The purchase of a 1926 Ford Model T “chemical” firetruck was not so much a piece of South Easthope Mutual history, but more the Village of Tavistock’s. (How it came to be a special part of South Easthope Mutual can be found further ahead in time). The Tavistock Village Council..Read More

The first agents were appointed at South Easthope Mutual. Previously, the Secretary did this job. In the early days, potential members would present themselves before the entire Board of Directors to make their application for membership.

Tavistock’s first volunteer fire brigade was established with 21 men on November 23, 1911, two years after the Village was incorporated. The Village installed 16 water hydrants connected to a 40,000 gallon water tank. The hose reel was purchased in 1912. At the call of fire, the rubber-clad and booted..Read More

The South Easthope Farmers’ Mutual Fire Insurance Company Board of Directors of 1902 to 1908 at the Mogk farm, on the north side of Hope Street W., now part of Tavistock. The Board of Directors’ Names: John Frazer, Werner Mogk, John Cook, Leonard Schaefer, Werner Yungblut, Albert Goring, Edwin Caister,..Read More

The premium for $1,000 of fire coverage only, in 1890 was $30. The receipt was signed by then Secretary-Treasurer W.S. Russell.

William S. Russell was appointed Secretary-Treasurer. He conducted the insurance business from his shoe shop, serving the company for 42 years. In 1931, the company purchased the W.S. Russell building from his estate. Russell was born in Quebec, one of 13 children. He came to this area at the age..Read More

The company moved to the current location at the corner of Woodstock and Jane Street in 1889, when William S. Russell was appointed Secretary- Treasurer.

A 1887 fire policy from South EasthopeFarmers’ Mutual Insurance Company for $2,000 in coverage.

In 1886, the company name was changed to South Easthope Farmers’ Mutual Fire Insurance Company according direction set out in the Insurance Act.

Business was conducted in Tavistock when Robert Reid became Secretary. The Reid family was one of the first five families to settle in Tavistock. Underwriting was expanded from just farm fires to include schools, churches, town residences and businesses.