Washington business celebrates 150th year

WASHINGTON — Farm & Home Mutual celebrated its 150th year in business on May 7 with a ribbon cutting and early-evening street party on Washington’s square.

“I’m really proud to be a part of this,” Farm & Home Board President Susan Fisher said. “It’s been an honor to be a part of it, see how we’ve adjusted to the changing insurance industry. We’ve had excellent management, I think. And I hope we have another 150 years.”

The association, which now provides insurance in 16 counties, was founded April 3, 1874, according to its website, by a “small group of farmers.” In March, it was named “Business of the Year” by the Washington Chamber of Commerce.

Board members said the business gave them a “whole new perspective on watching the weather,” referencing the 2020 derecho, 2008 floods, and a 1998 tornado that flattened buildings in Washington, among myriad other natural disasters in Southeast Iowa’s last century and a half.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com