T T y- t t ■ I V 1 W^- •«.T # tt ■ -<, ‘ A, I r V ., ^‘iv«r, ' ' ' . *' ■'^' ' , V ' •■ I A ■ ,. '■ .0 rii-M Hi s ,V'’’ ' ^ y '. .. y 9 Q orewovd^ Illinois farm people father- inS from every corner of tine ^reat commonwealth, from the rolling hills, the fertile bottoms, and sweep-^ in^ prairies, commemorate the organization of the first farm bureaus in Illinois* They are fathered to cele- brate the achievements of ten years, and to look for- ward to the ^reat promise that lies ahead^^a promise of a profitable and perma^ nent agriculture and a suc- cessful and satisfactory farm life. r^E. Davenport ontents^ This Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration booklet has been published for the convenience of farm bureau members and visit- ors who have fathered from far and near to take part in the event. The contents include: Foreword , , 3 Program , . 5 The Farm Bureau Idea 7 Farm Bureau History , 17 Pageant: Forward! Farm Bureau . . 21 Introduction . 21 Cast of Characters and Groups , , 23 Chorus and Band Groups 34 Synopsis of the Pageant 35 Acknowledgment . 53 Published by the Agricultural Extension Service, University of Illinois, in further- ance of the Act of May 6, 1914, W, P. Handschin, Vice^Birector, * 1 0“ryw X ^ S cX 4-30A3CL Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration Program 9 :30 a* m. Band Selections 1 0 :00 a. m. Address of Welcome Henry H. Parke Chairman, Decennial Celebration Committee Invocation Rev. E. W. Magnusson Presiding Officer Howard Leonard, President, Illinois Agricultural Association Address — When Farmers Work Together Eugene Davenport Dean, College of Agriculture, University of Illinois Quartette — (a) Swing Along (b) Out Where the West Begins Barb City Quartet Address — Farm Bureau Foundations J. R. Howard President, American Farm Bureau Federation Program (Continued) Address Hon. Jacob A. O. Preus Governor^ State of Minnesota Band Selection 2 :00 p. m. Pageant — Forward! Farm Bureau Nina B. Lamkin, Director, Community Service, Inc., New York City Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration General Committee H. H. Parke, Chairman J. M. Beckett J. D. Bilsborrow S. £. Bradt J. S. Brown J. S. Collier H. A. deWerff A. E. Eckert P. R. Edgerton C. R. Finley S. R. Guard C. C. Logan F. I. Mann Hy. McGough G. E. Metzger Earl Price T. H. Roberts W. H. Smith J. C. Spider G. F. Tullock The Farm Bureau Idea Pioneer Days O NCE was the farmer a pioneer* Meagre were his needs for scientific knowledge. Little use had he for orderly systems of crop pro- duction or for farm rotation or improved methods -- of marketing. His was a virgin soil endowed with ample quantities of plant foods. His was a life where the major necessities were either produced by the sweat of his own brow or acquired by the simplest methods of barter and exchange. In that day, not so long since, agricultural prac- tices were elemental. Farm implements were crude. The farm home was simple. Community life con- fined itself to the environs of a few homes. The ^ frontier store carried the few manufactured products and staples desired. These were exchanged for a load of wheat or a bale of cotton. Then came the days of land development. Uncle Sam distributed land with a lavish hand. Communi- ties began to spring up wherever good land was available. Rural homes were built in more regular proximity. Farms were fenced. Roads were laid K out. Small towns sprang up. Railroads began to link the towns together. Farm machinery was in- vented and put into use. Larger areas were cropped, t Soils began to be more heavily drawn upon. Insect enemies and pests crept in. Noxious weeds were imported. The need of improved breeding of ani- mals became more generally evident. The day of common problems had arrived. The farmer’s problem was the problem of his Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration 8 neighbor and his neighbor’s neighbor. A need was felt for getting together for the common good. As a result there came the Grange, the Farmers’ Union and other cooperative efiForts. Each of these did much good as a forerunner of the real basic, nation-wide farmers’ organization which was yet destined to be born. As early as 1900 the cotton planters of the south- ern states felt the need of organized effort to con- trol the ravages of the cotton boll weevil. In 1904 the United States Department of Agriculture recog- nized this need by inaugurating Farmers’ Coopera- tive Demonstration Work in Texas, — an early illus- tration of the demonstration method of teaching. From this beginning was developed the county agent idea, the work spreading over portions of twelve states in the next five years. Meanwhile, the general need of agricultural im- provement in the northern states was growing. The soil was being heavily cropped, resulting in a grad- ual depletion of the virgin fertility. The crops were in need of improvement. Poor grades of live stock were common. Marketing methods were unscien- tific, needless costs were piled up to cut the profit to the producer and boost the price to the consumer. Roads were impassable at certain seasons of the year. Country schools were far behind the city standard. Almost universally the country home was still with- out modem conveniences or labor saving devices. The needs grew more and more apparent. Farmers were ready for the new day in agriculture. The Farm Bureau Idea 9 A New Day in Agriculture T hat day came to Illinois on June 1 , 191 2, — just ten years ago when two Illinois counties began what we now call farm bureau work. DeKalb and Kankakee were the pioneer counties. The birth of the Farm Bureau was not an acci- dent. We now know that as early as 1 902 the mind of a certain young college trained farmer was inocu- lated with the germ of “improved agriculture.” This young man’s father before him was an exponent of improved breeding, better feeding, and a more or less regular crop rotation. It was this father who influenced his son, Henry Parke of Genoa, DeKalb County, Illinois, to go to college to study agricul- tural science. It was he who gave Henry the respon- sibilities which directly led him to attend the Agri- cultural Short Course at Urbana in 1903 and 1904. It was here that Henry Parke met Dr. Cyril G. Hopkins, at whose hands the limestone-phosphate- legume triad simply served to feed the idea of “im- proved agriculture’’ which was in the mind of this young DeKalb County farmer. He resolved to put scientific agriculture into practice. From that time on Henry Parke was a leader. At his suggestion the Farmer’s Institute broadened its scope. Out of his contributions grew the farm- ers’ clubs of DeKalb County. It was he who finally led a group of farmers to cooperate with bankers and newspaper men in planning an organization (The DeKalb County Soil Improvement Associa- 10 Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration tion) which should employ on full time a trained agriculturist, or farm adviser, to take charge of the soil development in the county. This first adviser, W. G. Eckhardt, was drawn from the faculty of the College of Agriculture at the University of Illinois. He assumed his new role as county farm adviser in DeKalb County, June 1, 1912. Much in the same way, there was developing simultaneously in Kankakee County a plan which stressed both soils and crops. As a result, this or- ganization was named the Kankakee County Soil and Crop Improvement Association, which title re- mains unchanged. Again we find farm bureau leaders turning to the University for