Broken Bow in Custer County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The Nebraska State Grange

Photographed by Joan Shurtliff, October 5, 2014

1. The Nebraska State Grange Marker

Inscription. The National Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry was organized in Washington, D.C. in 1867. During the 1870's, it was the major voice of the American farmer and its social, educational, and fraternal activities brightened farm life. "Granger Laws", enacted by state governments, established the pattern for modern America's regulated free enterprise economy.

The Nebraska State Grange was organized in 1872, but errors in its co-operative ventures and the rise of the Farmers Alliance led to its decline. The Grange movement was re-established with the organization of Custer Center Grange near here in February, 1911. The State Grange was reorganized in Broken Bow, November, 1911. Local Granges have spread over the state and are noted for contributions to community life and sound farm policy. Custer Center Grange continues as the oldest Grange organization in Nebraska.

James D. Ream--first Master of both the Custer Center and Nebraska State Granges--was one of Nebraska's leading agricultural pioneers. One of the first settlers in this valley in 1880, he developed his homestead into the beautiful Cedar Lawn Farm.

Erected 1967 by Nebraska State Grange; Historical Land Mark Council. (Marker Number 59.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture

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• Charity & Public Work • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1911.

Location. 41° 26.241′ N, 99° 42.926′ W. Marker is in Broken Bow, Nebraska, in Custer County. It is on State Highway 2 at milepost 273, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Broken Bow NE 68822, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

and on the prairies.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 15 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Site of First Custer County Courthouse (approx. 4½ miles away); Broken Bow (approx. 4½ miles away); The Arrow Hotel (approx. 4.6 miles away); Broken Bow Town Square (approx. 4.6 miles away); St Anselms Catholic Church & Rectory (approx. 14.6 miles away); Anselmo (approx. 14.7 miles away).

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 7, 2014, by Joan Shurtliff of Seward, Nebraska. This page has been viewed 1,006 times since then and 25 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on October 7, 2014, by Joan Shurtliff of Seward, Nebraska. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.