Equity got its start back in 1914 when Philip Augustine, Edward Frank, Henry Krueger, Otto Reisner and Louis Hanneman, all of Pound, formed the association. Descendants of some of these men serve on the Board today!
The business and purpose of the cooperative, as stated in the 1942 Articles of Incorporation, was "to promote a better relationship between farmers in their dealings with one another; to promote better agriculture; to buy, own and sell real estate to be used or useful for the purpose aforesaid."
History as compiled by Violet Frank
1914 - Organized as a club by ten neighbors cooperating in the purchase of a steam-powered thresh machine. Threshing was done through the community, monies were accumulating and the members decided they should stretch it out and do more collective buying. The machine was sold to Ed Frank in 1929.
1918 (June 18) - They formed an organization called Pound Local No. 1, with 52 members. The officers were Ed Frank, President; Henry Krueger, Vice President; and Nick Noll, Secretary/Treasurer.
1918 (November 26) - Became a unit with Potato Growers Association, and shipped by rail with C&M St. Paul Railroad to Chicago, to American Fruit Growers for anywhere from 41 cents cwt to 95 cents cwt through 1929. Farmers had to list their potatoes with the manager with a fee of two cents per bushel and if they were not accepted he had to pay another two cents. Each member shipping had to pay $2.00 toward lumber to line the car. The organization had to furnish two people at $6.00 to fire the car to Chicago. They bought 1/4 cord of maple wood for $1.00 and had to furnish the stove. Rented a scale and stove pipes. In 1931, the Potato Growers Association combined with Farmers Union and accepted the name of Pound Equity Cooperative Association.
1919 (September) - Voted in favor of a County Agent for Marinette County. Also bought their own potato grader and started buying binder twine.
1920 (May) - Voted to incorporate in Coleman Elevator for $25.00 per share, limit of 10 shares.
1921 - They were buying sugar at $25.50 cwt. Sold at what they could get and the balance was taken from the treasury. Also voted a Livestock and Elevator Director (combined). March of this year they started shipping livestock by rail, many had wagons with sides on to transport the cattle to the railroad cars.
1922 (January) - Nick Noll, Secretary-Treasurer, had a shed and rented to the organization for $1.00 a month, and had to furnish their own fuel and light. They started selling their products from this building instead of Coleman Elevator. Conventions were held throughout the state which they sent a representative (Farmers Union).
1923 - Car of limestone shipped to be sold for use on the land. Prior it was mentioned that the community needed a recreation center. A member of the club, Fred Hoffman, donated the use of his maple grove to build an open air dance hall. the 24' x 44' hall was completed with all material and labor donated by interested members. The only cash layout was for the nails used in the construction. Throughout that summer, regular dances for young and old were held and became very popular. Admission was 25 cents for men and free for ladies. Decided to give the community a name with contest. $10.00 first prize, 50 cents second price and 25 cents third prize. Fairfield was chosen by vote in 1933.
The first Labor day picnic was inaugurated in 1923, an idea to make money for the treasury. The day included games, horseshoes, doll rack, races and a ball game; along with prizes, refreshments and ice cream. Proceeds were $172.61, expenses $106.35 and profit of $66.26.
1924 - The next year, they insured the grounds for $100.00, added greased pig contest and tractor race. A ball game of singles against married. The following year a tug-of-war was added. Also added seats and stands that went in half with the church.
1926 - Another attraction added to the Labor Day picnic was the Pound Band, to play in the evening for $25.00. This was advertised on the outdoor movie screen in Pound.
1927 - A conversation piece constructed by members wanting to know if anyone knew what a "Norwegian Mule" is. August Ness (barrel), Otto Risner, Sr. (pipe), Fred Hoffman (2" auger), Hugo Seils (2 posts).
1928- Airplane rides were provided with 5 percent of the proceeds going to the organization. Stodola Bros. Band played in the evening. Another feature at the picnic was a prize of 100 pounds of flour to the largest family to enter the grounds in a single vehicle. The winner had 11 people in a two-seater, horse-drawn carriage.
1925 - Nick Noll, Secretary-Treasurer, married and the merchandise at his place was moved to the vacant house of Otto Risner, Sr. The organization became known as American Society of Equity 7794 No. 1.
1928 - 25 members in the organization at this time. They paid Fred Hoffman $25.00 for the hall in the maple grove. They dismantled it, built a 24' x 50' hall at Schneider Bros. Grove (3 acres). Boarded up the sides, put hinged doors on for windows. Bought 8 folding chairs. Still shipping potatoes at this time.
1930 - Bought wood and gas lantern for hall. Rented hall to outsiders for $5.00 and they had to furnish own lights and heat. The next year they bought a light plant for $85.00. Ball games were a must and were played across the highway in Albert Steer's field (a member).
