Description: During a meeting of farmers on how to improve their productivity, a visiting expert gave an elaborate presentation on the "latest scientific methods." When he finished, there was polite applause, but then one older farmer raised his hand and asked, “Doc, that’s all well and good, but how do you explain why my neighbor grows twice as much corn as me on the same land, and all he does is cuss at his mule and sleep in his barn?” The room erupted in laughter, and the flustered expert admitted he didn’t have an answer for that. Another farmer chimed in, “Guess we just need to hire better mules!” Founded in 1841, the Prairie Farmer magazine is one of the oldest agricultural periodicals in the U.S, with a rich history promoting the development of Midwest farms like the ones above. The Protective Union was a 20th century mutual-aid invention supported by the Prairie Farmer magazine that helped farmers protect their property and livelihoods as it advocated for their economic and social interests. In turn, the Protective Union was part of the larger Grange Movement and the later Farmers' Alliance, both which focused on organizing farmers to combat economic and political challenges. The Prairie Farmer also owned WLS-AM radio in Chicago, flagship station of the original National Barn Dance program from 1924 until 1952. National Barn Dance was the precursor to the Grand Ole Opry. The point of this sign was that the Protective Union “loaned” its good name to farmer members to help them protect their farms from trespassers. The Union even employed detectives who would help individual farmers solve their security problems. This sign measures 12 x 8 inches (30 x 20.5 cm) and has embossed or raised lettering. It is not plastic like other, newer signs. Instead, it is a coated metal like tin. We like the corrosion on the right-hand side. It gives the sign a nice provenance, that it has been really used, yet the sign is an 8+ with excellent gloss and no other visible damage except for the right side. A great agricultural sign, sure to be instantly recognizable with your other seed, dairy, and equipment signs. An excellent addition to your mid-century sign collection, sure to increase in value as time goes on. Or use it as a real, unique “No Trespassing” sign and “tech ‘dem dare hunders a thang or too.” Shipped carefully wrapped. Check out our agricultural and other signs at www.ebay.com/str/agitpropshoppe HG337019
Price: 69.87 USD
Location: Michigan
End Time: 2025-02-12T21:57:45.000Z
Shipping Cost: 9.99 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Brand: Prairie Farmer Protective Union
Type of Advertising: Sign
Date of Origin: 1950s
Color: Yellow
Date of Creation: 1950s
Theme: Agriculture
Original/Reproduction: Original
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