help. The committee of farmers and bankers in Kankakee County singled out John S. Collier (then working on his doctor’s thesis at the University of Illinois) to assume the duties mapped out by the new organization. Funds were pledged for three years in advance, that being the length of the original contract. Mr. Collier is still on the job, being probably the oldest adviser, in point of service, in the United States. While a decade ago there were but two county farm bureau organizations in Illinois, the work has expanded until there are 95 counties now working in the 94 organizations. Marshall and Putnam are unique in being the only counties having a farm bu- reau jointly. The Farm Bureau Idea 11 The Farm Bureau at Work F rom the very beginning, Illinois has insisted that a definite and responsible organization shall be formed by the farmers in any county prior to the employment of a farm adviser. The period of growth and expansion has had certain definite stimuli from time to time* Most prominent in this role are: ( 1 ) The passage of the Smith-Lever Act appro- priating government money administered by the University for county agent work. (2) The need of more food during the War. (3) The appropriation of State funds. (4) The reorganization of the Illinois Agricul- tural Association and the formation of the Ameri- can Farm Bureau Federation. Too long a story would this be were it to tell of all the men who played a prominent part in this development. If we were to choose a half dozen names upon which to heap first honors, these would doubtless be: Eugene Davenport, Cyril G. Hop- kins, B. F. Harris, Henry H. Parke, W. G. Eckhardt, and John S. Collier. Ten years is not a long time in which to solve the multitudinous problems which agriculture faced in 1912. In fact, most of them are yet unsolved. And still we can easily point out progress. From its early limited scope which comprehended only soil and crop improvement, the farm bureau has grown until its present program includes every A 12 Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration kind of farm problem, including seeds, crop vari- eties, fruits, cover crops, insect, fungus and weed control, breeding, feeding, animal diseases, sanita- ; tion, economic dairying, rotations, farm manage- " ; ment, farm loans, cooperative buying and selling, I legislation, community needs, boys\ and girls* club T j work, improved homes, landscaping, better roads, | rural leadership, and many others. 1 The University of Illinois has played no small part in this advancement. To it were assigned the ;i duties of administration and the supervision of fed- i eral funds. Thru the Agricultural Extension Ser- vice, the University has correlated and supervised the farm bureau v/ork. Under its direction, de- partmental advisers, specialists in soils, crops, hor- ticulture, animal husbandry, dairy husbandry, ento- mology, and farm management, have advanced the project work of the farm bureaus and have given ^ special aid and guidance to farm advisers. Since the organization of the Illinois Agricultural Associa- j tion in 1 9 1 9 it has actively cooperated with the uni- tj versity and farm bureaus in promoting the work. J Woman’s work in Illinois has not been forgotten. ii The home bureau, an organization for homemakers, is separate from but parallels the farm bureau, the ^ j. members, in cooperation with the University of Illi- | nois, employing a home adviser and managing their V home bureau affairs. From a single home bureau | in Kankakee County in 1915, the work now in- | dudes nineteen counties, the newest being DeKalb. [;>■ The Farm Bureau Idea 13 Next Ten Years Promise Mitch N O movement of such scope could travel over a road of advancement for ten years with- out encountering some rough places and even a few pitfalls. True, some mistakes have been made but in general the march has been rapid and successful. Just as the past ten years show material advance- ment, so do the ten years ahead promise much in the way of accomplishment, — of conquering the dif- ficulties in agricultural growth yet unsolved. Membership has reached its maximum of expan- sion. Leadership has only be- gun its program of con- structive and progressive advancement. Cooperation has been the aim of all leaders. It shall become stronger and more faithful. Each year is developing more rural leaders who do big things in a big way. It shall extend beyond the realm of selfish ideals to include all interests, from producer to con- sumer, from town to country. 14 Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration Economics has but pricked the conscious- ness of the agricultural producer. Production has been given consistent thought resulting in marked im- provement. Marketing has recently challenged the attention of great minds. Legislation has been studied and improved measures have been passed. Community Interests are superceding selfish in- dividual desires. In the future, much more economic use must be made of land, labor, and capital. There still remain many steps in the ladder of economic production. Far more will be accom- plished by way of in- creased efficiency, cost reduction and elimin- ation of useless effort. Improved legislation, which will not only benefit the farmers but other classes as well, still needs to be enacted. The community need will become a major project among far sighted rural leaders. t The Farm Bureau Idea 15 Milestones Just Ahead T oward the farm bureau of today are turned the eyes of the world. It is significant that from other countries in both hemispheres, in- cluding even India and Czechoslovakia, are coming inquiries with a view to adopting the plan. Its basic principles are built on the rock — a true farmer’s organization for the advancement of agri- culture in its relation to all peoples. The highway of progress is yet a rough and crooked trail, and still ten years have done much to hew down the trees of doubt, to blast out the boulders of ignorance, and to drain off the sloughs of misinformation, until the farm bureau road of today presents a way of highly improved approach to a citadel known as Perfected Agriculture. As other decades roll by, improving the grade of our highway, straightening the curves, broaden- ing the road bed and filling the low places, those future loyal farm bureau members — some of them our enthusiastic boys and girls of today — ^will lay upon our well builded foundation an ideal surface highly fitting for the progress of the greatest of all industries. Proud are we that it has been our privilege to play a part in this drama of farm bureau develop- ment during its youth. With the greatest of antici- pation do we turn our eyes to the road ahead. 16 Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration The close of the first ten years but sets the first milestone on the highway to A Permanent Agriculture A Profitable Farm Business An Ideal Farm Home A Happy Country Life and A Loved Profession. To these ideals we dedicate ourselves under the banner inscribed: FORWARD FARM BUREAU! — Charles A. Atwood, Farm Bureau History 1904 — Demonstration work began. Texas. 1909 — Work extended to 11 other southern states. 1911 — First county agent in New York, Broome County, ^ March 20. 1912 — First county agent in North Dakota, Bottineau County, January 7. ^ 191 2 — First county agent in Wisconsin, Oneida County, February. Illinois 1 9 1 2 — DeKalb County Soil Improvement Association or- ganized March 27. 1 9 1 2 — Kankakee County Soil and Crop Improvement As- sociation organized April 20. 