Address delivered by Hon. Henry H. Crapo, Governor of Michigan, before the Central Michigan Agricultural Society, at their Sheep-shearing Exhibition held at the Agricultural College Farm, on Thursday, May 24th, 1866

In the gentle warmth of a late‑May spring, the governor of Michigan steps onto the grounds of the state’s agricultural college to address a crowd gathered for a sheep‑shearing exhibition. His words capture a moment when the nation is emerging from the turmoil of civil war, and the quiet rhythms of farm life are beginning to restore themselves. Listeners are invited to share in the optimism of a season that promises renewal, both for the land and for the people who tend it.

The speech turns to the power of cooperation, praising the Central Michigan Agricultural Society for uniting farmers across several counties. It highlights the growing importance of wool production and the broader promise of agricultural advancement, urging citizens to channel the discipline of wartime into productive, peaceful labor. The governor’s modest tone and clear focus make the address a vivid snapshot of post‑war ambition and community spirit.