Altoona Co-operative Society

The Altoona Co-operative Society was organized in January 1874 for the purpose of operating a co-operative store. The society was dissolved in June 1879.

From the description of Minute book of Altoona Co-operative Society, (Hagley Museum & Library). WorldCat record id: 247954260

The Altoona Co-operative Society was organized in January 1874 for the purpose of operating a co-operative store. The members wre drawn primarily from the lower management and skilled workers at the Pennsylvania Railroad Company's offices and shops in the city. F. D. Casanave, the society's secretary and later president, eventually became the PRR's General Superintendent of Motive Power. The society was doubtless formed to help its members cope with hard times during the depression of 1873-1879. However, many members were unable to keep up their subscriptions, and by 1876, the store was barely breaking even. The society was dissolved in June 1879.

From the description of Minute book of Altoona Co-operative Society, 1874-1879. (Hagley Museum & Library). WorldCat record id: 726224323