lawful enterprise, business, or occupation, they
may do so in the manner provided for in this act,
"Such persons shall make and subscribe written articles of incorpora
tion in triplicate, and acknowledge the same before any officer authorized
to take the acloiowledgement of a deed, and file one of such articles in the
office of Secretary of State, another with the Clerk of the county where
the principal business is carried on, and retain the third in possession
of the corporation,"
These articles were required to specify the name of the corporation,
duration, type of enterprise or business, place of business, amount of capi
tal stock, and amount of each share of capital stock.
The law passed October 20, 1864 gave the oorprration the pov/er to sue
and be sued, to contract and be contracted with, to have and use a corporate
seal; purchase, own or dispose of real or personal property, and many other
rights that are now given corporations.
It was not until 1909 that a law was passed which applied definitely
to co-operative associations, A statute of that year made it legal for
five or more persons to form a co-operative association for the purpose of
transacting any lawful business. It also specified various provisions in
regard to the organization and operation of such associations,
Ammendments and additions have since been passed until at the present
date we have ample laws in Oregon to govern any co-operative association we
wish to organize.
Most of the cases that have come to court in which co-operative asso
ciations have been a party were in the producers field. One however may
be cited which had seme bearing on the consumers organizations as well. In
the case of Lorntsen vs Union Fishermen's Co-operative Packing Company, the
Circuit Court refused to compel the company to discontinue the use of the
word co-operative, on the grounds that it was unreasonable exercise of the
lawmaking function besides being as to the defendant, an avowed effort to
take from it a valuable part of its assets for the benefit of other private
associations. The decision of the Circuit Court was affirmed by the Supreme
Court of Oregon,
CO-OPERATIVE ITtsURAITCE 1880
This subject of co-operative insurance is again brought to your notice,
with the request that you give it your serious attention. The experience
of another year gives additional proof of the great success oi* these asso
ciations and their perfect adaptability to our wants. They are exceedingly
simple in detail, and while perfectly safe, reduce the expense of insurance
to its bare cost, which in New York, as shown by the reports of sixteen or
twenty associations carrying risks of seven or eight million dollars, is
less than one-tenth of what we pay stock companies in this state.
Committee on Co-operation
REPORT OF FIRE INSURANCE SECRETARY 1885
Having been appointed by the executive committee of the Oregon State
Grange to act as temporary secretary of the association, I would respect
fully submit to the State Grange the following report:
By the terms of the insurance by-laws, adopted by the State Grange at
the last session it is necessary to obtain risks amounting to $100,000 be
fore completing the organization. At the present time the risks reported
amount to $84,620 leaving Ol5,180 short of the required amount, and broause
of this deficiency the organization has not be completed.
Reviewing the work of the year, we can discern some of the circum
stances which have tended to defeat our plans, learn the reasons why we
have failed, and we trust may be able to profit in our future work by the
experience which we thus gain from this insurance business.
As near as I am able to judge, our failure is mainly attributable to
the following causes:
1, The delay in getting the papers into the hands of the agents,
2, The plainly apparent fact that the State Insurance Company of
Salem, Oregon, was well informed as to our proceedings and made the most
of its knowledge. They had agents traveling over the country, who made a
point of securing risks from Grangers, nor did they scruple about lying to
obtain such risks,
3, The Willamette Farmer, finding it would get no money out of our
association, and that the State Insurance Co, would pay it well, has vir
tually sold its influence to that company, as we believe, and worked to
prevent our making an organization,
4, The apathy of these for whose benefits we are seeking to make this
mutual fire insurance association.
As a full report giving all the details to show that these are probf
alaly true causes of our failure, would take up too much space in the journal,
I will make that part of my report verbally.
There are 40 Granges upon my mailing list, of which 26 have furnished
no risks. Of these 26 there are 12 from which I have been unable to get a
reply, and several others from whose agents no work was received for the
last four or five months after I first wrote them. One good risk from each
of these 26 Granges which have not taken hold of the business would insure
our success.
F, C, Yeomans
Sectv«
REPORT OF FIRE RELIEF ASSOCIATIOH 1886
Two years ago I introduced here a plan of fire insurance for the appro
val of the Oregon State Grange, A committee of three was appointed to con
sider the practicability of the plan and their report in its favor is found
on page S4 of the Proceedings of 1884, Your Executive Committee districted
the territory included in the plan; appointed temporary directors, of whom
the following actively participated in the work; Bro, Thos, Paulsen, of
Washington County; Bro, S, A, Dawvson, of Linn County; Bro, J, Vorhees, of
Marion County; Bro, E, E, Hayed, of Clackamas County; and F» C, Yeonans, of
Clark County; .the latter was appointed acting secretary of the board. The
history of the first year's work is found recorded on pages 30 and 34 of
the Proceedings of this Grange of 1885, During the summer of 1885 it appear
ed to the directors that sufficient risks were pledged to enable them to
complete the organization, and on the 14th of August they met at Salem,
Oregon and canvassed the applications for insurance which had been submitted
for their action. The acceptable applications were found to amount to
0100,475 being only )475 more than was required by the by-laws.
The board of directors which thus canvassed the applicatiens was a new
board, and they were elected by the applicants of each district. The new
board vma the same as the appointed one except that Bro, A. F, Miller was
elected from Claclcamas and Multnomah Counties, and Lane County was repre
sented by Bro, J.  D, Petrie,
The Board proceeded to form the permanent organization by electing
Bro, A, F. Miller as President; S, A. Dawson as Treasurer, and F, C, Yeomans
as Secretary, Of the funds of the Oregon State Grange, there was used in
making the organization 061,55, which amount I now return to your Secretary,
The direct connection betvYeen the Oregon State Grange and the Lower Colum
bia Fire Relief Association ceased when the latter v;as completed; but the
fact that the latter insures none but Patrons in good standing, makes a bond
of union betT/een them a-nd makes the Association a valuable auxiliary of the
grange, and should secure the most amicable relation between those bodies.
In conclusion permit me to add that to this date the association has had
no losses, its rivsks have increased to a total of about $155,000, and each
week brings new applications and cheering news of progress to the Secretary's
office ,
F, C, Yeomans, Secretary,
LO^'KR COLUI'iflA RIVm FJ.RF RFLIEF ASSOCIATION
AITMUAL REPORT DEC. 14, 1886
Applioations acceptable at time of organization $100,435
Applications in force Deo. 15, 1886 $182,845.40
Gain in 16 months $ 82,410.40
In these 16 months there has been no fire, and no assessments to make.
