National Haymakers' Association
Encyclopedia
The National Haymakers' Association was a side degree of the Improved Order of Red Men
, similar perhaps to the Shriners
within Freemasonry
. Meeting places were titled Hayloft
s. Sometimes the meeting halls of the Redmen served as Haylofts. Offices had titles like "Collector of Straws" and "Guard of the Barn Door", and candidates for initiation were styled "Tramps" and were overseen by a "Boss Driver". It was founded in 1879, but may be completely inactive and defunct today.
, as forage, is a vital component of the world's agricultural system, especially within the United States and at the time that this order flourished. In 1912 in Texas, for example, 387000 acres (1,566.1 km²) of hay were harvested, yielding a total value of $3,557,000 (unadjusted). 1912 is also the year that the Texas Haymakers Association, apparently a purely agri-industry interest group, was founded. Other State Haymaker commercial groups existed at various times too, and the National Haymakers Association may have derived its name as a reference to this vital and ubiquitous activity.
Improved Order of Red Men
The Improved Order of Red Men traces its origin to certain secret patriotic societies founded before the American Revolution. They were established to promote Liberty and to defy the tyranny of the English Crown. Among the early groups were: The Sons of Liberty, the Sons of St...
, similar perhaps to the Shriners
Shriners
The Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, also commonly known as Shriners and abbreviated A.A.O.N.M.S., established in 1870, is an appendant body to Freemasonry, based in the United States...
within Freemasonry
Freemasonry
Freemasonry is a fraternal organisation that arose from obscure origins in the late 16th to early 17th century. Freemasonry now exists in various forms all over the world, with a membership estimated at around six million, including approximately 150,000 under the jurisdictions of the Grand Lodge...
. Meeting places were titled Hayloft
Hayloft
A hayloft is a space above a barn, stable or cow-shed, traditionally used for storage of hay or other fodder for the animals below. Haylofts were used mainly before the widespread use of hay bales, which allow simpler handling of bulk hay...
s. Sometimes the meeting halls of the Redmen served as Haylofts. Offices had titles like "Collector of Straws" and "Guard of the Barn Door", and candidates for initiation were styled "Tramps" and were overseen by a "Boss Driver". It was founded in 1879, but may be completely inactive and defunct today.
Origin
It is unknown why the founders of the appendant degree chose to model themselves after the business of haymaking. However, hayHay
Hay is grass, legumes or other herbaceous plants that have been cut, dried, and stored for use as animal fodder, particularly for grazing livestock such as cattle, horses, goats, and sheep. Hay is also fed to pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs...
, as forage, is a vital component of the world's agricultural system, especially within the United States and at the time that this order flourished. In 1912 in Texas, for example, 387000 acres (1,566.1 km²) of hay were harvested, yielding a total value of $3,557,000 (unadjusted). 1912 is also the year that the Texas Haymakers Association, apparently a purely agri-industry interest group, was founded. Other State Haymaker commercial groups existed at various times too, and the National Haymakers Association may have derived its name as a reference to this vital and ubiquitous activity.
External links
- Haymakers Phoenix Masonry Organization Article on the Haymakers