Jim Butcher (American, B. 1944) "Farm at Night" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally used on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 22c Rural Electrication Adminstration stamp issued May 11, 1985. 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. On May 11, 1935, President Roosevelt created the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) by Executive Order. The Act authorized the REA to serve as a lending agency and to develop a program for rural electrification. The rural electricity movement became viable when farmers formed seven cooperatives which were granted loans to extend electricity to their areas. Two of these original cooperatives are still functioning -- the Volunteer Electric Cooperative of Decatur, Tennessee, and the Boone County Rural Electric Membership of Lebanon, Indiana. Since its creation, the REA has approved almost sixty billion dollars in loans to assist nearly twelve million electricity consumers and over five million telephone subscribers. 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. Image Size: 18.5 x 16 in. Overall Size: 25.5 x 22 in. Unframed. (B09593) See More