The National Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry was organized in Washington, D.C. in 1867, and during the 1870's it became the major voice of the American farmer as its social, educational, and fraternal activities brightened farm life. Granger Laws enacted by state governments established the pattern for modern America's regulated free enterprise economy. The Nebraska State Grange was organized in 1872, but errors in its co-operative ventures and the rise of the Farmers Alliance led to its decline. The movement was re-established with the organization of Custer Center Grange near here in February, 1911, and the State Grange was reorganized in Broken Bow in November, 1911. Local Granges spread over the state and became noted for contributions to community life and sound farm policy. Custer Center Grange continues as the oldest Grange organization in Nebraska. James D. Ream, the first Master of both the Custer Center and Nebraska State Granges, was one of Nebraska's leading agricultural pioneers, and after becoming one of the first settlers in this valley in 1880, he developed his homestead into Cedar Lawn Farm.