Social Organizations

Participation in local organizations helped farmers and other valley residents address issues that affected their lives. Many farmers were members of the Grange, the oldest national agricultural organization supporting rural communities. In the years after the Civil War, the Grange developed to help protect and improve the lives of America's farmers. The Grange has also worked to promote rural education, improve transportation and access to health care, and protect natural resources. The organization united farmers and provided resources for farming security and sustainability. Today, the Grange focuses more broadly on community service.

Other social organizations helped farmers and their families address concerns and implement changes to benefit local rural communities. Women's Farm Club No. 1, in Bath, was a female-led social club for farmers' wives. The club gave women an outlet for talking about important issues and built bonds between members.

 
4-H Club competition at county fair.
4-H club programs came to Ohio in 1902, and introduced new agricultural technologies to farming communities. These clubs also gave rural youths an opportunity to participate in fun and educational group activities. Above, a young boy looks over the rule book for a 4-H sponsored county fair competition.

Courtesy/Cleveland Press Collection

 
 
 
 

Last updated: December 19, 2021

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Mailing Address:

15610 Vaughn Road
Brecksville, OH 44141

Phone:

440 717-3890

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