1931 - Ordered a railroad car of un-fanned wheat, which had to be bagged when it arrived. Voted that any member or person buying feed or anything else through this locale, and unable to pay cash for same, shall give a bankable note to bear the legal rate of interest with no interest charged if paid within 30 days. By this time they handled bran, gluten meal, oil, seed, alfalfa, timothy, sweet clover and salt.
1934 - Livestock shipped brought $17.00 for a cow. A bull was worth two cents per pound. Pigs were not wanted. Ordered 11 tons of fertilizer from the State Prison. Meetings were held every two weeks at which time Charles Drewry, County Agent, talked about balancing rations.
1935 - Sent a petition/resolution to Marinette County Supervisor to keep the Marinette Stephenson Training School open for our farm boys and girls, no tuition, other schools required it.
1937 - Fred Hoffman was the teacher for the Rural Adult Education School in our locale. New hall built in 1937 by Krause Construction of Coleman. Plans were drawn up by the late Maf Hanish of Peshtigo. Also known as Unit Structures, they manufactured the laminated arches. There are three (no knows) and purchased at $200.00 each. The price today would be well over $1,500.00 or more. The first hardwood floor came as used flooring from the old Peshtigo High School. Members donated all of their labor for the 40' x 90' hall. An addition to the hall, which is now used for the bar room and storage, was added when 18-year-olds were not allowed to be in an area where liquor was sold. In 1956, a new floor was added.
1941 - Drilled well (pump).
1942 - Meeting of Pound Equity Cooperative Association. Purpose to authorize conveyance of its real estate to Equity Club, Inc.
1947 - Wedding dances were held regularly. Paid at the door. Also bought your own refreshments. If you wanted to get free beer you had to chivari the couple the next day or so. On November 8, 1947 the income was $206.00 - 412 people; music $75.00, tax $41.20, license $4.00, labor (door), $7.50. Total expenses $127.70. Couple received $78.30.
1948 - Voted to light up ball park. Ball games featuring pound versus Beaver was a main event on Labor Day. The local rivalry attracted quite a crowd and was an annual tradition for many years.
1951 - Roller skating was allowed once a week for 10 percent profit. A basketball court was also set up for local clubs to play. The future of the club looked dark. Suggestions were to sell back 20 acres. Board cut salaries in half, pastured cattle for $30.00 and sold hay for 20 cents a bale. Other organizations put on the Labor Day dinner.
1957 - Planted 1,000 spruce trees.
1961 - 67 members. Club getting shaky. Should we sell some of our 40 acres?
1967 - Voted to sell 25' wide x 30' long to Charles Peot (tavern) next door. Also sell 20 acres to the highest bidder. There were five bidders with Ezzie Zeitler getting it for $2,700.00 Bought bleachers from Coleman High School for $25.00.
1972 - Rent hall for $50.00 Rent four acres on southeast side of ball park at $200.00 a year for three years to Elmer Risner.
1975 - Tractor pull on Labor Day (by renters). The tractor pull track was built by the Otto Risner, Jr. family.
1976 - Centennial celebration/picnic. Old time machinery in action, stone boat tractor pull, pony rides, music and refreshments.
1979 - Voted to cancel the membership of any member who has remained inactive for a two year period.
1969-1980 - the entire grounds and buildings were rented by Rosemary and Otto Risner, Jr. and family for $75.00 per month. Repairs were done by the family. Activities were showers, weddings, reunions, baseball games, tractor pulls, demolition derbies, dart ball and pool tournaments.
1980 - Rented to Norine and Elmer Risner for $150.00 per month. Agreed to liability and personal property insurance; club to do major repairs and renter to do minor repairs.
1980 (June 20) - Amended by-laws by attorney Howard N. Lehner of Oconto Falls for Equity Cooperative Club, Inc.
1982 - Melvin and Lavern Tackmeir (members) started sponsoring Friday night dances, putting all proceeds toward improvements to the hall.
1983 - Equity Gals Club organized as a non-profit group, working hard to improve the community hall by selling raffle tickets at tractor pulls. Donations were also made to Coleman Rescue Squad, Coleman Environmental Center, Little River Community Park and many other projects. Many items were added to the kitchen - dishes, coffee pots, roasters, stove, etc. Another project was the cyclone fence back stop. $500.00 from the ball league and $2,500.00 from the club.
2002 - Equity Club Gals felt that after fifteen years or so of not being used, should make improvements. April of this year, the Gals Club dissolved and used the balance of their money in the ball park. Many volunteers and donations were accepted.
2005 - Steel roof added to Equity Hall.
2006 - Renovating ball park for new events (horse arena). Many donations and labor made it possible to have the first horse show on July 16, 2006.
2008 - New front on bar room portion. Storage room repair and door.
2009 - Coleman Shipping Association donated $1,000.00. Lettering "Equity Hall."
