The Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, called the Farmers Union, was organized in 1902 in Rains County, Texas, to improve the welfare of families who make their living by farming. The structure of the Union is community based; individuals join together to form locals, three or more locals form a county union, the state organization is made up of locals and counties which together form the National Farmers Union. The Farmers Union places a strong emphasis on education, cooperative efforts, and legislation.
As indicated by the records, the Farmers Union in Clark County, Washington, became active in the late 1940s. Charter Oak Local received its charter in 1947. The other locals in the county are Enterprise, Sara, and Evergreen. The Clark County organization received its charter in 1947.
From the guide to the Clark County Farmers Union Records, 1947-1966, (Washington State University Libraries Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections)
