Hochheim Prairie Farm Mutual Insurance Association

Hochheim Prairie Farm Mutual Insurance Association. . , By the late 1800s, the Hochheim Community and surrounding areas boasted a large German population. Immigrants and German Americans preserved their lifestyles, including frugality, hard work and fierce independence. Proud and self-reliant, they decided to form a group to protect against economic ruin in the event of devastating loss. Citizens met a Hochheim Prairie School in June 1892 to discuss creating a mutual insurance company to compensate homeowners in case of fire. James H. Schwab was selected the first president. In August 1892, a group of 30 founded "Hochheim Prairie Gegenfeitgen Fuer und Sturm Berficherungs Gefellfchaft" (Hochheim Prairie Mutual Fire and Storm Insurance Association). Beginning with Shiner, branch offices opened, and the association insured members across south central and coastal regions of Texas. , Prior to 1927, company business was conducted and membership certificates were written in German, reflecting the organization's roots. By the 1930s, the association was the largest of its kind in the state. In 1940, the growing company built its first office in Yoakum. Changing insurance laws allowed the association to insure farm buildings, equipment and supplies, as well as churches and schools. As membership expanded across the state, the name change in 1973 to Hochheim Prairie Farm Mutual Insurance Association (HPFMIA). A "Statement of Policy" slogan matching the acronym was adopted to reflect its mission: Honest-Protection-Fair-Minded-Individual-Attention. The comapny's vision is "Texans serving Texans since 1892." As one of the oldest, continuously operating companies of its kind in Texas, Hochheim Prairie Farm Mutual Insurance Association continue to serve its members and communities.