The revenue of the Association has, therefore,been derived from premiums
$425.15. The total expenses, including #75 for work done prior to the orga
nization, and for the period of 15 months, amounts to $397.25 leaving on
hand Deo. 14, 1886 $27.90.
Such good fortune has attended the work of this association that insur
ance has cost the members on an average less than 20 cents on the vlOO for
the term of 16 months. Figuring upon the same basis, insurance in stock
companies for the same time would have cost at least $1.40 per tlOO, or
seven times as much.
This showing is not so favorable to our Association as the facts
really warrants but to make a very accurate and lucid showing would make too
elaborate and lengthy a paper of this report.
M. Dodson
J• Voorhees
Thoa.Paulsen
Committee
REPORT OF C01'.5:.ITTEE OH LIFE INSURANCE
V/e, your committee to whom was referred the resolution favoring a life
insurance company in the Grange, with the instructions to report at the
next session of the State Grange, beg leave to report that we have had the
same under consideration and investigation for one year, and find that it
is not practicable, and therefore we report against a life insurance in the
Grange. Dated May 1888.
Isaac Simpson
F. C. Yeoman
N. P. Paye
Committee.
V B, ' i
REPORT OF COM.TITTFE 0>T LIFE INSURAI^CE 1899
The committee on life insurance report that nearly the required 400
applications had been received and as soon as that number have paid in their
premiums, certificates will be issued.
Election of directors is provided for on the first Tuesday in December#
President, Secretary, and treasurer have been elected by the committee.
EKTRACT FROM THE MSTSRS ADDRESS 1900
The Patrons Life Association of Oregon and Washington was organized
Oct. 4, 1899. Brothers and Sisters, let us encourage and foster this asso
ciation by enrolling ourselves with its membership and in so doing strength
en the order and comfort humanity,
LIFE IlISURAtlCE RESOLUTIONS FROM SURPRISE AND TURNER GRANGES 1890
Resolved, that Surprise Grange favors a life insurance or Patron's
Relief Association within the Grange, as now in use by Pennsylvannia State
Grange, and respectfully ask the attention of the Oregon State Grange to
this subject.
Resolved, that Turner Grange favors the adoption by this State of a
system of mutual life insurance, similar to that now established and in
practice among the Patrons in the State of Pennsylvannia, and that this
subject be submitted to the State Grange for its consideration.
After discussion, the report was referred to a sppcial committee, con
sisting of Brothers Boins, Stump,and Sample.
RESOLUTION Oil LIFE INSURANCE 1897
Whereas, last year, at the regular meeting of the Grange, a constitu
tion and by-laws were adopted for organization and government of a life
insurance association, therefore be it resolved: That the Master is hereby
requested and authorized to appoint a committee of seven to frfcart up the
matter of life insurance in this State Grange, in accordance with the con
stitution and by-laws adopted last year by this Grange.
Resolved, this committee shall work without pay.
Resolved, thj.s committee is authorized to call a meeting of their com
mittee to organize as soon as 400 applications have been filed.
A. F. Miller
REPORT OF THE COMJITTEE ON STATE OF THE ORDER 1874
We believe it is our duty to mature and put into practice through our
Subordinate and State Granges at the earliest possible dates the most feas
ible plan for accomplishing the following objectvS:
FIRST, the establishment of a co-operative system of trade by which
producers and commission men shall deal as directly with each other as
possible.
SECOND, the purchase of faming implements, machinery and sacks at the
manufacturers lowest rates, maldng no invidious distinction in the mode of
purchasing headers, mowing machines and farming implements.
THIRD, the disposal of our grain and other fam products at the high
est market rates, or direct shipments on the most favorable terns, or the
storage of our grain at low rates drawing upon it advances to the largest
amount practicable at the lowest rates of interest receiving sack for sack
in its delivery,
FOURTH, the gradual substitution of cash for credit system.
FIFTH, the establisliment of Grange stores.
R. M.Gurney
A. J.  Pitman
R. P. Olds
PROCEEDINGS OF STATE GEA^tqe 1875
The question of furnishing the State Agency with the necessary funds
with which to do business for the Order in a safe and satisfactory manner,
is probably one of the most critical yet the most important that we have to
deal with, and one that demands our most careful consideration. The Execu
tive Committee has suggested two plans, to which no doubt your attention
will be called. In addition to those, I would present the Rochdale plan for
your consideration. I respectfully call your attention to the propriety of
appointing a committee of the best business minds that we possess, to whom
all those plans may be submitted. They might carefully consider each, and
report a well digested plan to this body for its adoption. We have fritter
ed away two years of precious time and accomplished but little. At this
meeting we should not fail to adopt a permanent and positive system of busi
ness co-operation, and push it vigorously forward until our members shall
receive those benefits that are easily obtained where thorough system and
co-operation prevails and to which they are entitled.
Committee on Co-operation
^1
FROM THE REPORT OF THE STATE AGEItCY 1875
... Again, one James McKay was charged with having bought a wagon and
the account turned in. After numerous letters were written which failed to
reach him, he happened in the office. On inquiring, we found that he never
bought a wagon of the former agent. By reference to the old books we found
him charged with a v/agon, but in red ink on the opposite side, this entry,
"Don't Icnoff whether ho ever had wagon"..,,.. Other bills and accounts were
turned in of which they had no record in the Agency books.
FROM ADDRESS OF MASTER, DAHIAL CLARK 1876
It is within our power to r^ach any legitimate point in this line; and
every Patron, not only in Oregon, but in America has expected to accomplish
something in this direction, but there is a considerable minority of our
members that oppose any plan yet proposed, in fact some are opposed to do
ing any business within the order.
I find that in most of the states the Patrons are doing business on
the agency plan, although it does not give entire satisfaction in every
instance.
There are quite a numbrr of local joint stock co-operative stores being
started in many of the states. In our o'»vn jurisdiction there are several
joint stock companies doing business under the appellation of Grangers, "P.
of H.", none of which are working on the co-operative plan. In my opinion
the Oregon State Grange plan is as nearly correct as any yet adopted, and
is subject to any desirable change; still it meets with strong opposition,
and yet it mu.st be apparent to every thinking Patron that if our State
Agent was sustained by patronage of the Order, that it would have been a
complete success and would not only have given entire satisfaction but would
have given to each one his full share of profits.
