Ceres, our classical Goddess of agriculture, grain, growth, abundance and a central ideal of the Grange, lived in the hearts and minds of the Southern farmer during and after the American Civil War of 1861-1865.  Finding Confederate Currency for sale on Ebay has given me this insight!

The success of the Grange in the South in the decades following the Civil War* must thusly include a nod to the Grange Grace Ceres who had appeared on countless versions of the hundreds of bank notes issued by Confederate states and towns during the war.   Ceres, representative of abundance and corn, had made herself known in the pockets of all Southern farmers.  The drawings and symbols on the money said a great deal about how southerners wanted to think of themselves and their new nation.

I contend that the Grange, Patrons of Husbandry, was welcomed in part because of OH Kelley’s Masonic affiliations and this acceptance was greatly enhanced by the presence of Ceres in the Grange, her idealized presence welcomed by hundreds of communities who began building Granges in the South.

You can find an account & the journals of Oliver Kelley as he worked his way through the south in 1866.  His observations are sharp and include his thoughts on the conditions of the common man and many former slaves, as well as the land.  Read more for yourself on the National Grange website -

Daily Journal of the Rambles of O.H. Kelley and James M. Dixon

“One hundred and fifty years ago this month, Oliver Hudson Kelley, one of the seven founders of the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, began his tour of the south. Appointed to this task by Hon. Isaac Newton, Commissioner of Agriculture, by and with the advice and authority of President Andrew Johnson, Kelley was an agent of the Department to make a tour of the Southern States and report upon their general condition and agricultural advantages after the Civil War. Lieut. James M. Dixon was detailed to accompany him. “(quoted from NG Blog)

 As the South began to lose the war, all the currencies began to lose value considerably, as they were not backed up by gold or other resource, rather being backed by good will, local bankers and belief in the Confederate cause.  

(Some southerners pictured George Washington on their bills.   Indeed, some were not secessionists but hoped that winning the war would bring them governance over all US States and territories.  Washington D.C., the Capitol building, the White House…all would be theirs to hold and govern once they won.)

The poverty and almost total destruction of the South after the war demanded change.  The vision of paradise in which a Goddess of abundance would visit and change their destiny must have been appealing.  Ceres would continue to influence the hearts and minds of the southern farmer.

I am amending my belief in reasons for the early success of the Grange.  Yes, the help with reconstruction of land and farm after the civil war. Yes, corporate cracking and guild-making. Yes, the rituals and appeal of ceremonies offering life instruction and principles.  Yes, the camaraderie and community for all ages, gender and family members.  Yes, the evidence of Classical (Greek & Roman mythology) legacy in 1860’s theater and the arts, and of all things - add to this classical goddess images designed on common currency!   Of course currency is held by all classes of society thus such art comes to every hand in every corner of the land.  Ceres’ image was ubiquitous in the Southern states.  Desired, held as an ideal.  She would continue on as a Goddess in the Grange, invitingly stretching out her hand to those in need of her virtues.

150 years have passed.  Can the USA have forgotten about the effects of war on the land that held the battles and devastation of the South?  How about the post-war desperation for food and the effort to rebuild farms and towns?

What would Ceres say?  Would she want us to go to war - to bomb and destroy villages and farms in other countries, or would we be guided by her love of land and generous offer of seed and abundant food.   Ceres in our Halls continues to suggest that the Grange be a Patron of Peace as well as Husbandry.  Let us join in that effort in all that we decide and do, create farms feed people, offer help, Hope and Charity..

See Part 2 of the “Ceres theory” of early Grange expansion -coming soon!

~~~ Notes:

* Despite Kelley’s early Confederate foray in 1866, The Grange did not get established in the Southern States until early 1870’s when agents or deputies were sent out by the National Grange to organize state and local granges. The destruction of the war, poor agricultural prices, and an uncertain labor system prompted many farmers of the South to join, ready for any organization that offered relief.

https://muse.jhu.edu/article/618887

~~~Resources:

http://www.learnnc.org/lp/editions/nchist-civilwar/4622

http://www.ladyfreedom.net/history.html

https://muse.jhu.edu/article/618887 - William Warren Rogers

http://quod.lib.umich.edu/b/bhlead/umich-bhl-851992?view=text