As we’ve embarked on this trip down memory lane in celebrating Prairie Farmer’s 175th anniversary, the road has been full of words, for sure, but also of numbers.
Like 337, which is the number of Master Farmers named by Prairie Farmer since the program’s 1925 inception. We’re excited to have that exact figure now, which was unknown to us before finding historical documentation. Before discovering that piece of history, we could only accurately say “more than 300.”
NUMBERS: A look back at Prairie Farmer history and Illinois agricultural history has unearthed a treasure trove of information — and numbers.
Or 133, which is the number of years Prairie Farmer editorial offices were headquartered in Chicago. Prairie Farmer even had its own building in Chicago, until it was destroyed by the Chicago fire in 1871. The story introducing another location reads: “PRAIRIE FARMER’S NEW HOME. Make the new offices of the Prairie Farmer in the Brooks Bldg., Jackson Boulevard, corner Franklin Street, your headquarters when you are in Chicago. Have your mail and telegrams sent in our care. Avail yourselves of the opportunity of getting acquainted. You are welcome.” Later, another building was built on the site of the home where Mary Todd Lincoln returned in 1866 following Abraham Lincoln’s death.
Take 63, which is the number of Farm Progress Shows that have been held by Prairie Farmer and its family of titles. Farm Progress Shows beget lots of numbers, like the 90 acres of exhibit space now offered in Decatur, the 600 exhibitors who show up every year, the more than 2,000 FFA members who attend, the 25 semiloads of tents that get put up, or the 150 acres of field demonstrations.
And of course, 99 — which is actually $99, the going eBay rate for an antique metal “Prairie Farmer No Trespassing” sign. It’s a classic, produced by our Protective Union, from back in the day. Who else still has one of those around?
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