If then, it proves a failure, not the system but the Brotherhood is at
fault and responsible for the failure.....But I am informed by our Worthy
Agent, Brother S. P. Lee, that notwithstanding the untiring efforts that
have been made to break it doiva, he is able to show a balance in favor of
the Agency for the ten months that he has had it in charge of about ^>400.
With this encouragement, pardon me for suggesting that you continue to
strengthen and encoumge the Agency,
REPORT OF STATE AGEI^tCY 1877
I herewith submit a balance sheet tahen from the books of the Agency
as they stood on the first of Kay. The transactions of the month have not
materially changed its status. The experiment of the Agency has not been as
satisfactory as we could wish, nor as v/e had hoped. Circumsbances over which
we had no control have worked against the interests of the Agency in such
a xvay as to make it a constant struggle to keep it going. I shall -wasJ:,e no
time in fault finding, but simply call attention to some of the causes which
have made it impossible to make it successful.
First, it has not had the support of the Order, and the cause of this
insupport, to a very considerable extent, has been a mania for joint stock
companies. At many of the principal trading points throughout the state,
companies have been formed, a local agent appointed, and the business of
that community was done through him. Each of these places carry away their
portion of the trade, which would naturally have cornxo to the principal
agency. These, and other things which I shall not now menbion, make it in
my opinion necessary and politic to close the Agency at the onrliest practi
cable moment.
Very respectfully,
S. P. Lee Agent,
REPORT OF FIIWCIAL COiailTT^E GIT TEE
STATE AGEECY 1877
Yife, your finance committee, to whom was referred the matter relating
to the State Agency, beg leave to make the following report to-wits
Of the assets as reported, we find that there are only about §12,108
considered as of any value, a portion of which, say about §2,269 in machines
will reverb to the company which consigned them to the Agency for sale, leav
ing §9,839 of merchandise and accounts to realize money to pay liabilities
amounting to §14,402; deducting 1.5^ for collection and commissions, etc.,
will leave §9,691,42 for that purpose. According to this estimate there will
be a deficit of §4,933.82, for which amount this Grange is morally bound.
As to recommendations imposed on your committee to devise the way in
which this business can be closed to the best advantage, we beg leave to
state that in the limited time given to us for consideration on this most
important question, we freely acknowledge that we have not the business
acvjmen to see clearly the best means of accomplishing this object. We
might hit upon a plan by accident even at this distance. It is the opinion
of the committee that those most conversant with business transactions
connected with the Agency should take the matter in hand and close it as
in their judgment will be mosb likely to rebound to the, benefits of this
Grange. Perhaps the notes and accounts of the brethern living in the differ
ent portions of this jurisdiction could be sent to the Mafvbers of the differ
ent Granges v/ith a request to present them to such debtors appealing to their
in behalf of the creditors of the State Grange to pay such indebtedness so
that the agency may be closed. If the creditors do not rospond, the accounts
would be placed in the hands of an officer of the law for collection.
We, your coimnittee, would further recommend that the proceeds arising
frcan the sale of the property belonging to the Agency be applied to the
liquidation of its debts other than those arising from the loans by the State
Grange.
And we further recommend that all funds coming to the State Grange
Treasury be pledged to the pajmient of the certificates of deposit held by
our members after all the current expenses of the State Grange shall have
been paid.
In conclusion, your committee would say that from the trial balance
submitted them, they find that if all the outstanding debts due the Agency
v/ere paid and the merchandise sold at its estimated value there would still
be a deficit of $983.46. Your committee have not sufficient experience in
merchantile business to be able with the moans and time before them to say
why this deficit occurs.
N. W, Randall
John TflThitteaker
J. B. Looney
RESOLUTIOIT 0^ CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT 1883
Resolution by Brother B, F, Burch as folloT/sj read and on motion adopted!
Tifhereas, the State Grange of 1875 authorized the borrowing of a certain
amount of money upon certificates are yet unpaid, therefore, resolved, that
the Executive Committee be and is hereby authorized and instructed to ascer
tain as soon as practical the amount still due on said certificates of de
posit, and if the amount does not exceed three hundred dollars, then they
are authorized to draw upon the Treasurer for that amount. But if the amount
exceeds three hundred dollars, the whole amount be- referred to the State
Grange for their action.
REPORT OF FIPAFCE COMMITTEE 1879
W, M.—Your finance committee, to whom was referred the report of the
committee on the business of the State Grange Agency, beg leave to submit
the following roports That v/e have carefully examined statements taken
from the books of the Agency by Brothers Randall, Warner, and Lent, that
show the total liabilities of the agency exclusive of loans to the Agency
fund to be $7761,47j and according to the best evidence before us, the
assets are estimated at $2059,91 instead of $4294,72 reported as outstanding
on the books of the Agency, of v/hich only $423,91 of bills receivable are
at all likely to be collected, leaving a deficit of $5701,56 the balance con-
siffting of machinery, implements, etc., which we suggest the committee on
Agency business be instructed to return to the various manufacturers in
payment of their claims such machinery or implements as may be on hand and
dispose of other property as soon as possible, and divide the proceeds pro
rata among the creditors of the Agency, Your committee believes from the
evidence presented to us that many of the items charged upon the books
against the Agency are really not owing to the parties, it appearing that
the books of the Agency are totally unreliable, having been kept wi.thout
regard to accuracy.
Your committee asked to be relieved from the further consideration of
the subject,
D, S, D, Buick,
REPORT OF COJIITTEE OIT AGEtlCY imiD 1880
Your committee on finance beg leave to report as follows upon the re
port of the committee on settling up the business of the State Agency:
We find the vouchers, figures and papers of the committee submitted
to us to be correct, and that the actual indebtedness of the Grange, out
side of the Agency Loan fund, to be about $500; that the Agency Loan Fund
has been reduced by cancellation of certificates to the amount of !i?125.
