The Granger Movement in New England 1872-1896: An Interpretation

“The Granger Movement in New England” is a thoughtful analysis of the differences between the initial introduction, explosive growth and corresponding decline of the Grange in the mid-west and the slow but steady growth of the Grange in New England. Hager makes a compelling case for the vision of the founders of the Grange, an organization providing social and educational benefits for its members with other benefit areas adding to the membership package.

This book gives you a picture of the bleak social and educational conditions existing in the rural areas of the New England states at that time, and how the Grange was able to improve the lives of rural people by addressing those conditions.

The influence of the New England Grange upon the National Grange is also discussed. The radicalism of the Grange was based in those early mid-west states and the New England Granges tempered that radicalism with more of a pragmatic view without losing sight of the Grange philosophy and purposes.

For an unbiased view of the history of the Grange, within a specific region (New England), this book is thought provoking and brings history to life. The impact of the Grange and the leaders of those Granges on the States of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts are explored in this insightful and interesting book.

Hager will challenge your perceptions of New England and Grange history with this work.