1 9 1 2 — W. G. Eckhardt, DeKalb County, and John S. Col- lier, Kankakee County, June 1 . First counties in United States to build a definite farmers* organi- zation to carry responsibility of farm bureau work. 1 9 1 2 — ^University committee for approval of farm advisers* , qualifications selected, October. Committee; F. H. Rankin, C. G. Hopkins, and H. W. Mumford. (W. L. Burlinson succeeded C. G. Hopkins). 1 9 1 3 — Tazewell County, Illinois, adopts name of Farm Bu- reau, June 1 . First time title used in United States. 1 9 1 3 — Act of Illinois Legislature enabling county boards to appropriate up to $5000 a year toward main- tenance of farm bureau work, June 27. (Amended in 1920 to include home bureaus also.) ^ 1913 — Eight counties began farm bureau work. (Total 10.) 1 9 1 3 — A. G. Smith appointed State Leader. (Served un- til September 1, 1914.) 1914 — Passage of Smith-Lever Act May 8, appropriating funds for county agent work. For the U, S. : ($480,00 a year, beginning July 1, 1914, and reach- irtg the maximum $4,500,000 by July 1, 1922). Site of the Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration, Campus, Northern Illinois State Teachers College, DeKalb. Pageant — Forward Farm Bureau Introduction T he pageant. Forward! Farm Bureau, is a symbolic presentation of the work and achievements of the farm bureaus of Illinois during the last ten years. Four episodes divide the pageant : I. The Birth of an Idea, II. The Growth of an Idea, III. The Development of an Idea, and IV. The Future of an Idea. These episodes are divided into scenes, each of which interprets some phase of farm bureau work. Between the episodes are interludes which are sym- bolic of some theme connected with the episode that follows. There are six ways in which the meanings, the objectives and the ideals of the themes in episodes and interludes are interpreted and dramatized: First — ^Thru two Prologue Readers. The First Prologue Reader will tell of the pro- jects organized for the solution of our problems, the achievements thru the growth of ten years and the ideals and objectives of the future. The Second Prologue Reader will interpret the symbolisms. Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration 22 Second — ^Through the peuitomime of groups on the field who enact the various scenes. Third — Thru the use of the “daylight screen.” Fourth — ^Thru songs and other appropriate music which will help to create atmosphere for the various settings. Fifth — Thru tableaux and groupings of symbolic characters which are closely related to the scenes on the field and which appear on the raised dais on either side of the field. Sixth — ^Thru the visualization of a real farm im- proved and reorganized. On the back field and at one side is a farm house typical of Illinois, but not as beautified as it might be. The farm is poorly arranged and lacks many modern improvements. A farmer and his family live in this home. The son wanted to leave home, but later sees the advan- tages on the farm and becomes one of the rural leaders. He is progressive and seeking information by which he can become a better farmer, improve the farm, the farm home and the community. This leader reacts to the changes and improvements which the years bring and thru the various scenes he stands out as symbolic of the growth and lead- ership which better economic, industrial and social conditions bring. In the final scene we see his farm well organized, his home beautified, and the spirit in the home strengthened as a larger vision of the future is portrayed. Pageant — Forward! Farm Bureau , 23 Cast of Characters and Groups In Order of Their Appearance Characters or Groups — Leader County First Prologue Reader, B. Barrett Evans DeKalb Second Prologue Reader, Carlton Trimble Crawford The Farmer who lives in the Stage Home, Lincoln Watson DeKalb The Son of the Farmer, Harland Orr DeKalb The Wife of the Farmer, Ada Cowdrey DeKalb The Younger Sons, Paul Ritzman, Fred Diedrich. . . .DeKalb Neighbors, E. O. Fay, M. T. Oakland, Bayard Clark, Frank Balthis DeKalb PRELUDE I Voice of the Forests, Marie Cahill DeKalb Forests and Prairies of Illinois Northern Illinois State Teachers College, Edith Bond DeKalb Voice of Spring, Irene Milliken Cook Flowers of Illinois Rollo School, Maybelle Letherman, Irma John- son DeKalb DeKalb Schools, Maud Nicholson DeKalb The South Wind, Mercedes Fairfield DeKalb Raindrops Rollo School, Elizabeth Kutzner DeKalb Birds of Illinois DeKalb Schools, Maud Nicholson DeKalb The Rainbow, Peck School of Dancing DeKalb INTERLUDE I A Scene in the early days Somonauk United Presbyterian Church, Mary Howison, Nettie McCleery, R. J. McAllister, H. Ferguson, R. J. Howison, F. B. Kirkpat- rick DeKalb* 22 Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration Second — ^Through the pantomime of groups on the field who enact the various scenes. Third — ^Thru the use of the “daylight screen.” Fourth — ^Thru songs and other appropriate music which will help to create atmosphere for the various settings. Fifth — ^Thru tableaux and groupings of symbolic characters which are closely related to the scenes on the field and which appear on the raised dais on either side of the field. Sixth — ^Thru the visualization of a real farm im- proved and reorganized. On the back field and at one side is a farm house typical of Illinois, but not as beautified as it might be. The farm is poorly arranged and lacks many modern improvements. A farmer and his family live in this home. The son wanted to leave home, but later sees the advan- tages on the farm and becomes one of the rural leaders. He is progressive and seeking information by which he can become a better farmer, improve the farm, the farm home and the community. This leader reacts to the changes and improvements which the years bring and thru the various scenes he stands out as symbolic of the growth and lead- ership which better economic, industrial and social conditions bring. In the final scene we see his farm well organized, his home beautified, and the spirit in the home strengthened as a larger vision of the future is portrayed. Pageant — Forward! Farm Bureau , 23 Cast of Characters and Groups In Order of Their Appearance Characters or Groups — Leader County First Prologue Reader, B. Barrett Evans DeKalb Second Prologue Reader, Carlton Trimble Crawford The Farmer who lives in the Stage Home, Lincoln Watson DeKalb The Son of the Farmer, Harland Orr DeKalb The Wife of the Farmer, Ada Cowdrey DeKalb The Younger Sons, Paul Ritzman, Fred Diedrich. . . .DeKalb Neighbors, E. O. Fay, M. T. Oakland, Bayard Clark, Frank Balthis DeKalb PRELUDE I Voice of the Forests, Marie Cahill DeKalb Forests and Prairies of Illinois Northern Illinois State Teachers College, Edith Bond DeKalb Voice of Spring, Irene Milliken Cook Flowers of Illinois Rollo School, Maybelle Letherman, Irma John- son DeKalb DeKalb Schools, Maud Nicholson DeKalb The South Wind, Mercedes Fairfield DeKalb Raindrops Rollo School, Elizabeth Kutzner DeKalb Birds of Illinois DeKalb Schools, Maud Nicholson DeKalb The Rainbow, Peck School of Dancing DeKalb INTERLUDE I A Scene in the early days Somonauk United Presbyterian Church, Mary Howison, Nettie McCleery, R. J. McAllister, H. Ferguson, R. J. Howison, F. B. Kirkpat- rick DeKalb 24 Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration Characters or Groups — Leader County Gray’s Lake, Rev. Frank James. Lake Diamond Lake Community Club, F. B. Johnson .... Lake Sycamore Farmers Club, N. B. Westlake, Louis