Rural prosperity and good roads developed in the U.S. between 1910 and 1920. Prosperity meant that many farmers and vineyard owners had money. Following this period of general prosperity (1900 through the end of World War I), prices for most agricultural commodities fell dramatically in 1921, along with the beginning of the Prohibition era.
The Challenges Facing Farmers
The good roads that had been built provided easy access and brought an unprecedented host of thieves to the farmer’s property and mailbox. Many farmers who had mortgaged their farms were unable to meet their mortgage payments, and a wave of bankruptcies and farm foreclosures ensued.
Many farm and agricultural journals of the time, including American Agriculturist, created new departments and named them Service Bureaus. These departments acted as a consumer advocate and as an intermediary between companies and subscribers. The service was not free. For a minimum subscription, each member received a membership certificate and a sign. (Maybe in some cases, this was published on cardboard, depending on the level of membership subscription.)
The Impact Of Membership Certifications
The “sign” was to protect the subscriber from fake agents. The protective association helped to establish that the local law enforcement authorities increase their efforts to prevent farm/vineyard thefts. Many of the officers of the protective associations were farmers who already had leadership experience in their local Farm Bureau organizations.
So, farm protective services emerged to:
- Combat rural crime
- Guard against fraud
- Foster community security
American Agriculturist Protective Service Member Sign
Date:1920s
Origin: United States
Size:14“ height x 7” width
Materials: tin and enamel paint
Object ID: WHP-ADV69
California Cultivator Farm Protective Service Member Sign
Date: 1920s
Origin: United States
Size: 18“ height x 12” width
Materials: heavy-gauge sheet iron
Object ID: WHP-ADV1
