Deyerle Program Series on Local History - The House Cooperation Built: Rockingham Cooperative 1921-2021
Rockingham Cooperative was formed out of a meeting of area farmer’s clubs on October 29, 1921. From the original year of service to 268 member-owners and doing $17,000 in business, the cooperative has grown to a $110 Million company with over 5,000 member-owners. The 100 years of growth has taken on roles across several different cross-sections of the agricultural industry as opportunities have arrived and agricultural producers have needed the service of an organization to look out for their best interests. We look forward to discussing the many different areas of growth and segments of the agricultural industry that Rockingham Cooperative contributed to in the past 100 years.
Like many area residents, Adam Ford has fond memories of spending his young years shopping at his local Rockingham Cooperative location. These memories conjure back fond appreciations for the smell of the feed warehouses and local groceries that served the rural residents of our county for years. Ford, a Rockingham Cooperative employee, wrote "The House Cooperation Built" to spark those fond memories in all of us about the cooperative spirit of the agricultural community in and around Rockingham County.
This is the second part of the Deyerle Program Series on Local History. This year's theme is Shenandoah Valley's Agricultural History.