Lloyd, Zeke Raymond DeKalb EPISODE I Scene 1 Symbolic Characters: Mrs. Earl Price Kendall Chinch Bug, Leon Haag Kendall Hessian Fly, Donald Haag Kendall Depleted Soil, Rachael Woolry Kendall Grasshoppers, Merrill Wolf, Arnold Bower Kendall Poor Seed, Nina Woolry Kendall Elarly Frost, Marion Davis Kendall Symbolic Group, Mrs. L. C. Clyne . .Kane Legislation, Adelaide Francisco Kane Taxation, Stella Plapp Kane Production, Helen Butler Kane Marketing, Florence Butler Kane Industry, Marguerite O’Brien Kane Labor, Katherine Stowe Kane Rural Finance, Marguerite Wagner Kane Scene 2 Group who formed the DeKalb County Soil Im- provement Association, Henry Parke DeKalb The University of Illinois, Marie Peterson DeKalb Farmers on the way to an Institute, Dexter Stocking. . .Ogle Charter Grove Community Club, Lester Marshall. . .DeKalb Scene 3 Symbolic Group, Mrs. L. C. Clyne Kane Education, Vera Lawson Kane Mother, Mrs. W. F. Reynolds Kane Father, W. F. Reynolds Kane * Child, Mae Anna Flahrity Kane Pageant — Forward! Farm Bureau 25 Characters or Groups — Leader County Experiment, Bernardine Milnamow Kane Science, Marguerite Burns Kane Organization, Selma Ahlin Kane INTERLUDE II Voices of the Wheat Fields, Peck School of Dancing . DeKalb Wheat Fields Kaneville School, Mrs. Ben Ames Kane Rockford Group, Mrs. J. B. Gleasman Winnebago Sugar Grove High School, Minnie Dugan Kane Tiskilwa Garment Club, Mrs. John Luce Bureau Elburn School, Mary Hughes Kane Greenwood Group, Mrs. C. C. Harrison McHenry Hessian Flies, Edith Bond De Kalb Limestone, Edith Bond De Kalb Phosphate, Edith Bond De Kalb Legumes, Earl Price Kendall EPISODE II Scene 1 Groups from all Farm Bureaus Organized in 1912 and 1913 W. G. Eckhardt, De Kalb; J. S. Collier, Kankakee; C. H. Oathout, Champaign; E. A. Carncross, Du Page; W. B. Richards, Kane; H. O. Allison, Livingston; A. J. Gafke, McHenry; W. E. Hedgcock, Peoria; C. G. Starr, Taze- well; J. F. Hedgcock, Will. Treating Oats for Smut, J. V. Stevenson LaSalle What the De Kalb County Soil Improvement Association has done for soil and crop improvement, B. W. Lyons . De Kalb Spraying Ring, James Harvey Grundy Poultry Culling, L. S. Griffith Lee Soil Testing, W. B. Richards Kane Cow Testing, C. J. Rieck Du Page 26 Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration Scene 2 Characters or Groups — Leader County All Farm Bureau groups who were in Scene I Uncle Sam, S. F. Parson De Kalb Drum and Bugle Corps, American Legion, A. D. Heath, L. T. Criswell De Kalb Men and Women who answer call Naperville Rural Life Progress Club, Mrs. Frank Fraley, Mrs. Matt Fisher, Frank McCabe, Mrs. Chas. Putnam Du Page Community Group, N. B. Harris Kendall Suydam Church, Wilber Wesson, Mrs. John Hines, Mrs. Alvin Warren De Kalb Community Group, Wm. Webb Will Big Wood Community Club, John Warren, George B. Goss Du Page Community Group, W. Lloyd Keepers Kane Waterman Group, Mrs. R. Wakefield, Mrs. Mable Kirkpatrick, Carl Anderson, J. Frank Anderson De Kalb Hinckley Group, Mrs. Ralph Payne, Mrs. I. N. Harbour, Wm. Haish, Albert Rimsnyder De Kalb Community Group, Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Pfiel, C. M. Cassidy Boone Community Group, Oscar Neher Lee Afton Group, B. W. Lyons De Kalb Ringwood and Greenwood Groups, Frank Bar- ber, Mrs. Lula Thomas, Mrs. C. C. Harrison, D. H. Ross McHenry Malta Methodist Church, Aaron Plapp, Mrs. Jas. Stone De Kalb Agricultural Department, Harvard High School, J. B. Adams McHenry Pleasant Valley Community Club, Herbert Kdtz, Mrs. Milo Kiltz, Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Miller. . . .McHenry High School Group, L. W. Bush Kendall Richmond High School, R. R. Turner McHenry Pageant— Forward! Farm Bureau 27 INTERLUDE III Characters or Groups — Leader County Vegetables of Illinois, Mrs. Harriet Parks De Kalb Farmer Boys, Peck School of Dancing De Kalb Scene 3 Hunger, Bernice Johnson Kendall Children, Mrs. A. E. Hanson Kendall Loads of Corn, Earl Price Kendall Agriculture, Marie Cole De Kalb Economy, Marie Seaholm De Kalb Efficiency, Hazel Smith De Kalb Group led by Production Scene 4 Children on way to summer outing, E. C. Jones Cook EPISODE 111 Scene 1 Procession of Improved Livestock, Jas. Carmichael. . . .Ogle Rochelle, Southworth Tigan Ogle De Kalb, Paul Furr De Kalb INTERLUDE IV Voices of the Clover Fields, Peck School of Dane? ing De Kalb Sweet Clover Fields Genoa High School, Rhea Saul DeKalb DeKalb High School, Vergene Glidden DeKalb Boone County Group, Mrs. C. J. Leinbach Boone Forget-me-not Sewing Club, Marilda Zearing . . . .Bureau Girls Group, Edith Jeanblanc Lee Girls Group, Gertrude Seeback Lee Girls Group, Anza Lawton .Lee Girls — Mazon High School, Thelma McClellan . . . Grundy Scene 2 Pig Club, Paul Furr DeKalb Pig Club, D. EL Warren Lee Pig Club, Paul E. Hoppe Grundy Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration 28 Characters or Groups — Leader County Dairy Calf Club, C. J. Rieck DuPage Baby Beef Calf Club, V. J. Banter Bureau Dairy Calf Club, D. E. Warren Lee Canning and Sewing Club, Mrs. W. W. Klett DuPage Garment Club, Mrs. H. A. Bemardine Lee Agricultural Club, South Dixon High School, John Weis Lee Ag^ricultural Club, Harvard High School, J. B. Adams, Edward Schutt McHenry Agricultural Club, Richmond High School, R. R. Turner McHenry Tiskilwa Garment Club, Mrs. John Luce Bureau Forget-me-not Sewing Club, Marilda Zearing Bureau Scene-,3 First Home Bureau Unit, Anna Olsen, Mrs. A. N. House, Mrs. Owen Bigelow Kankakee Scene 4 Community Gathering Udina Cooperative Community Club, Hugh Tee- pie, Mrs. Marshall Sherman, W. C. McQueen. . . .Kane Grange Units, Mrs. Geo. W. Fellows, R. V. Clikeman Winnebago Green River Farmers* Club, W. F. Avery, H. J. Conners Lee Grange Units, Mr. and Mrs. R. L. Pfiel, E. M. Cassidy Boone Lindenwood Group, Homer Blough Ogle Aux Sable Group, Wm Lutzow Grundy Victor Township, Alice Mizel, Elsa Hines, Mrs. Alvin Warren, Mrs. John Hines DeKalb Afton Township, B. W. Lyons DeKalb Baby Beef Club, V. J. Banter Bureau Malta High School. W. E. Parke, H. H. Cur- tiss DeKalb Pageant — Forward! Farm Bureau 29 Characters or Groups — Leader County 7th and 8th Grades, Malta School, Miss V. M. Kern DeKalb Group of Boys, Ashton and Dixon, Grace Doane, John Plapp, A. E. Conrad, Herman Heckman, John Weis Lee Five Points School, District 45, Anna Holmquist. .DeKalb Greenwood-Hebron Group, Mrs. R. W. Stewart . McHenry Pig Club, Paul Furr DeKalb DeKalb Schools, Maud Nicholson DeKalb Waterman School, Mrs. C. M. Kirkpatrick, Mrs. Roy Wakefield DeKalb Victor Township (Suydam Church), J. Stead- man DeKalb Marysville Community Club, Bert Kellogg Kendall Community Group, Harold Russell Kendall Group led by Production Production, Legislation, Marketing, Taxation, Labor, In- dustry, Rural Finance Scene 5 Group of Farm Bureau Representatives from 1912-1916. 1912— W. G. Eckhardt, DeKalb; J. S. Collier, Kankakee. 1913 — C. H. Oathout, Champaign; E. A. Carncross, Du- Page; W. B. Richards, Kane; H. O. Allison, Liv- ingston; A. J. Gafke, McHenry; J. F. Hedgcock, Will; W. E. Hedgcock, Peoria; C. G. Starr, Taze- well. 1914 — Chas. Keltner, Winnebago; W. W. Wilson, Bureau; F. E. Longmire, Grundy; L. W. Wise, Iroquois; I. S. Brooks, LaSalle. 1915 — F. A. Gougler, Adams; J. H. Lloyd, Hancock; H. F. Fahrnkopf, McLean; T. R. Isaacs, Mason. 