As we continue our process of migrating information from our discontinued CD-ROMs to availability as downloads, we are very happy to announce the availability of two Grange directories from Genesee County NY in the 1930s.
While the Grange still exists in some rural areas of the United States, the “Patrons of Husbandry” has been in a long decline since the 19th century in the United States. An organization that fulfilled several functions for rural farm families — it was a social organization, an organization for young people, a unified voice in speaking to legislatures, a charitable organization — in an age before telephones, radio, television, and the internet, it was vital. We think that these directories represented a resurgence of the local Granges due to the Great Depression, so they are social documents.
Because they list members and officers, as well as businesses catering to the agricultural sector, the Grange directories from Genesee County NY will be useful to genealogists tracing families in Genesee County, of course. Those interested in cultural history and social history will appreciate the clear view of agrarian life in upstate New York in the 1930s these represent.
Of a few Grange directories we’ve encountered, these are by some measure the most complete and likely represent a good picture of much of Genesee County at these points in time. The two that we have are the ones for 1934 and 1938. They previously appeared on our Genesee County Collection CD-ROM, which we have discontinued.
Do have a look. You can purchase them here on our Genesee County page.
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