John Block began life as a grain and hog farmer from west central Illinois, who became who served as a leader in the Illinois Farm Bureau, then became director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture under Governor Jim Thompson before being selected by Ronald Reagan to serve as his Secretary of Agriculture.
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Country School, undated, 12 kids, 8 grades, 1 teacher.Where:
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John Block's graduation photo for West Point, Class of 1957.Where:
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1957Ownership:
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Farm visit.Where:
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Illinois team to China, included Cong Ed Madigan (later Sec of Ag), Orville Bentley (later Asst. Sec Education USDA), Hans Beckerer (later CEO Deer & Co), John Block (later US Sec of Ag), Cong Paul Findley.Where:
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Farm visit With President Reagan.
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In the cabinet room at the White House. "A Lighter Moment."Where:
In Cabinet Room at the White House.When:
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President Reagan signs the Farm Bill. From left to right in the rear are Senator Strom Thurmond (South Carolina), Congressman Ben Gilman (New York) and John Block.Where:
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1985Ownership:
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Speaking in Indiana with Senator Dick Lugar.Where:
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A little country music.Where:
atrium of USDAWhen:
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Shaking hands with Governor Jim Thompson.Where:
Illinois State FairWhen:
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My father and I reviewing farm strategy.Where:
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June 17, 1980Ownership:
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Farm Secretary of Ag that advised on writing 1985 Farm Bill. Clifford Harden, Orville Freeman, John Block, Earl Butz, Bob Bergland.Where:
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1985Ownership:
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Press conference after signing grain agreement with Russia.Where:
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President Francois Mitterrand of France visits Block farm in Illinois.Where:
Block's farmWhen:
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On a farm with President Reagan.Where:
Pana, IllinoisWhen:
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Having a lighter moment.Where:
Cabinet Room at the White HouseWhen:
May 18, 1984Ownership:
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Ed Butz, Dick Lynz (Block's successor) and John Block.Where:
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Press conference announcing administration in Farm Program.Where:
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1985Ownership:
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My father and I.Where:
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My son, Hans - in the office at the farm.Where:
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My son, Hans, me and Gene Shores harvesting corn on our farm.Where:
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I am inspecting a wheat field ready to harvest.Where:
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Checking the corn.Where:
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My son and I.Where:
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Soybean harvest.Where:
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