1916 — ^L. S. Griffith, Lee; P. S. Richey, Mercer, P. R. Edgerton, Rock Island; M. L. Mosher, Woodford. Group of girls ip march Northern Illinois State Teachers College, Edith Bond DeKalb Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration 30 Scene 6 Characters or Groups — Leader County Representatives from Farm Bureaus 1917-1922 1917 — C. E. Wheelock, Lake; J. R. Shinn, Fulton; C. W. McWilliams, Randolph; G. T. Snyder, Ogle; J. W. Whisenand, Henry; J. E. Whitchurch, Saline. 1918 — J. H. Checkley, Logan; E. W. Rusk, Macoupin; A. L. Higgins, Moultrie; C. H. Rehling, Clinton; J. G. McCall, Johnson; E. H. Walworth, Macon; G. B. Kendall, Morgan; Arthur Lumbrick, Ver- milion; 1. A. Madden, Sangamon; Melvin Thomas, Coles; G. F. Baumeister, Stephenson; C. E. Hay, Christian; Enos Waters, Edgar; F. M. Bane, Hen- derson; Alfred Raut, Madison; Alfred Tate, Mon- roe; A. E. Snyder, Montgomery; J. J. Doerschuk, Union; R. L. Eyman, Jersey; E. T. Robbins, De- Witt; H. B. Piper, Richland; C. C. Logan, Craw- ford; E. M. Phillips, Greene; L. O. Wise, White- side. 1919 — C. A. Hughes, Menard; R. C. Doneghue, McDon- ough; J. W. Watson, Piatt; B. W. Tillman, St. Clair; F. C. Hersman, Ford; F. H. Kelley, Ed- wards; H. A. deWerff, Franklin; Otis Kercher, Pike. 1920 — E. E. Brown, Stark; G. R. Bliss, Carroll; F. E. Fuller, Marshall-Putnam; A. E. Davidson, Brown; Chas. Tarble, Bond; C. C. Burns, Jo Daviess; H. C. Wheeler, Lawrence; F. W. Garrett, Douglas; Earl Price, Kendall; G. E. Gentle, Schuyler; J. C. Kline, Boone; F. A. Fisher, Wabash; L. L. Heller, Cook; W. R. Eastman, Pulaski; G. H. Husted, Scott; C. H. Belting, Shelby; W. K. Galeener, Williamson; Ralph Wells, Warren; C. J. Thomas, Jackson; W. W. Merritt, Clark; E. M. D. Bracker, Knox. Pageant — Forward! Farm Bureau 31 Characters or Groups — Leader County 1921 — H. Allison, Calhoun; Bertram Abney, Jeffer- son; O. M. McGhee, Massac; C. W. Simpson, Gal- latin; L. Kimmel, Pope; W. E. Hart, Clay; E. W. Creighton, White; C. B. Pricej Cumberland; C. T. Hufford, Wayne. Home Bureau Unit, Mrs. S. E. Bradt, Mrs. B. W. Lyons, Mrs. Will Minnegan, Mrs. James Stone, Mrs. Chauncey Watson DeKalb Floats Representing County, State and National Achievements In Order of Their Appearance County Float representing 1. Bond Modern Soil Testing 2. Kane Soil Testing 3. Monroe Limestone Crushers 4. Kankakee Phosphate Storage Bins 5. Brown Nitrogen Losses 6. Livingston Soil and Crop Improvement 7. Franklin Illinois System of Soil Fertility in "Egypt” 8 . Crawford “Sweet Clover Quartette** 9. Iroquois Pioneer Corn Growers 10 . DeKalb Pure Seed for DeKalb County 11 . LaSalle Treating Oats for Smut 12 . Woodford Seed Corn Improvement 13. Logan Clean Seed for Logan County 14. Coles Certified Seed Wheat 15. Marshall-Putnam Grimm Alfalfa Wins 16. Champaign Commercial Use of Soybeans 17. Mercer Field Feeding of Soybeans 18. Macoupin Soybean Varieties and Poultry Cull- ing 32 Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration County 19. Lee 20. Cass 2 1 . Moultrie 22. Macon Float representing Poultry Culling Chinch Bug Chinch Bug Chinch Bug Control with Cresote Line 23. Grundy 24. Douglas 25. Stark 26. Knox 27. Peoria 28. DuPage Spraying Ring Farm Spraying Spray Rings Corn Root Rot Livestock Breed Associations — Hogs Cow Testing Association — Boys* Club Work 29. Ef&ngham 30. Lake ^ Holsteins for “Egypt** Better Dairy Sires Lake County Holsteins 3 1 . Edgar 32. Sangamon 33. Bureau 34. Rock Island 35. McLean Clean Herds for Edgar County Livestock Club Work Boys* and Girls* Club Work Hog Vaccination McLean County System of Hog Sanitation 36. McDonough Farm Management and Hog Sanita- tion 37. Hancock 38. Clinton 39. Henry 40. Menard 4 1 . Marion 42. Lee 43. Ford 44. Will Farm Cost Accounting Farm Management Pays Livestock Shipping Association The First From Illinois Fruit Marketing Farmers* Elevators **Just Ford** Wheatland Plowing Match Duroc-Jersey Breeders* Association 45. Greene Motion Pictures in Farm Bureau Work 46. Adams Farm Bureau Executive Committee in Session Pageant — Forward! Farm Bureau 33 County Float representing 47. Jo Daviess The Good Ship “Cooperation** 48. Menard **A Vision of 1932** Characters or Groups — Leader County Town Interests DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and other or- ganizations, S. E. Bradt, Mrs. Jas. Stone, A. J. Plapp DeKalb Dixon Chamber of Commerce, E. R. Oxman Lee Gray*s Lake, Rev. Frank James Lake DeKalb Woman*s Club, Mrs. S. E. Bradt DeKalb America, Elsa Larson DeKalb Loyalty, Caroline Countryman DeKalb Love, Louis Tyler DeKalb Service, Naemie Johnson DeKalb Justice, Marian Bradt DeKalb Truth, Mary Johnson DeKalb Faith, Rose Ashlin DeKalb 34 Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration Chorus and Band Groups Chorus F. W. Greenaway, Director DeKalb Community Chorus, F. W. Greenaway DeKalb Teachers College, A. Neil Annas DeKalb Swedish Lutheran Church Choir DeKalb Congregational Church Choir, Vera Wiswall DeKalb M. E. Church Choir, Helen Hammond DeKalb ^ First Baptist Church Choir, F. W. Greenaway DeKalb Swedish Mission Church Choir, Henry Noreen DeKalb Children’s Chorus, Miss Maud Nicholson DeKalb M. E. Church Choir, E. J. Swanson Sycamore First Baptist Church Choir, Myra Snow Sycamore Episcopalian Church Choir, Dorothy Doane Sycamore Evangelical Church Choir, Mildred Wright Malta Methodist Church Choir, Mrs. Jesse Plapp Malta Congregational Church Choir, Rev. S. H. Brown Malta U. P. Church Choir, Wells E. Fay Somonauk Methodist Church Choir, Roy Wakefield Waterman Presbyterian Church Choir, Sarah MacFarlane . .Waterman Lindenwood Group, Homer Blough Ogle Band C. F. Toenniges, Director DeKalb Band, C. F. Toenniges DeKalb Lee County Orchestra, I. J. Trostle Lee Rosecrans Band, F. E. Henry Lake Clarion Township Community Club Band, Rev. C. A. Wiederanders Bureau Pageant — Forward! Farm Bureau 35 Synopsis of the Pageant Overture — Band. , First Prologue Reader: the Farm Bureau? ^ I 'HE agriculture of the west is the agriculture of ^ progress. The pioneer stage is over. The prairies have been broken and the wild grasses tamed. The sloughs have been drained and the timber cut away. The lands have yielded abund- antly from their stores of a million years. We have better seed, better machinery, and better methods than our fathers had when they first broke the virgin soil. The land has been urged to yield with in- creasing bounty, but it is growing tired. The golden grain ripens more slowly than when our fathers planted and cultivated and is grading lower in the markets. We have blamed the acci- dent of season, but we now know that the soil is growing weary of its work. The insect and the fungus are in the land and increasing population is met by decreasing harvests. We have learned well the art of farming but that is not enough. Science must be employed to restore what has been depleted, to protect against enemies that would destroy, and to insure for our posterity the permanent power of the soil to yield, lest the people languish with the land. Nature holds many a secret open only to the in- quiring mind. Science stands ready with beckoning hand. We go to work with her. — E. Davenport. Screen : Beautiful Illinois. 