Lincoln Farmers' Club Minutes, 1867-1880

Access and use

Location of collection:
Thomas Balch Library
Thomas Balch Library
208 West Market Street
Leesburg, Virginia 20176
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Alexandra S. Gressitt
Phone: (703) 737-7195
Fax: (703) 737-7195

Summary

Extent:
1 item
Creator:
Lincoln Farmers' Club
Abstract:
This collection contains the minutes of the Lincoln Farmers' Club from 1867-1880.
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains the minutes of the Lincoln Farmers' Club from 1867-1880. Previously collected in a ledger book, the volume is disbound, with its spine and front cover missing. Pages are loose, and gaps in page numbers indicate that pages may be missing. Minutes from September to November 1877 are not present in this volume.

Biographical / historical:

During Reconstruction, the era following the end of the American Civil War, agrarian areas across the South struggled to recover from the disruption and destruction of the War. In Loudoun County, economic instability and deprivation were further exasperated by raids by both Union and Confederate forces that slaughtered animals and destroyed crops through the area. In response, post-war farmers were anxious to look for new opportunities and innovations to stimulate growth. Local farmers began to form regional organizations aimed at pooling their resources and expertise. From these organizations, farmers gained cooperative purchasing power, were able to share equipment, learned about new pesticides and fertilizers, and were able to more effectively lobby for their needs with the local government.

One of the organizations created during this movement, the Lincoln Farmers' Club was founded and centered in Lincoln, Virginia. Organized on 17 March 1867 Loudoun farmers gathered to discuss issues such as improvement of local hogs stock. Officers were elected at the next meeting and committees were formed to report on topics including livestock, rain, fruit and vegetables, farming implements, and fertilizers. Essays were presented at each meeting by a designated member on a topic of interest selected at the previous meeting. The Club's officers, including President, Vice-President, and Treasurer and Secretary, were elected on a yearly basis. The minutes noted the events of each meeting and were recorded by the Secretary. Along with subjects discussed by Club members, the minutes include the yearly election results, reports on the quality of crops and soil, and interactions with other local organizations such as the Catoctin Farmers' Club. Meetings were held at member's residences in Loudoun County including farms such as Pleasant Valley, Locust Hill, Solitude, Meadow Brook, and Montrose. Members who are frequently mentioned in the minutes include James M. Hoge (1839-1924), Amos Hughes (1823-1890), H. R. Holmes (1830-1914), and Joseph Nichols (d. 1896).

Acquisition information:
Loudoun County Historical Society, Leesburg, VA
Arrangement:

Folder

Physical description:
.