We recommend that the committee be continued until the business be
completely settled, and that if possible, funds be raised to liquidate the
outstanding -'!?500,
REPORT OF STATE AfElTT COnilTTT^E 1888
We, your committee appointed to consider the feasibility of establish
ing an agency in Portland and to report to this Grangej also if deemed besbi
to take steps to establish the some; would submit the following report:
T/e believe an agency is wanted by mo.st of the Granges in the jurisdic
tion, and we believe it advisable to place an agent in Portland to purchase
and sell for the Patrons,
We would recommend that your committee be instructed to proceed to
ascertain whether suitable arrangements can be made, and submit their work
to the Subordinate Granges, When, if it meet the approval of a fair portioi
of the Granges the committee shall complete the arrangement a and notify the
Granges of the same,
We recommend that the Executive Committee be allowed to pay the actual
expenses of this committee in a sum not to exceed $25,
McMin Dodson J• Vorhees
W, A, Sample F, 0, Yeoman
A, R, Shipley
.  _ _ _
RESOLUTIOIT 1876
Resolution by Brother R. P» Steem, that our Business Agent shall make
out a descriptive catalog and price list of sewing machines, organs, plows
and wagons for which he is agent, together with Portland cash price for
Schuttler, Bain and 1/llhitewater wagons; also of the Deer and Gardner City
Sulky and Gang plows. Buckeye grain drills. Broad Cast Seeders, etc., also
prices of other staple goods and merchandise,' and forv/ard a copy of the same
to the Secretary of each Subordinate Grange in this jurisdiction as soon
possible,
REPORT OF THE COO^TTEE OF CO-OPERATIOF 1877
Your committee to whom was referred a portion of the Masters address
relative to co-operation, beg leave to report that we find the State Grange
Company, or State Agency, and also the N,W,S,S,& C.Co, have failed to give
satisfaction, or enlist the general sjmpathy and support of the Order; and
believing that the Grange Co-operative Association of the Ncrthv/est to be
the best plan proposed, and the only one we can recommend, whereby we can
carry on the business arm of our Order on a satisfactory and skillful basis;
therefore we would recommend the F,W,S,S,& C.Co., and the State Grange
Company or Agency, close up their business in a legal manner at the earliest
practicable moment.
We further recommend that another vigorous effort be made to have the
necessary amount of stock taken in the Grange Co-operative Association of
the Northwest to insure its organization.
We would recommend further, that should the Grange Co-operative Asso
ciation of the Northwest fapMto be organized,we should go back to the first
principles and commence anew to build up and establish co-operative asso
ciations in the Subordinate and Pomona Granges,
All of which is respectfully submitted,
Jno, Creighton
Chairman,
REPORT OF THE COMnTTEE APPOINTED TO INCORPORATE THE
GRANGE CO-OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHlffEST
We, the committee appointed at the last meeting of the State Grange
with instructions to file articles of incorporation of the Grange Co-opera
tive Association of the Northwest, beg leave to report, that v/e met in the
city of Portland on the 1st day of November 1876, and proceeded to carry
out the instructions of the State Grange; filed articles of incorporation,
opened stock books and solicited subscriptions to the same, but up to the
present time only 2939 shares have been subscribed and reported, with a few
stock books still in the hands of solicitors which will probably swell the
amount to 3500 shares. The statutes of Oregon require that one-half the
capital stock must he subscribed before the organization can be completed;
1500 shares are still roquired to enable us to complete the organization.
P, F, Castleman
President
MASTERS ADDRESS MiADE BY Ml, CYRUS 1877
The last State Grange foreshadowed by resolution a plan for a co-opera
tive Association in business^ to be called THE GRANGE CO-OPERATIVE AS ■CCIA—
TIOH FOR THE HORTHlfCST'^which it was hoped and supposed would harmonize all
former conflicting interests and dissentions in regard to both the State
Agency system and also of the H.YiT. S.S.#: C.Co., and therefore concentrate
the business of the Order, so far as the State Agency was considered, in one
harmonious channel# The committee appointed to carry into operation the
prrposed plan, performed the duty assigned them so far as they were able#
They made and fried articles of incorporation, as the statute of this state
in vfhich cases direst; effected a happy and fraternal adjustment of long
and unhappy differences then existing between the State Agency and the
N.Vir,S.S.& C.Co., by which the latter company delivered to us, to be sold
upon commission, their entire stock of goods. They stepped do^vn and out of
the way, and at the same time offered their united support to the further
ance of the new plan#
The committee then opened stock books buoyant with hope of a speedy
accomplishment of the object sought# But we had hardly started in the work
when we found opposition in our own ranks busily engaged to defeat the plan
proposed by the committee, claiming that it %vas not in accordance with the
resolution of the State Grange authorizing its inaugeration. The incorpo-^
ration committee will, I presume, report to this body the state and condition
of their work which will inform you that the association is incomplete and
if in your judgment it cannot be completed, you will then be left to devise
a more feasible plan or conclude to do no business at all, when we will be
back again to the middleman and the mercy of the Jew, unless you find that
the State Agency is a success, which I from my stand-point cannot even
hope for.
REPORT OF YIDRTHY LECTURER, W. HOLDER 1891
During the past year our financial enterprises have continued to grow
with our order# In Umatilla County their co-operative store which was in
existence one year ago is in a prosperous condition. In Gilliam and MorrOT
Counties they have adopted the trade card system, which has greatly benefit
ed the members there, and is giving universal satisfaction to both Patrons
and dealers#
In Sherman County they have formed a co-operative warehouse associa
tion and propose to store their own grain, thereby doing away with the combi
nation of middlemen that was formed last year and defrauHed them out of from
five to seven cents on each bushel of wheat that was sold in that county.
Wasoo and Sherman Counties in this State, and Kliokitat County in
ITasliington have formed a co-operative association to run a Grange store
which is now in full blast in the city of The Dalles and is doing a good
business. This enterprise started out with a vast amount of enthusiasm
among our members, and with the scorns and jeers from our enemies, lio notice
was taken of their opposition, and today no enterprise that the Grange in
this State ever undertook stands in a better position than this one does for
the short time that it has been running. Since the first two weeks of its
existence it has been a paying invest ment. Our members in the three coun
ties spoken of, seem determined to maintain it, knowing full well that our
wealth depends upon the success of our store. It is run on the true Roch
dale principle of co-operation.
REPORT OF W, A. SAI!PLE, DEPUTY FOR UiviATILLA COmTTY, 1890
As Deputy Master for Umatilla county, I submit my annual report, giving
a detailed statement of the working of our noble Order in that portion of
our jurisdiction.