36 Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration PRELUDE Forests and Prairies of Illinois, Voices of Spring, Flowers of Illinois, The South Wind, The North Wind, Raindrops, Birds of Illinois, The Rainbow. Interpretations of these themes thru symbolic dances. First Prologue Reader: Some Early History \X 7HILE the original farm bureau units in Illi- ^ ^ nois are ten years old the basis for the move- ment is in reality much older. It took root twenty or thirty years ago — perhaps longer — ^when the far- sighted leaders in every agricultural community were beginning to realize that American agriculture was passing the pioneer state of simple methods and fertile lands, and was rapidly assuming a state of development where success in farming would de- pend upon keen, scientific business methods rather than upon mere courage and hard work. Then came the Farmers’ Institute in Illinois to work hand in hand with the State University. Thru the Institute, a farmer’s short course was arranged in DeKalb County. Next came farmers’ clubs with monthly meetings, and itinerant agricultural speak- ers. In the minds of the agricultural leaders of De- Kalb County, the Institute and the short course were serving even a greater purpose than the actual sci- entific instruction they gave; they were preparing the farmer for a permanent organization of his own. Slowly but surely the farmers of DeKalb County The beautiful Illinois prairie. In the pasture. College of Agriculture, University of Illinois. Pageant — Forward! Farm Bureau 39 in progressing from the early .institute and short course work to their farmers’ clubs, had been mov- ing toward the organization of what is now known as the farm bureau. At almost every farmers’ club meeting the need of such an organization was voiced and in 1912 it became a reality. — H. H. Parke. INTERLUDE I Processional showing scenes of the early days. EPISODE I — The Birth of an Idea Scene 1 Second Prologue Reader I 1\ /T AN is beset with problems. The results of his labors are severely molested. Grief attends him. In 1912 he is forced to action. His hopes are darkened by the hovering of Depleted Soils, In- ferior Seeds, Damaging Insects, Scrub Livestock, In- fectious Diseases and Inefficient Production. These surround and worry him. Further in the distance, and symbolized by the figures we see passing, are problems of greater im- port — ^Taxation, Legislation, Marketing, Rural Fi- nance, Labor and Industry. But of these we note his present unconcern. On dais are symbolisms of problems of 1912. In the back are symbolisms of future problems. On the field, Henry Parke, his neighbors and busi- ness men are talking over the problems of today and how they can solve them. 40 Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration Scene 2 First Prologue Reader: The Service Already Rendered TF agriculture is to be permanent, its foundation, ^ the soil, must be maintained. Constant cropping without replacement brings about soil depletion. To Dr. Cyril G. Hopkins belongs the greatest honor for the teaching of a permanent fertility thru limestone, phosphates and legumes. The early farm bureaus builded much of their policy of agricultural improvement on the basis of soil betterment, using Dr. Hopkins’ teachings as a guide. The Farmers’ Institute early took up the plan of spreading the gospel of the University’s investiga- tional findings and so practical farming was im- proved by application of scientific knowledge. Lastly the soil survey had its influence in teach- ing local farmers where their soils were deficient. Also soil experiment fields were established. Due to the combined efforts of these factors, a wealth of information, laboratory material and field demonstrations were made available for first farm bureaus. — Frank I. Mann. Screen: Memorial to Dr. Cyril G. Hopkins. Screen: Illinois Soil Survey. On the dais is a symbolism of the University. On the field are farmers on the way to an Institute. Scene 3 First Prologue Reader: The First Farm Bureaus. T7ARM bureau work in Illinois grew from within. ^ The local organization was a result of a desire by the people within the county to secure and put Pageant — Forward! Farm Bureau 41 into practical application on their farms information then available. These men felt their business needed the best information available. They were appre- ciative of the service rendered thru the farm press, the Institute, and the University. They realized that to secure this and keep in touch with the latest information along agricultural lines they needed an organization and a farm ad- viser resident in the county. Thus a few leaders in DeKalb and Kankakee counties in 1912 saw farther into the future than farmers in neighboring counties and anticipated by several months the organization of the farm bureaus in other counties in Illinois. G. N. Coffey. Screen: The First Farm Bureaus in Illinois The group of farmers have discussed the service that has been given them thus far. It is good but it comes and goes. Why not have it every day? The Father and Son have also been talking over plans for better farming. They join the group and the first Farm Bureau is formed. The Soil Improve- ment Association of DeKalb. One of their number is sent to the University for information. Second Prologue Reader: 1\ yT AN is resourceful. He makes use of the agencies at hand. Thus he combats his prob- lems as they arise. Since the advent of Education it has ever been so. Science and Experimentation have lent a helping hand. Organization was born, and, being a sturdy youth, grew rapidly. Education came attended by a Mother, a Father and a Child, 42 Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration — so do we visualize the Education of today thru the Home, the Farm and the School. The members of the first farm bureau leave the field to work out their new problems. HE farm bureau must justify its existence. largely on the basis of service rendered. Farm bureau service may be divided into three types: First, service concerned with economic and effi- cient production of crops and livestock. Second, a “service bureau” that keeps its mem- bers informed of the latest developments in agri- cultural practice, and functions in securing reliable information upon any other matters. Third, emergency service to its members and so- ciety as a whole. The farm bureau has an organization on the ground, in a position to render continuous service, to anticipate new problems as they arise, and to demonstrate their application to farm conditions. Thru the farm visit, the office consultation, the demonstration, the farm tour and the hundreds of other types of worth-while service farmers have INTERLUDE U The Wheat Fields and the Hessian Flies Limestone, Phosphate and Legumes EPISODE II — ^The Growth of an Idea Scene 1 First Prologue Reader: The Farm Bureau Renders Service Pageant — Forward! Farm Bureau 43 gained confidence in each other, in their farm ad- viser and in their orgemization. Outside the county the farm bureau has rendered invaluable service in such emergencies as the World War, the European food relief and the recent flood relief. — ^J. D. Bilsborrow. Screen: Organization, Cooperation, Service. Demonstrations are being given on the field by some of the counties which have successfully car- ried out these projects. 