Oklahoma Farm Bureau

OKFB launches the Votemobile

| 1950s, From OKFB publications

During Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s get-out-the-vote campaign, the organization launched the Votemobile, a sound truck that toured the state spotlighting the dates for registration and voting. With the launch of the Votemobile, Buck Garvin (left) southeast district insurance fieldman, temporarily left his duties to pilot the Votemobile on its statewide tour. His helper on the tour was Leon Moore (right), a student at Northeastern State College in Tahlequah. The photo was taken at their first stop in Purcell.
Buck Garvin (left) southeast district insurance fieldman, temporarily left his duties to pilot the Votemobile on its statewide tour. His helper on the tour was Leon Moore (right), a student at Northeastern State College in Tahlequah. The photo was taken at their first stop in Purcell.

During the early years of Oklahoma Farm Bureau, the number of voters nationwide was a concern. OKFB reported that only 51 percent of eligible voters went to the polls in the 1948 presidential election. The American Farm Bureau Federation suggested the use of educational programs and contests to increase the number of voters, particularly in rural areas.

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A Farm Bureau Member’s Creed

| 1950s, From OKFB publications, General

Oklahoma Farm Bureau president John I. Taylor
Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s first president, John I. Taylor

By John I. Taylor, first OKFB president, and published in the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Farmer in December 1951

I am a human being living in a land of unlimited horizon. Having been born here, or journeyed here by choice, matters little, but the fact that my life and living are here is of great importance.

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Grant County Farm Bureau’s flying agent: Stanley Smrcka

| 1950s, From OKFB publications, People of OKFB

Stanley Smrcka, Grant County’s flying farmer-insurance agent, is shown here as he finishes filling out the application for insurance on Frank Krejsek’s new automobile, parked near Krejsek’s home.
Stanley Smrcka, Grant County’s flying farmer-insurance agent, is shown here as he finishes filling out the application for insurance on Frank Krejsek’s new automobile, parked near Krejsek’s home.

Did you know Grant County Farm Bureau once had an agent who sold insurance by air? Stanley Smrcka was featured in the May 1953 Oklahoma Farm Bureau Journal for his unique, high-flying techniques. Read more about Smrcka and his farming background in the published article below.

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