There are eight live and working granges in the county in addition to
a Pomona Grange with a large membership. The advantages of bujdng and sell
ing together has had a good effect on our membership, in fact, so beneficial
to our Order that we have formed a company, and have the same duly incorpo
rated under the laws of Oregon. Our firm is known as the Farmers Co-opera
tive Association with the object of buying and selling of farm produce,
machinery, etc. Last spring our Pomona Grange ordered two carloads of impl(
ments, consisting of plows, harrows, wagons, hacks, etc. The implements
gave good satisfactions they wore bought from Mr. Josiah Jordon, the gentle
man who met with the State Grange last year. The firm has the exclusive
sales right for Umatilla county on the line of implements. The Portland
implement firms have been sending men to our county offering very favorable
terms on their lines of goods
REPORT OF J. CASTO, CLACIiAlvIAS COUIITY 1092
I wish to speak of co-operation in the purchase of goods. The
Patrons in Butte Creek Grange own and control a general merchandise store,
and have for a number of years. It has proved a success and is the leading
business house in that part of the county. During the last year Harding
Grange has opened a stock of goods on Grange days and sell goods at cost
and a very small profit to keep the stock good. This has proven quite an
advantage to the members and is correspondingly popular. Our county has
enjoyed a very successful Farmers' Institute held in the Molalla Grange
ha 11...
WORSHIPFUL IIASTER, R. P. BOISE'S ADDRESS 1884
Our past Ruooeas affords us much encouragement and promise for the
future. Our business co-operation in this jurisdiction has progressed
favorably during the past year; old co-operative associations have generally
increased their business and some new ones are being established. Besides
the large and profitable business transacted by the Linn County Council,
there is a Grange store well established and doing a good business in
Josephine County, also one at McMinnville, and one at Powell's Valley and
ot her s,..• • 
We may also co-operate to a great advantage in the matter of fire
insurance. The heavy expense which attend the operation of the ordinary
fire insurance companies which now do business in this state can be avoided
by us,,.,The saving in expense will be very great, for I am credibly in
formed that the expense attending the management of ordinary fire insurance
companies equal about one half of the amount of money paid on premiums for
insurance, I call special attention to this important subject,
REPORT OF EXECUTIVE COMIITTEE 1898
We, your executive Committee beg leave to submit the following reports
Pursuant to resolutions adopted at the last session of the State Grange,
authorizing the Executive committee to make arrangements for trade, an agree
ment was made with the Pacific Coast Home Supply Association of Portland,
as set forth in the following circular,
PACIFIC COAST HOME SUPPLY ASSOCIATIOH
Portland, Ore,, Oct. 5, 1897
To the members of the Executive Board,
Oregon State Grange,
Gentlement
In accordance with your request for a proposition from our Association,
whereby the members of various sub-granges throughout the State of Oregon
might be enabled to procure the advantages of regular wholesale prices
through the regular plan of co-operation which we have established between
our members throughout the Horthwest and the wholesale house in this city,
we beg to submit to your consideration the follovTing propositions
We will enroll the individual members of any sub-grange in Oregon as
members of our association upon receipt of an annual fee of 30 cents pro
vided a club of not less than five is procured from each Grange desiring
to avail themselves of Association prices,
Vfe will furnish each member with a copy of our new illustrated cata
logue, which is the most complete price list issued on the Pacific coast.
af? well as the best guide to wholesale prices that can be had. Hoping this
proposition will meet with your favorable consideration, and that it will
lead to bUvsinesR relations which shall be the means of furthering the in
terests of your organization throughout the State, we remain.
Very truly yours.
Pacific Coast Home Supply Association.,
V/e the Executive Committee of Oregon State Grange would recomaend the
foregoing proposition as the most practical plan of co-operative buying and
selling that has been presented to us. Each Gi-ange which adopts this propo
sition will understand that all business must be for cash and done through
the Secretary of the subordinate Grange, or by trade cards with the seal of
the Grange and signature of the Secretary, Members visiting Portland can
make their own selection of goods desired,,..,
W. Hi Helleary
0. P. Lent
Executive Committee
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OREGON STATE GRAJIGE
Article a of Incorporation filed Nov. 7, 1874
This instrument, executed in triplicate vritnesseth that Daniel Clark,
E» Forbes, H. IT. Hill, and M« Fiske do hereby associate themselves together
and make these articles of incorporation under and pursuance to the general
laws of Oregon relating to the formation of private corporations.
First—The said Daniel Clark, E. Forbes, H» N, Hill, and M, Fiske their
associates successors and assign do hereby form an incorporation, and adopt
as the name assumod" by said incorporation, and by which it shall be kncwn,
THE OREGON STATE GRANGE OF THE PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY.
Second—The duration of this incorporation shall be perpetual.
Third—The business enterprise and occupation in which this said corpo
ration is to engage in the acquiring by gift donation, purchase, or other
wise, of real estate and personal property, and the holding, using, selling,
disposing of and conveying the same; the chartering of ships; the shipping
of wheat and other grain and produce, and goods, wares, and merchandise gene
rally, and the carrying of a general merohandisihg business; the borrowing
and loaning of money of mortgages and personal security and carrying on of
a general banking business; and disposing of stock in other corporations
whether home or foreign.
Fourth—The principal office and place of business of this corporation
shall be in the city of Portland, Oregon,
Fifth--The amount of capital stock of this corporation shall be f50,000-
United States gold coin, divided into shares of $100,00 like gold coin, with
the power to increase.
In witness iirtiereof we have set our hands and seals in triplicate this
seventh day of November, 1874,
Daniel Clark
E, Forbes
H. N.Hi1 1
M, Fiske
THE FABIERS MERCAPTILF ASSOCIATIOH OF FAIRFIFLD
Article 1»—The name of thin oorporation and by which it ^hall be known
is the Fanners Mercantile Association,
Article 2,--The enterprise and business in which this corporation pro
poses to engage is a general receiving, forwarding and mercantile business.
Article 3,—This corporation proposes to have its principal office or
place of business in Marion cotinty at the town of Fairfield in the state of
Oregon,
Article 4,—The amount of capital stock of this corporation is eight
thousand dollars (§8000),
Article 5,—The amount of each share of the capital stock of this corpo
ration is one hundred dollars (§100), and the whole number of shares is
eighty.
Article 6,—^No share holder of this corporation shall be the owner at
one time of more than five shares of the capital stock of this association.
J, J, Buckerley
Piled with the County
Clerk March 14, 1870 A, C, Keen
J, J, Blevens
AGRICULTURAL WAREHOUSE COMPAUY
Article 1, The name assumed by this corporation and by which it shall
be known ia the Agricultural Warehouse Company,
Article 2, The duration of this oorporation shall be unlimited.
