The FarmHouse Association came into existence eighteen years after the founding of the Fraternity. As Founder, C.B. Hutchison, stated in an address to the Fraternity at the Fiftieth Anniversary Conclave,

“It should be noted that no one among the little group of founders had any thought that he and his fellows were founding a fraternity nor had they any Intention of doing so. Indeed, had any one seriously suggested at the time that this would or might be the ultimate outcome, the little acorn from which this mighty oak has grown would doubtless not have been planted, or If planted would not have survived the seedling stage. Such was the reputation of fraternities In general in the youthful minds of the “founding fathers,” some of whom, I know not whether all, had already had invitations to join well established Greek letter fraternities in their university community. This was not to be a fraternity but a club and it was made so again in those earnest but youthful minds by definition … “The basic point in our minds was to find a place where we could live and work together, to promote our mutual interests in stimulating companionship and fellowship.  To make sure no one would think of our club as a fraternity, we gave it what we thought was a non-fraternity name. It was to exemplify agriculture and rural living despite the fact that of necessity it had to have an urban locale.”
 

The organization of FarmHouse Fraternity did not precede its founding then but came as a result of it. 

Nationalization of FarmHouse came about following the establishment of the third Chapter (University of Illinois) and it was approximately at the time of the installation of the fourth Chapter (Kansas State) that thoughts of a FarmHouse Association plan took form. 

The FarmHouse Association Plan came into being through the efforts of Lew T. Skinner and the Nebraska Chapter. The men of Nebraska wanted to provide for a Chapter House which would be styled to their needs rather than to continue renting houses which had been discarded as family dwellings or which had been adapted, used, and discarded by other fraternal organizations. The establishment of the FarmHouse Association made possible the corporate existence necessary for acquiring property. 

Following the early success of the Nebraska FarmHouse Association in formulating a Building Program, other State Associations were formed. An amendment to the By-Laws approved at the 1923 Conclave provided for a FarmHouse Association in each State where there is a FarmHouse Chapter. In the words of the FarmHouse Fraternity Record 1905-1929, membership in the Association consists of “Chapter, Active, Alumni, and Honorary members … ” Each Association, according to the amendment, was entitled to one delegate vote at the Biennial Conclave of the Fraternity “with similar powers as the Chapter delegate.”

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In the first years of the State Associations, Chapter housing, the main purpose for their establishment, was almost their sole reason for existence. It is interesting to note in reading the FarmHouse Fraternity Record 1905 – 1929 that added responsibilities came quickly and quite naturally. 

Because of organizing alumni mailing lists for the use of the Building Committee, it was prudent to also use them to maintain contacts with alumni members on other matters. As early as 1927 the Associations were sharing the cost of an annual publication with the Chapters, and in some cases were issuing a quarterly newsletter.

The Association served as an advisory body to the Chapter in matters of finance and attempted to establish a uniform system of bookkeeping and budgeting in 1923.  

Members of the alumni group as well as Chapter members we’re always looking for good prospects for membership in FarmHouse and this became another major objective of the Association. The Association Plan proved to be so effective that it has remained basically the same as when it was organized, with minor refinements. As property responsibilities have increased and prices have gone steadily uphill, the work of the FarmHouse Association has grown. Taxes and insurance have entered the picture, as have zoning, maintenance and planning for the future. Chapter houses which once housed small numbers have been exchanged for larger dwellings and greater numbers of members. The Association Board has found that financing and caring for a house can be an educational process for undergraduate members, too, and have shared some of the responsibilities for planning and implementing the Building Program.

The Associations share many activities of the undergraduates and are welcome guests at the Chapter House on special occasions as well as on a casual basis and for business reasons. They share the programming for Founders’ Day and for Homecoming and jointly host the Annual Meeting of the State Association.

Association men serve on the Faculty Advisory Committee and in special areas of counseling. The Association works in very close cooperation with the Chapter- and the alumni take pride in the accomplishments of the undergraduates. The relationship is often on a “one to one” basis and rewarding to both the alumnus and the undergraduate.

The Association handles all matters of financing the housing for the Chapter and often enters into a loan agreement with the International organization.  The Association works with the Chapter to determine the amount of the House bill, which will include a small percentage for the building program of the Chapter.

The Association encourages the Chapter members in their scholastic endeavors, in their athletic participation and in a well-rounded social life.

Associations and Chapters at many locations cohost summer picnics and homecoming dances. Some Associations honor the Chapter scholastic achievements, and the achievement of an outstanding alumnus is often observed with a tea or reception hosted by the Chapter.  At the 1962 Biennial Conclave at Colorado, the National Executive Board urged that Associations be established in areas where there are no active Chapters of the Fraternity. It was recommended that at least ten members participate in the establishment of such an Association, the purpose of which is communication, with each other and the National organization. In some areas these Associations are helpful in working toward the establishment of a new Chapter.

The By-Laws of the Fraternity (dated 1975) include the following statements about Associations. “There shall be established in each place where a Chapter house exists, an Association composed of membership as follows:

1. Chapter, Alumni and associate members of the local chapter of FarmHouse, regardless of place of residence.
2. Alumni and associate members of the Chapters of FarmHouse Fraternity who reside in that state.
3. Honorary members of the International FarmHouse Fraternity residing in that state.
4. If more than one chapter is established in a state, an alumnus, associate or honorary member may also become a member of any or all associations within the state.” The By-Laws also provide “In states or districts that do not have an active Chapter, there may be established a FarmHouse Association for that area provided there are at least ten alumni, associate and honorary members.”

– From the 1985 Membership Handbook