Men to Remember: How 100,000 Neighbors Made History
Kenneth D. Ruble; Illustrations by Lyle Justis
📚 Genre
History - American Regional History / Agriculture / Cooperatives
🏢 Publisher
Lakeside Press (R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company)
📅 Publication Year
1947
🔢 ISBN
N/A (Pre-dates ISBN system)
About This Book
This book provides a historical account of the Land O'Lakes Creameries, Inc., documenting the growth of the dairy cooperative movement in the Upper Midwest (primarily Minnesota). It tells the story of how thousands of local farmers organized to create a successful marketing engine and improve their livelihoods through cooperation. The title page features a classic black-and-white pen-and-ink illustration of a rural farm landscape with a barn, cattle, and a rail fence.
Book Details
Language
English
Pages
318 pages
Edition
First Edition
Series
Not part of a series
Target Audience
General Audience, Historians, Agriculture Professionals
Collector Information
Condition
Fair to Good. Visible foxing (brown spotting) on the top margin of the title page, minor staining on the bottom right corner, and some fraying or edge wear on the left gutter near the binding. The paper appears to be slightly yellowed due to age.
Estimated Value
$15-$35
Rarity
Common to Uncommon. While it is an old first edition, it was widely distributed to members and employees of the cooperative at the time. It is easily found in regional used bookstores in the Midwest but less common elsewhere.
Historical Significance
A key document in the history of American agricultural cooperatives and the dairy industry in the Midwest. It records the social and economic impact of the Land O'Lakes brand before it became a global household name.
Collector Notes
Collectibility is primarily centered on regional interest (Minnesota/Midwest) or agricultural history. To preserve this copy, it should be kept in a low-humidity environment to prevent further foxing and acid migration. Check for the presence of a dust jacket, as copies with original jackets carry a slight premium.
Similar Books
The Land O'Lakes Story by Land O'Lakes Inc., Cooperatives in Agriculture by David Cobia, The Farmers' Union by Commodore B. Fisher
Notable Features
Includes numerous pen-and-ink illustrations by Lyle Justis; features a distinctive typographical layout typical of mid-century regional histories.