Article 3, The enterprise, pursuit, business and occupation in which
this corporation proposes to engage is to consbruct and operate a warehouse
at or near Eugene City, Lane County, Oregon, for the purpose of receiving,
storing, and forwarding grain and all kinds of produce, and doing general
warehouse forwarding and conimission business; to take, receive and hold real
estate of any description necessary to conduct and carry on said business
and to employ men to carry on the same. To sell lease or dispose of in any
manner authorized by a majority of the shareholders the said property or
any portion thereof. To take, receive hold and by law collect all donations
and subscriptions. The maximum price for storage in the said warehouse
shall be five cents per bushel. The holders of stock in this company shall
be entitled to store in the warehouse a maximum of 1000 bushels of grain
for each and every share of stock owned by them.
Article 4, The principle office for the transaction of business of
this corporation shall be at said agricultural warehouse.
Article 5. The amount of the capital stock of the corporation shall
he and is hereby fixed at #600,000.
Arbicle 6, The amount of each share of stock is hereby fixed at #20.
In witness whereof we have set our hands and seals this 10th day of
July, 1874.
John Simpson
George Belshaw
St* John Skinner
James P. Amis
ABAQITA GRAJIGE CO-OPERATIVE COMPAIIY
Know all men by these presents, that we W. Dunagan, Ezra Henson and
W. R. Coss of Marion County in the State of Oregon, having associated our
selves together under and by virtue of the laws of the State of Oregon for
the purpose of forming and do hereby form and organize a corporation for
the purposes and with the name, capital stock and location herein named.
Article 1.—This corporation shall be known as the Abaqna Grange Co
operative Company.
Article 2.—The enterprise and business in which this corporation pro
poses to engage is to purchase, possess and dispose of such real and per
sonal property as may be necessary and convenient and to borrow and loan
money for the purposes of carrying into effect the object of this corpora
tion.
Article 3.—The principal place of business of this corporation is
located in Abaqna precinct in the County of Marion and the State of Oregon,
Article 4.—The capital stock of this corporation shall be two thou
sand dollars with the power to increase.
In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals this 7th
day of November 1876.
W, Dunagan
Ezra Henson
W, R. Coss
LME COIFTY FARIIER'S MERCANTILE ASSOCIATION
I&iow all men by these presents that we the undersigned incorporatorsj
John Kelley, John Singer, William Russel, Roacoe Knox, J, W, MoClung, and
Matthew fallis of the Lane Coimty, State of Oregon, do by these presents
associate ourselves together as a corporation and body politic under and by
virtue of the General incorporation laws of the State of Oregon, approved
Oct. 14, 1862, and amendments thereto and for such purpose we do jointly
and severally hereby agree to and with each other to the following articles
of incorporation.
Article 1, The name assumed by this corporation and by which it shall
be known is THE lANE COUNTY FARIIER»S MERCANTILE ASSOCIATION.
Article 2, The duration of this corporation shall be unlimited.
Article 3, The enterprise, business pursuit and occupation in which
this corporation proposes to engage is to carry or. a general mercantile
business, buying and selling general merchandise and produce; receiving,
storing and forwarding grain and all kinds of produce and general mercantile
forwarding and commission business. Locate and receive and hold real estate
of every description ne.cessary to conduet and carry on said business, and
to employ men to carry on the same. To se>ll, lease or dispose of in any
manner authorized by a majority of the shareholders, the property of said
association or any portion thereof, and to take, receive, hold and by law
collect any donations and subscriptions.
Article 4, The principal office for the transaction of business of
this corporation shall be Eug'-ne, Lane County, Oregon.
Article 5, The amount of capital stock of this corporation shall be
and is hereby fixed at $20,000,
Article 6, The amount of each share of stock shall be and is hereby
fixed at $20,
Witness our hands and seals this 9th day of Feb. 1876,
Roscoe Knox John Singer
Matthew Wallis William Russel
John Kelley J, Vf, McClung
GRAMGE CO-OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHWTEST
This inRtruraent executed in triplicate witneseth that we William Cyrus,
A, Holder, Ira S. Tcwnsend, P. F, Castleman and A, R, Shipley do hereby
associate ourselves together as a body corporate and make these articles of
incorporation under the laws of the State of Oregon relating to the forma
tions of private corporations.
Article 1. This corporation stell be known and designated as the
Grange Co-operative Association of the North West and its duration shall be
perpetual.
Article 2. The enterprise, business pursuit or occupation in which
this corporation proposes to engage is to establish and maintain a general
trade and commission business in merchandise, farm products and machinery
for the mutual benefit of the stockholders and customers and shall have
power to purchase, hold and convey real estate to loan and borrow money and
charter vessels.
Article 3, The principal place of business of this corporation shall
be in the city of Portland, State of Oregon.
Article 4. The amount of each share of the capital stock shall be
five dollars.
Article 5, The amount of capital stock of this corporation shall be
$50,000.
Article 6. The net profits of all business carried on by said associa
tion after paying expenses of management, making the proper deduction in
value for the fixed stock and paying an annual dividend of ten per cent on
the paid-in capital thereof shall be divided among the customers of the
association who are members of the Patrons of Husbandry, in proportion to
the amount of their purchases provided that such profits may be paid in
stock of corporation.
Witness our hands and seals this 31st day of October, 1876.
William Cyrus
A. Holder
Ira S. Townsend
f, F. Castleman.
MoMINNVILLE GKMGB CO-OPERATIVE COMPANY
Know all men by these presents that we, B, J, Fuller, A, K. Olds, and
A, J, Nelson as incorporators and for the purposes hereinafter set forth do
hereby make and subscribe the following articles of incorporation.
Article 1. The name assumed by this corporation and by which it shall
be known is the McMinnville Grange Co-operative Company and its duration
shall not be limited.
Article 2. This corporation proposes to engage in the business of buy
ing and selling and exchanging all kinds of goods wares and merchandise.
Article 3, The principal office and place of business of this corpora
tion shall be in the town of McMinnville, in Yamhill County, State of Oregon.
Article 4. The amount of the capital stock of this corporation shall
be two thousand dollars.
Article 5. The amount of each share of the capital stock of this
corporation shall be ten dollars.
