Farming
in Easthampton,1800-1900
Farming in Easthampton
coincided with the events of the nation during the 1800s. Farming, especially
at first, was not a big industry for the
town, but merely a means to survive.The grievances of farmers nationally
were also experienced in Easthampton, and the Grange movement hit the
area in Northampton. However, agriculture evolved, and technology
became more advanced. Farmers
looked towards
one another
for support, and The Easthampton Farmer's Club was founded for the education
and discussion for farmers in the area. They advised one another on problems
and shared new techniques, as well as put together an agricultural showcase.
This growth of industry required farmers to become more educated in their
trade, and forced them to reconcile with their local competitors for
the common good. Suddenly, the agricultural industry was a big source
of
income
for Easthampton, and farmers began expanding out in farther markets and
projects that utimately benefitted the economy of Easthampton.
