Front:
HADISON 220S
ALLI
MADISON
22USA
LLLLLL
11
Rural
1985 Electrification
57042
Administration
1935
1985
Back:
RURAL ELECTRIFICATION ADMINISTRATION
First Day of Issue: May 11, 1985
First Issue Location: Madison, South Dakota
One of the most far-reaching events to take place in the
history of farming in the United States occurred when
electricity was made available to rural areas. The rural
electricity movement became viable when farmers
formed seven cooperatives which were granted loans to
extend electricity to their areas. Since its creation, the
REA has approved almost sixty billion dollars in loans
to assist nearly twelve million electricity consumers. The
Association represents more than one thousand rural
electric systems, which own and maintain nearly half of
the nation's poles and powerlines. In 1935, only ten
percent of American farms had electricity. Today, ninety-
nine percent of all rural residents enjoy the comfort and
convenience it affords. Not only has the lifestyle of rural
Americans improved dramatically as a result of the REA,
but electric power has contributed greatly to the U.S.
agriculture industry's becoming the most productive in
the world. The postage stamp featured on this Maximum
Card celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the REA.
No. 85-33
©1985 The Maximum Card Collection
A Division of Unicover Corporation . Cheyenne, WY 82008-0007
Original painting by James Butcher.
