Active Pigeon Falls Local Indicative of Farmers' Union Strength Throughout Trempealeau County
Scope and Content Note: Farmers' Union, which Edwin Tomter joined in early-1930's, promoted farm legislation, supported cooperatives, and had a strong education program designed to teach Farmers' Union Juniors the benefits of cooperative involvement. Accompanied his father to local meetings held in the Luther League Hall; long-time local president was Clarence Kaas. FU state president Kenneth Hones, a frequent guest, strongly impressed Tomter with his inspiring speeches. Tomter's neighbor, George Lewis, was active in the Pleasantville FU Local and later became Rural Electric Administration official and was elected to the state Farmers' Union board. Lewis' sister, Agnes Thorson, was secretary of the Pigeon Falls FU Local for twenty-five years. Harold Tomter became FU Junior; recalls that 4-H taught how to make a living and the Farmers' Union taught how to make fairer living.