In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals in tri
plicate at McMinnville in the Yamhill County, State of Oregon this 11th day
of March 1882,
B, F, Fuller
A. K. Olds
A. J, Nelson
McMinnville, April 14, 1883
The stockholders in the McMinnville Grange Co-operative Company met
in the Grange hall in McMinnville, Yamhill County, Oregon, as above dated
Alec, Reid in the chairj H, A, Lougherry, Secretary, A majority of the
stockholders being present, the house was called to order, the chairman
stating the object of the meeting being that of increasing the capital
stock, and to transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting. The minutes of the last quarterly meeting were read and approved,
said meeting being held Jan. 13, 1883, On motion of A. J. Nelson that the
capital stock of the company be increased from two thousand to four thou
sand dollars, vote was taken and passed unanimously. The resignation of
H. A, Lougherry as Secretary was tendered and on motion was accepted and
on motion that the directors appoint a secretary to act until the next
quarterly meeting, B, F» Fuller was then appointed to take charge of the
books and papers also to act as secretary.
Meeting adjourned.
McMIMVILLE GRAITGE AED FARI-fER'S COMPAMY
Know all men by these presents that we John R» Booth, Arthur Andrews,
Samuel Gozine, and A. J • Nelson a.s incorporators and for the purposes here
inafter set forth, do hereby make and subscribe the folloiving articles of
incorporation as followsi
Article 1. The name assumed by this corporation and by which it shall
be known is the McMinnville Grange and Farmer's Company and its duration
shall not be limited.
Article 2, This corporation proposes to engage in the business of buy
ing and selling and exchanging all kinds of goods wares and merchandise.
Article 3, The principal office and place of business of this corpora
tion shall be in the town of MoIIinnville in Yamhill County, State of Oregon,
Article 4, The amount of capital stock of this corporation shall be
04000.
Article 5, The amount of each share of the capital stock of this
corporation shall bo 020.
In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals in tri
plicate at MoMinnville in Yamhill County, State of Oregon, this 7th day of
October 1884,
J, R, Booth
Arthur Andrews
Samuel Cozine
A, J, Nelson
SUPPLEtiENTAL ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF MolilNNVILLE GRANGE AI^D FARIhER'S COMPAITY
Know all men by these presents; that we J. R. Booth, M.Riohardson and
R, Nelson, the duly .elected, qualified and acting directors of the McKinn-
ville Grange and Famer's Company, a corporation duly organized under and
by virtue of the laws of the State of Oregon, and havj.ng its principal
office and place of business at McMinnville, in the County of Yamhill, State
of Oregon, do hereby by virtue of authority in us vested by vote of more
than three fourths of all the stock of said company, had at a meeting of
the stockholders of said company held pursuant to a due and legal notice
thereof, at MoMinnville, Oregon, on the 12th day of January, 1901, make,
execute and acknowledge the following supplemental articles of incorporation,
increasing the capital stock of the said company to wits
That article 4 of the original articles of incorporation of said
MoMinnville Grange and Fampr's Company which were executed on the 7th day
of October 1884, and which said article 4 of said original articles of in-
corporation was amended on the 26th day of May, 1890, and which said origi-
nal articles of incorporation, and said supplemental articles of incorpora-
tion are duly filed and recorded at the office of the County Clerk of said
Yamhill County, State of Oregon, be the same and are hereby amended to that
same shall read as follows, to witt
Article 4, The amount of the capital stock of this corporation shall
be fifteen thousand dollars. ($15,000)
In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals to these
supplemental articles of incorporation in triplicate at McMinnville, in the
County and State aforesaid, this 14th day of January, 1901,
J, R,Booth
M. Richardson
R, Nelson
HILLSBORO CO-OPERATIVE COMPANY
Article 1. The name of this corporation shall be known as the Hills-
boro Co-operative Company.
Article 2. The business of this corporation shall be to purchase sell,
lease and rent real estate, and to erect, build or lease, or to sell rent
and lease buildings, store houses, warehouses, mills or machinerj'-. To buy
and sell all kinds of goods wares and merchandise, and to do a general busi
ness of manufacturing, and to co-operate in buying and selling all kinds of
farm products.
Article 3. The principal place of business of this corporation shall
be at Hillsboro, Tfeshington County, State of Oregon.
Article 4, The capital stock of this corporation shall be two thou
sand dollars.
Article 5. The amount of each share of the capital stock of this
corporation shall be twenty dollars.
In testimony whereof we the undersigned incorporators have hereunto
set our hands and seals in triplicate this 13th day of March, 1886.
James H« Sewell
JohnW. Shute
Benjamin Scholfield
TILLAiroOK AGRICTJLTURIL ASSOCIATION
We the undersigned do heregy adopt the following articlPiB of incorpora
tion-
First, The name of the corporation shall be the Tillamook Agricultural
Association.
Second, Its duration shall be perpetual.
Third, Its principal place of business shall be at Lincoln in Tilla
mook County, Oregon,
Fourth, Its Capital Stock shall be |500,
Fifth, The number of shares shall be fifty of the value of ten dollars
each.
Sixth, The officers of the Corporation shall be a president, a secre
tary, and two direotorsi
Seventh, The object of the corporation shall be to buy and sell butter,
cheese, live stock, merchandise and agricultural implements! to conduct
county fairs; to own and conduct a co-operative store, and do a general
commission business, and to buy, own, and control such property, real and
personal, as may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of the corporation.
Eighth. It is further provided that no more than one share of stock
in this corporation shall be owned by any one person or be members of the
same household.
Executed this 12th day of July 1886,
Claude Thayer
L, C, Washburn
H, F, Holden
DMATILLA COUNTY FAEifER'S CO-OPERATI¥E COMPANY
Know all men by these presents that we, Clark Walters, George Gibson,
and W, Or Warren all of Umatilla County, Oregon, do hereby associate our
selves together and incorporate ourselves as a corporation under and by
virtue of the laws of the state of Oregon, and adopt the following articles
of incorporation.
Article 1, The name of the corporation and by which it shall be known
shall be the Umatilla County Farmer's Co-operative Comoany,
Article 2, The enterprise, business and occupation in which this corpo
ration propovses to engage shall be the buying and selling of agricultural
machinery, and selling the products of the farm; and buying and selling
general merchandise, etc»
Article 3, The principal office of this corporation shall be at the
tovm of Helix in Umatilla County, State of Oregon,
Article 4, The amount of capital stock of this corporation shall be
three thousand dollars (v3000) divided into one hundred and twenty shares
of tv/enty-five dollars each.
Article 5, The amount of each share of such capital stock shall be
twenty-five dollars.
