National Grange 5 Cent Stamp

By Debi Mejak

100th Anniversary Stamp of National Grange

Oliver Hudson Kelley was born in 1826 in Boston, Massachusetts.  He learned how to farm by reading articles and books.  In 1849, he traveled to Minnesota.  Although the area was mostly Indian trade at the time, he realized that there was great potential for farming. 

He was an innovator and impressed people with his techniques such as using the first mechanical reaper in Minnesota.  He began writing articles on farming for national newspapers.  In 1864, he became the federal commissioner of agriculture in Washington D.C. 

President Andrew Johnson gave Kelley a special job.  After the Civil War, he traveled to the south.  As a northerner, he was welcomed by his fellow Masons.  He collected information and made recommendations to help bring the farmers of the north and the south together.  He thought that a national movement to organize farmers was needed to achieve this goal.  In December, 1867, Kelley and others met in the office of the Superintendent of Propagating Gardens in the Department of Agriculture.  The foundation was laid for this new organization — The National Grange. 

In 1868, the first Grange was established in Fredonia, New York.  From there the movement spread quickly with membership approaching 200,000 in 1873 and upwards of 800,000 in 1875.   

This movement organized farmers into a powerful group which allowed them to lobby for legislation creating Grange laws.  Although these laws did not entirely solve their problems, the laws did set precedents for future generations.  The Grange was paramount in creating rural free delivery which was created in 1891. 

The stamp honors the 100th anniversary of the creation of the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry known simply as The National Grange. This stamp was donated by the Pelzer family. Otto Pelzer was an officer of the Elcho Grange No. 671.