1. Treating oats; 2. Seed and Crop Improvement; 3. Soil Fertility; 4. Spray- ing ring; 5. Poultry Culling; 6. Corn testing. Scene 2 — War. Service The Call While the demonstrations are in progress and the pests are seen retreating the figure of Uncle Sam appears on the dais on the left. is pointing to the distance with one hand; with the other he is summoning the farmer folk. The Response The groups on the field withdraw and the young men respond to the call, while the older men and women wave them a farewell and go to the fields. Some may be seen helping the farmer in the stage home; others can be seen at work far in the back- ground. INTERLUDE III The Vegetables of Illinois Scene 3 — ^The European Food Call On the dais we see the figures of Hunger and many children asking for food. 44 Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration The group at work in the fields about the farm- er’s home answer this call and the message is sent to those in the back field. A load of corn near the house is ready for market. It is given to the cause and as it is driven across the field other loads follow. Screen: Immediate Relief in Emergencies Scene IV — The Call of the Country Homes On the field, a group of children from a city set- tlement house stop and play a game on their way to the country outing provided for them by the Illinois Agricultural Association, the United Charities, the the railroads and the Daily News. This group is symbolic of many outings for hundreds of kiddies from the city. EPISODE III — ^The Development of an Idea First Prologue Reader: The Farm Bureau Develops Organization F arm bureau service has not been limited to pro- ject work alone. It has been very comprehen- sive, meeting well nigh every need. Special lines of work could best be carried out thru subsidiary organizations. Thus, when a com- munity wished to market its livestock cooperatively, the farm bureau assisted in the organization of live- stock shipping associations. These associations are now functioning as units, subsidiary to the farm bureau, usually getting advice from it and often hav- ing identical memberships. Likewise farm loan associations, seed marketing associations, woo! pools, shearing rings and other Pageant — Forward! Farm Bureau 45 similar subsidiaries have been put on their feet thru the efforts of the local farm bureaus. Boys’ and girls’ club work has often been made a vital, part of the farm bureau program, in other cases conducted as a cooperative enterprise with the public schools. In the training of these boys and girls lies the secret of the advancement of the future farm bureau. — C. C. Logan. Second Prologue Reader: A GRICULTURE is of all industrial pursuits the ^ ^ richest in facts. Facts are likened to the grains of sand which shift with the winds, but principles are these same grains cemented into rocks.” As organization grows Economy and Efficiency assist in the solution of the troublesome problems. Pro- duction, Legislation, Marketing, Taxation, Rural Finance, Labor and Industry, each in turn, is met and conquered. Education now in the hands of the University becomes a guiding factor. Scene I — On the Farm Screen: Improved soils, crops and livestock. On the field is a procession of improved livestock. Screen: Business of Agriculture is Developing. INTERLUDE IV Sweet Clover Fields of Illinois Scene 2 — In the School Procession of Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs. 46 Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration Scene 3 — In the Home First Prologue Reader: The Home Bureau — Its Organization and Ideals HE home bureau is an organization for home makers. It is separate from but parallel to the farm bureau. Kankakee County, Illinois, formed the first organ- ization of this kind in the United States seven years ago. It was called the Home Improvement Associ- ation. Later the name was changed to the Home Bureau. Illinois today has eighteen county home bureaus with about 12,000 members. In addition there are six counties with temporary organizations. DeKalb is the newest county to take up the work. Leading projects are food selection, child feeding, hot school lunch, nutrition, canning and cooking demonstrations, clothing selection, construction and care, health, home furnishing, equipment, home management, recreation and finances. The home bureau like the farm bureau is based on local initiative, responsibility and support. The homemakers employ a home adviser and manage their own affairs. It is their aim to have every home. Economically sound Artistically satisfying Mechanically convenient Socially responsible Physically healthful Spiritually inspiring Morally wholesome Founded upon mutual Mentally stimulating affection and respect ■Juliet Lita Bane. 1 Pageant — Forward! Farm Bureau 47 Scene 4 — -In the Community “If we learn to play together we can the better work together/* A community gathering where ^ families meet for games, songs, dances, and recre- ation. Screen: Good roads and good schools i Scene 5 First Prologue Reader: Organization and Leadership Develop State Organization TOURING the four pioneer years 1912-1916 agri- cultural leaders were developed. These men recognized that perplexities arising from adverse legislation, burdensome taxation, inadequate fi- nancing, inefficient marketing and unsatisfactory transportation could never be solved by the county * organization alone. As a result the Illinois Agricultural Association ^ was formed at a meeting of county farm bureaus in 1916 and definite progress was made in promoting the general interests of Illinois agriculture and in studying production, distribution, legislation and rural betterment. After three years’ work it was % realized that more funds and greater membership would be required if the Illinois Agricultural Asso- ciation was to accomplish its maximum possibilities. ^ Consequently in 1919a reorganization was effected, increasing the membership fee to $5.00. A goal of 100,000 members was reached in 1920. The departments of marketing, finance, transpor- tation, legislation, organization, publicity, taucation and soil improvement were created. * 48 Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration Farm bureau groups are meeting, working, dis- cussing, thinking, for a better agriculture. From these groups, leaders are developed. Their effort guides the farm boys and girls to a greater appreci- ation of the dignity and beauty and worth of farm- ing. The progress made by the ninety-five farm bureaus and the Illinois Agricultural Association has gone far to place the agriculture of Illinois in its rightful posi- tion as the greatest of all industries. — George A. Fox and D. O. Thompson. Second Prologue Reader: P ROBLEMS of the future have become the prob- ^ lems of today. They advance with vengeance, demanding solution. In despair, man appeals to Organization. Farm Bureaus are created to meet the need. From these units come state federations. On the dais, the figures in earlier scenes have drawn nearer. Screen: A map of Illinois showing the location of farm bureaus organized between 1912 and 1916. On the field: The groups assemble representing all the farm bureaus organized from 1912 to 1916. The Farmer’s Son has returned and is leading the groups. He sees the pictures on either side and tells his father who looks and nods his head as though he knew too well the problems ahead. A group of girls march and form the letters “I A A” and the Illinois Agricultural Association is or- ganized. Pageant — Forward! Farm Bureau 49 Scene 6 First Prologue Reader: The Larger Problems growth of the farm bureau movement may be compared to the growth of a mighty river; first, the small rivulets, then the larger streams and finally the combined waters of all. This has been the development of the American Farm Bureau Federation thru local farm bureau units, county farm bureaus and the uniting of these into state federa- tions, all merging into the national federation. As the farm bureau realized the need of a state federation so the state federations soon met prob- lems of national scope and significance that led to the development of the national federation. Thus has developed not from the top down but from the bottom up, the last unit, uniting the farmers of the nation. As with the smaller units, the future growth and success of the federation is dependent upon well organized, active local units. Clear thinking, initia- tive and constructive leadership among the members in the smaller units will insure a program in the larger organization that will offer a solution to the larger problems, a solution not only in the interest of the farmer and farm family but in the interest and welfare of the public as well. — J. W. Coverdale. Screen: The Growth of Organization. Groups march on to the field representing all the farm bureaus in the state with officers, executive committee, members and county agents. 