Article 6, The control and management of this corporation shall be
vested in not less than three directors, but after the adoption of the by
laws by the stockholders of the corporation such by-laws shall prescribe
the number of directors thereof.
In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals in tri
plicate this 7th day of May A, D, 1890,
Clark Walter
George Gibson
W, 0, Warren
THE EASTERN OREGON CO-OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION
OF THE PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY
Whereas heretofore A, S. Roberts, B, J, Meddler, D, L, Butler, M, W,
Freeman, Hugh M, Baxter, L. Canfield, John Meddler, and William Holder
associated themselves together and formed a corporation under and by virtue
of the laws of the State of Oregon, named and called The Eafrtern Oregon Co
operative Association of the Patrons of Husbandry, (Limited),duration fifty
years, for the purposes of e?Tbablishing and maintaining a general merchan
dise and coraraission business, and wholesale business, and wholesale and re
tail co-operative store or stores, and the bujring and selling real estate
or other property that might be necessary to promote the objects of its
creation; and the transaction of any and all kinds of business incident or
appertaining thereto for the mutual benefit and profit of its stockholders.
With the principal place of business at The Dalles, Oregon, and the amount
of its capital stock fixed at 04000 divided into 400 shares of the par value
of 010 each, articles of incorporation which were executed on the 9th day
of September 1890 were filed.
Whereas after the execution and filing of .said articles said corpora
tion organized and elected a board of directors, president, and secretary,
adopted by-laws and engaged in the transaction of the business for which
it was organized, and is now so engaged, and
Whereas it has been found that the amount of capital stock of the
t'f.
corporation nsojied in the articles of incorporation is inadequate for the
successful operation of its business, and
Whereas at a meeting of the stoclcholders of said corporation held in
The Dalles, Oregon, on the 24th day of June, 1891, which was called for the
purpose of increasing the capital stock thereof and the number of its shares
l3y a majority vote of all of the stock of said corporation. The stock
thereof was increased from s)4000 to $20,000 and the number of stock from
400 to 2000 shares, and the directors of said corporation whereby like rote
directed to file supplemental articles of incorporation.
Now therefore, in consideration of the business and for the purpose of
increasing the capital stock and shares of said corporation and to enable
it the better to carry on the said business of general merchandising and
handling of farm implements and all the supplies of the fam, and the busi
ness in which it is engaged or may hereinafter engage, ̂ve S» R. Husbands,
A. S. Roberts, Wm. Holder, Frank P:?ke, directors of said corporation do make
and execute the following articles of incorporation supplemental to wits
Article 1. The name of th"s corporation shall be The Fastern Oregon
Co-operative Association of Patrons of Husbandry (Limited), and its dura
tion shall be fifty years from and after the 9th day of September 1890.
Article 2. The purpose for which this corporation is formed and the
business in which it proposes to engage is the establishing and maintaining
a general merchandise and commission business and wholesale and retail co
operative store or stores of buying and selling real estate and other prop
erty as may be necessary to promote the object of its business; and of
transacting any and all kinds of business incident or appertaining thereto,
for the mutual profit and benefit of its stock holders who are members of
the Patrons of Husbandry,
Article 3, The principal office and place of business of this corpora
tion shall be The Dalles, Oregon.
Article 4. The amount of the capital stock of this corporation shall
be $20,000 divided into two thousand shares of the par value of (;10 each,
and no person shall ever become the owner of more than twenty shares.
In witness whereof we Imve hereunto set our hands and seals on this
the 26th day of June 1891,
S, R, Husband^s
A, S. Roberts
Wm, Holder
Frank Pike.
LIBERAL CO-OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION
Kiatie Willett, Rueben Wright, and Levi Stehman, all residents and citi
zens of Claokamas County, Oregon do make and subscribe these articles of
incorporation under the general laws of the State of Oregon for the purposes
indicated herein to wit:
The name assumed by this said corporation and by which it shall be known
is The Liberal Co-operative Association and the duration thereof shall be
unlimited.
The business pursuit and occupation in which such corporation proposes
to engage is the carrying on a general merchandise store on the co-operative
plan.
The principle place of such business and the location of its store shall
be at Liberal Post Office or near there in Claokamas Countyj Oregon,
The capital stock of such corporation fdiall be three thousand dollars.
In witness whereof we do hereto set our hands and affix our seals this
4th day of June, 1895,
Katie Willett
Rueben Wright
Levi Stehman
; *  '*
4fit^
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Albany Demoorat, Albany, Oregon
Booth, Mrs, Ellenette, MoMinnville, Oregon. An interview. '
Buck, Solon, Granger Movement s.
Codes and Statutes o_f Oregon, 1862-1864.
^untjr Records of all the Counties of Oregon. Contaoted' by'correspon
dence and by visits.
Eugene Guard, November 8, 1873.
March 7, 1874.
April 11, 1874.
October 31, 1874.
November 21, 1874,
April 3, 1875.
May 1, 1875,
Gunning, F. S., The Dalles, Oregon. An interview.
Hare, W, D., Hillsboro, Oregon# An interview.
History of Central Oregon, (Spokane, Y/ashington: Western Publishing
Company, 1905).
King, Irv/in, Riverside Drive, Pendleton, Oregon. An interview.
Lords' Oregon Laws, Secjtion 6766, Chapter I¥, 1909.
Nutting, Fred, Albany, Oregon. An interview.
Oregon Journal. May 14, 1876.
Proceedings of the Oregon ̂ ate Grange, 1873 to 1900.
Scott, Edna A., The Grange Movement in Oregon, (Master's Thesis), 1921.
University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon.
The Oregonian, "The Farmer and the Merchant," November 10, 1874.
"New Granger Enterorise," January 23, 1875.
"Co-operation Among Patrons of Husbandry," December 28, 1875.
"The Oregon Granger Case," l:ay 5, 1885.
"The Grange in Oregon," February 14, 1888.
"The Famers Institute at Corvallis," November 28, 1888.
"The Hillsboro Grange," March 12, 1893.
"Disapproval of Grange Co-operative Stores," September 20,
1893.
BIBLIOGRAPHY (Continued)
WilRin^, F, M»,Eugene, Oregon. An interview,
Willamette Farmer, 1872-1887.
Wilson, F, W,, The Dalles, Oregon. An interview
Wright, Eueben, Liberal, Oregon. A letteri
/  V' V'
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