WALLKILL VALLEY FARMERS' ASSOCIATION—The following brief sketch was furnished by Mr. William C. Hart, Secretary of the Association. In 1889, the late Chauncey A. Reed suggested to the writer the advisability of the farmers of the Wallkill valley uniting in an effort to secure the appointment of a Farmers' Institute, to be held under the auspices of the New York State Department of Farmers' Institutes. An hour later, in consultation with Nicholas J. Fowler, it was decided to invite representative agriculturists to meet at his office on the evening of November 11, at which time a local society would be formed. The result of this meeting was highly satisfactory. William C. Weller was appointed chairman, William C. Hart, secretary, and Nicholas J. Fowler, treasurer, with committees on finance, music, addresses, etc. On November 25, at an adjourned meeting, the executive committee reported an enrollment of one hundred and sixty-eight members, with liberal responses in contributions to defray expenses.
The Institute held at Scofield Hall, December 19, 20 and 21, proved successful beyond the anticipation of its promoters and immediately suggested the desirability of forming a permanent organization. The idea was greatly strengthened on February 10 at Coldenham, N. Y., when Mr. George T. Powell, of Ghent, N. Y., gave a stirring address on the importance of carrying forward the movement, which appealed strongly to all. Thus started the movement which has resulted in the present organization—an association that has done more to unfold the beauty and charm of the Wallkill Valley and spread its fair name to remote localities than all efforts put forth by similar attempts in this direction.
OBJECTS OF ORGANIZATION.
The realization of the inestimable majesty; the unspeakable goodness of God as revealed in this marvelous valley, thus indirectly leading the thought of humanity into the valleys and rivers of life eternal.
The attainment of knowledge which comes of well ordered discussion. Increased skill in the methods of labor.
The mutual improvement of its members by disseminating reliable and valuable information tending to promote the best interests of the Wallkill valley.
Such advantages as may be derived through associated effort to promote a higher degree of excellence in farm, garden and agricultural affairs generally. The introduction and testing of flowers, shrubs, forest and ornamental trees.
It is the primary object of the Society to awaken interest in and promote the progress of that noblest of all human callings, agriculture, and it is the policy of the board of managers to interest all in its annual outing—not only as an exhibition of the prosperity and progress of the farming section, of the growths of field and orchard and garden, of intelligent competition in stock-breeding and dairy interests, but as a demonstration of the public spirit, intelligence and prosperity of the entire productive and business community.
THE OUTING DAYS AND OLD HOME WEEK.
As the society grew and prospered it was decided to establish a social side to the many interests represented. Arrangements were made with much enthusiasm on the part of its membership to hold beneath the open sky an outing that would have a tendency to attract the farming community with their guests and friends that might prove advantageous to all.