2010 - First Equity Club Tractor-Truck Pull co-sponsored by WUPA.
The business and purpose of the cooperative, as stated in the 1942 Articles of Incorporation, was "to promote a better relationship between farmers in their dealings with one another; to promote better agriculture; to buy, own and sell real estate to be used or useful for the purpose aforesaid."
History as compiled by Violet Frank
1914 - Organized as a club by ten neighbors cooperating in the purchase of a steam-powered thresh machine. Threshing was done through the community, monies were accumulating and the members decided they should stretch it out and do more collective buying. The machine was sold to Ed Frank in 1929.
1918 (June 18) - They formed an organization called Pound Local No. 1, with 52 members. The officers were Ed Frank, President; Henry Krueger, Vice President; and Nick Noll, Secretary/Treasurer.
1918 (November 26) - Became a unit with Potato Growers Association, and shipped by rail with C&M St. Paul Railroad to Chicago, to American Fruit Growers for anywhere from 41 cents cwt to 95 cents cwt through 1929. Farmers had to list their potatoes with the manager with a fee of two cents per bushel and if they were not accepted he had to pay another two cents. Each member shipping had to pay $2.00 toward lumber to line the car. The organization had to furnish two people at $6.00 to fire the car to Chicago. They bought 1/4 cord of maple wood for $1.00 and had to furnish the stove. Rented a scale and stove pipes. In 1931, the Potato Growers Association combined with Farmers Union and accepted the name of Pound Equity Cooperative Association.
1919 (September) - Voted in favor of a County Agent for Marinette County. Also bought their own potato grader and started buying binder twine.
1920 (May) - Voted to incorporate in Coleman Elevator for $25.00 per share, limit of 10 shares.
1921 - They were buying sugar at $25.50 cwt. Sold at what they could get and the balance was taken from the treasury. Also voted a Livestock and Elevator Director (combined). March of this year they started shipping livestock by rail, many had wagons with sides on to transport the cattle to the railroad cars.
1922 (January) - Nick Noll, Secretary-Treasurer, had a shed and rented to the organization for $1.00 a month, and had to furnish their own fuel and light. They started selling their products from this building instead of Coleman Elevator. Conventions were held throughout the state which they sent a representative (Farmers Union).
1923 - Car of limestone shipped to be sold for use on the land. Prior it was mentioned that the community needed a recreation center. A member of the club, Fred Hoffman, donated the use of his maple grove to build an open air dance hall. the 24' x 44' hall was completed with all material and labor donated by interested members. The only cash layout was for the nails used in the construction. Throughout that summer, regular dances for young and old were held and became very popular. Admission was 25 cents for men and free for ladies. Decided to give the community a name with contest. $10.00 first prize, 50 cents second price and 25 cents third prize. Fairfield was chosen by vote in 1933.
The first Labor day picnic was inaugurated in 1923, an idea to make money for the treasury. The day included games, horseshoes, doll rack, races and a ball game; along with prizes, refreshments and ice cream. Proceeds were $172.61, expenses $106.35 and profit of $66.26.
1924 - The next year, they insured the grounds for $100.00, added greased pig contest and tractor race. A ball game of singles against married. The following year a tug-of-war was added. Also added seats and stands that went in half with the church.
1926 - Another attraction added to the Labor Day picnic was the Pound Band, to play in the evening for $25.00. This was advertised on the outdoor movie screen in Pound.
1927 - A conversation piece constructed by members wanting to know if anyone knew what a "Norwegian Mule" is. August Ness (barrel), Otto Risner, Sr. (pipe), Fred Hoffman (2" auger), Hugo Seils (2 posts).
1928- Airplane rides were provided with 5 percent of the proceeds going to the organization. Stodola Bros. Band played in the evening. Another feature at the picnic was a prize of 100 pounds of flour to the largest family to enter the grounds in a single vehicle. The winner had 11 people in a two-seater, horse-drawn carriage.
1925 - Nick Noll, Secretary-Treasurer, married and the merchandise at his place was moved to the vacant house of Otto Risner, Sr. The organization became known as American Society of Equity 7794 No. 1.
1928 - 25 members in the organization at this time. They paid Fred Hoffman $25.00 for the hall in the maple grove. They dismantled it, built a 24' x 50' hall at Schneider Bros. Grove (3 acres). Boarded up the sides, put hinged doors on for windows. Bought 8 folding chairs. Still shipping potatoes at this time.
1930 - Bought wood and gas lantern for hall. Rented hall to outsiders for $5.00 and they had to furnish own lights and heat. The next year they bought a light plant for $85.00. Ball games were a must and were played across the highway in Albert Steer's field (a member).