50 Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration The girls march and the letters “A F B F** are formed and the American Farm Bureau Federation is organized. Screen: The Farm Bureau in 1922 First Prologue Reader: The T^ewest Home Bureau A S man’s work presses on, women too, take up ^ ^ the banner of organized effort. Conscious that home interests must be served and improved before we can hope for a satisfying country life, we have banded together, aided by the University, as home bureaus. Determined not to lag behind, DeKalb women, eager to reap the benefits of home bureau work, step forward. Hopeful of garnering help, of making homes more livable and lives more useful the newest home bureau takes its place in the ranks. — Mrs. S. E. Bradt. The newest home bureau unit, DeKalb, enters and is welcomed by the farm bureaus. Floats representing county, state, and national achievements come on to the field. The farmer and his family stand by their farm home, now beautified and well arranged. EPISODE IV — The Future of an Idea First Prologue Reader: A \/ision of the Future ^T^EN years of farm bureau history have been years of glorious achievement, — achievement in the improvement of agricultural production, in the introduction of better methods of distribution, in the organization of farmers and in the development of rural leadership. Pageant — Forward I Farm Bureau 51 This notable progress marks but the beginning of what must be a much more complete development if the farm bureau movement is to reach its highest and most permanent usefulness. More economic production will receive increasing attention. More permanent systems of farming should go hand in hand with economic production. TTie distribution of farm products should be made more efficient, thru standardization, collective sell- ing, and the elimination of uneconomic practice. Both production and marketing are but means to an end, that of better living and a more satisfying country life. The farm home needs to be made more convenient. Roads should be improved. The country school and the country church should more adequately meet the demands of our modern coun- try life. The farmer will learn to think more largely in terms of group activity and group respon- sibility. He will need to acquire a larger measure of community consciousness. How largely the farm bureau of the future will measure up to its opportunities will depend upon the ideals and the wisdom of its leaders and the great body of progressive farmers within its mem- bership. All will depend on their ideals, and the wisdom and courage devoted to their realization. As we look to the future, let us hope that the glorious achievements of the first decade in farm bureau history may be but guide posts to the next. May they but serve as a challenge to renewed effort in hastening the new agricurture, — an agriculture 52 Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration which serves all men well. — W. F. Handschin, H. W. Leonard, M. F. Mosher. Screen: The Future Awaits Us The rural groups move to one side of the field. The girls who were marching move to the back field. The farmer, his family and the first home bureau unit stand near the farm home and with them representatives of all Illinois home bureaus. From the opposite side come the Town Interests. As this group enters the figures of Labor and In- dustry are less formidable. Taxation and those with her stand ready to cooperate while on a third platform which has just been put in place stands America attended by Service, Loyalty, Love. America unfurls her flag and the group with her are carrying flags. Farm advisers step to the center as the bond be- tween Town and "Country, showing the Illinois State Association of Farm Advisers. Farmer’s Son stands as the leader of the rural group. All turn diagonally so that they face the flag which America holds and stand at attention as they sing “The Star Spangled Banner,” then led by the Farmer’s Son, representing “Forward! Farm Bu- reau,” all follow in a recessional. Screen: Forward! Farm Bureau. Acknowledgment ^ I completely record the splendid effort, sacri- fice and time that have been given to the Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration would mean a chron- icle far beyond the limited scope of this book. In- deed, it is a regret not to record here completely a roster of those who have given so generously of themselves in making this achievement possible. There is place only for the fewest words to describe the organization of the celebration. First, we acknowledge gratefully the host of farm bureau members themselves, that group of stead- fast farmers who lead in Illinois agriculture. Next the farm advisers of Illinois, distinguished speakers, prologue writers, members of the pageant cast, chorus, bands and their directors and leaders, home advisers, the University of Illinois, the Illinois Agri- cultural Association, the American Farm Bureau Federation, and men and women, who, by their presence, bespeak their confidence in this move- ment, are to be remembered. The personnel of the Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration General Committee has been recorded on page 6. Under the general direction of this committee were committees working on definite pro- jects. These committees and their chairmen were: Invitation and Program, H. H. Parke Speakers, Howard Leonard Pageant, J. D. Bilsborrow Director of Pageant, Nina B. Lamkin Finance, S. E. Bradt Publicity, L. J. Montross Celebration Booklet, Rose Doris Briem. Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration 54 Moving Pictures, D. O. Thompson Accoustics and EUectrical, J. D. Harper Daylight Screen» C* A. Atwood. In addition much credit is due to the local com- mittees at DeKalb for carrying thru the many local details. The General Committee at DeKalb was composed of S. E. Bradt, Chairman; A. O. Ander- son, S. W. Boardman, C. E. Bradt, J. Stanley Brown, E. P. Ellwood, H. H. Parke, Thos. H. Roberts, and H. G. Wright. Other local committees and their chairmen were: Local Pageant, T. H. Roberts; Grounds, S. W. Boardman; Properties, Stage House, F. Balthis; Properties, Miscellaneous, Jas. Moorhead; Stage Management, C. C. Logan; Float, A. U. Dodge; Parade, G. H. Deane; Stage Directors, Clyde Lyons; Music, F. W. Greenaway; Costume, L. Eveline Mer- ritt; Dance, Edith Bond; Livestock, Paul Furr; Pos- ter, A. W. Marvin; Concessions, E. B. Still; Policing and Traffic, J. E. Lewis; Parking, Harry G. Eich- horn; Roads and Streets, W. F. Wiltberger; Elect- rical, Philip Swanson; Decorating, Elvin Carlson; Housing, A. L. Buckaloo; Feeding, E. E. Embree; Finance, A. O. Anderson; Invitation and Reception, H. H. Parke. A goodly measure of thanks, of congratulation, and of praise is due to all who by their efforts con- tributed to the final success of the Illinois Farm Bureau Decennial Celebration.