1809

"If not, we are done with you."

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:60.00 USD Estimated At:120.00 - 170.00 USD
 If not, we are done with you.
Letter with splendid Grange Movement content, from Theodore Seinscott, Eagleport, Morgan County, Ohio, Jan. 9, 1875, 6 1/2 x 7 3/4, 2 full pp. To Singer Sewing Machine Co., N.Y., requesting price list. "...As I have been elected Agent for our Subordinate Grange I want to know what discount from Price list you will make to Patrons. We want to deal direct with you and not through agents...as our money is as good as his and we ought to have them as low. Please write and state whether you will deal with us that way or not: if not, we are done with you, as other Co. have already agreed to deal with us, and we will patronize those Co. who will give us terms. It is not the intention of the Grange movement to inquire the Manufacture(r) but to bring the Manufacture(r) and Producer closer together and trade, thus save the expense given to the middle men and agents...We have been warned by the State agent for the Grange, W.H. Hill, to keep the terms...confidential from outsiders...See that the Grange seal mark is upon each letter you receive before you give them terms." Large blind-embossed seal "West Bloom Grange No. 716...." Characteristic 7/8 " brown paper strip on verso where tipped in Singer letterbook, covering some letters and words, fragment lacking at blank lower left but believed removed at time the thrifty writer trimmed a larger sheet to save paper, else very good. An agricultural movement born in 1867, the Grange advocated for establishment of rural free mail delivery, the Cooperative Extension Service, Farm Credit System, and regulation of railroads and grain warehouses. Still active today, members have included F.D.R. and Harry Truman. Early Grange material is scarce.