In 1976, the Fire Mutuals Guarantee Fund was established, making the farmers’ mutual system one of the strongest networks in the world.

1971 marked South Easthope Mutual’s 100th Anniversary. The Board of Directors marked the occasion by extending an invitation to its policyholders to attend a rib and pigtail supper at the Tavistock and District Community Arena on October 5, 1972. There was such a great response, the decision was made to..Read More

The old Russell building was cold, drafty and heated by coal stoves. It was demolished and a new single-storey brick office was built.  This office would serve South Easthope until 2015.

Edward Pellow started with the company in 1965, as Manager and Assistant Secretary. He served as Tavistock agent from 1967 to 1969. He was appointed Secretary-Treasurer in 1973 and served until his retirement in 2003. The company underwent many changes and advances during his 38-year tenure. The classes of windstorm..Read More

South Easthope was among the first companies to establish the Farm Mutual Reinsurance Plan (now called Farm Mutual Re), Canada’s first reinsurance company.

Prompted by Hurricane Hazel in 1954, limited coverage for windstorm was introduced in 1957. The perils of theft and lightning to livestock were also added during this period.

In the midst of World War II, the Mutual Fire Underwriters Association of Ontario (of which South Easthope Mutual was a member) created the British Aid Fund, where member companies  would donate three per cent of their surplus to be used for relief of the distress of bomb-stricken farmers or..Read More

In 1938, South Easthope was the first farmers’ mutual to issue a policyholder refund, an idea suggested by the Provincial Insurance Inspector as an alternative to reducing rates. We had $93,000 in surplus with $12.5 million in risk.

F. Marguerite Caistor started with the company in 1931 to assist her father Edwin Caister when he was appointed Secretary-Treasurer. He had served the company since 1894. Marguerite Caister was appointed Secretary-Treasurer in 1942 and continued until her retirement in 1973 at age 72. Marguerite missed only three days of..Read More

In 1931, the company purchased the W.S. Russell building from the former Secretary-Treasurer’s estate. Director Edwin Caister (1894-1931) was appointed the Secretary.