1931 - Ordered a railroad car of un-fanned wheat, which had to be bagged when it arrived. Voted that any member or person buying feed or anything else through this locale, and unable to pay cash for same, shall give a bankable note to bear the legal rate of interest with no interest charged if paid within 30 days. By this time they handled bran, gluten meal, oil, seed, alfalfa, timothy, sweet clover and salt.
1934 - Livestock shipped brought $17.00 for a cow. A bull was worth two cents per pound. Pigs were not wanted. Ordered 11 tons of fertilizer from the State Prison. Meetings were held every two weeks at which time Charles Drewry, County Agent, talked about balancing rations.
1935 - Sent a petition/resolution to Marinette County Supervisor to keep the Marinette Stephenson Training School open for our farm boys and girls, no tuition, other schools required it.
1937 - Fred Hoffman was the teacher for the Rural Adult Education School in our locale. New hall built in 1937 by Krause Construction of Coleman. Plans were drawn up by the late Maf Hanish of Peshtigo. Also known as Unit Structures, they manufactured the laminated arches. There are three (no knows) and purchased at $200.00 each. The price today would be well over $1,500.00 or more. The first hardwood floor came as used flooring from the old Peshtigo High School. Members donated all of their labor for the 40' x 90' hall. An addition to the hall, which is now used for the bar room and storage, was added when 18-year-olds were not allowed to be in an area where liquor was sold. In 1956, a new floor was added.
1941 - Drilled well (pump).
1942 - Meeting of Pound Equity Cooperative Association. Purpose to authorize conveyance of its real estate to Equity Club, Inc.
1947 - Wedding dances were held regularly. Paid at the door. Also bought your own refreshments. If you wanted to get free beer you had to chivari the couple the next day or so. On November 8, 1947 the income was $206.00 - 412 people; music $75.00, tax $41.20, license $4.00, labor (door), $7.50. Total expenses $127.70. Couple received $78.30.
1948 - Voted to light up ball park. Ball games featuring pound versus Beaver was a main event on Labor Day. The local rivalry attracted quite a crowd and was an annual tradition for many years.
1951 - Roller skating was allowed once a week for 10 percent profit. A basketball court was also set up for local clubs to play. The future of the club looked dark. Suggestions were to sell back 20 acres. Board cut salaries in half, pastured cattle for $30.00 and sold hay for 20 cents a bale. Other organizations put on the Labor Day dinner.
1957 - Planted 1,000 spruce trees.
1961 - 67 members. Club getting shaky. Should we sell some of our 40 acres?
1967 - Voted to sell 25' wide x 30' long to Charles Peot (tavern) next door. Also sell 20 acres to the highest bidder. There were five bidders with Ezzie Zeitler getting it for $2,700.00 Bought bleachers from Coleman High School for $25.00.
1972 - Rent hall for $50.00 Rent four acres on southeast side of ball park at $200.00 a year for three years to Elmer Risner.
1975 - Tractor pull on Labor Day (by renters). The tractor pull track was built by the Otto Risner, Jr. family.
1976 - Centennial celebration/picnic. Old time machinery in action, stone boat tractor pull, pony rides, music and refreshments.
1979 - Voted to cancel the membership of any member who has remained inactive for a two year period.
1969-1980 - the entire grounds and buildings were rented by Rosemary and Otto Risner, Jr. and family for $75.00 per month. Repairs were done by the family. Activities were showers, weddings, reunions, baseball games, tractor pulls, demolition derbies, dart ball and pool tournaments.
1980 - Rented to Norine and Elmer Risner for $150.00 per month. Agreed to liability and personal property insurance; club to do major repairs and renter to do minor repairs.
1980 (June 20) - Amended by-laws by attorney Howard N. Lehner of Oconto Falls for Equity Cooperative Club, Inc.
1982 - Melvin and Lavern Tackmeir (members) started sponsoring Friday night dances, putting all proceeds toward improvements to the hall.
1983 - Equity Gals Club organized as a non-profit group, working hard to improve the community hall by selling raffle tickets at tractor pulls. Donations were also made to Coleman Rescue Squad, Coleman Environmental Center, Little River Community Park and many other projects. Many items were added to the kitchen - dishes, coffee pots, roasters, stove, etc. Another project was the cyclone fence back stop. $500.00 from the ball league and $2,500.00 from the club.
2002 - Equity Club Gals felt that after fifteen years or so of not being used, should make improvements. April of this year, the Gals Club dissolved and used the balance of their money in the ball park. Many volunteers and donations were accepted.
2005 - Steel roof added to Equity Hall.
2006 - Renovating ball park for new events (horse arena). Many donations and labor made it possible to have the first horse show on July 16, 2006.
2008 - New front on bar room portion. Storage room repair and door.
2009 - Coleman Shipping Association donated $1,000.00. Lettering "Equity Hall."
2010 - First Equity Club Tractor-Truck Pull co-sponsored by WUPA.
