In some ways, times in 1947 seemed simpler. The average cost of a new house was about $6,000. First class postage was three pennies. You could buy a gallon of gas for 15¢. The movie "Miracle on 34th Street premiered.

But in other ways , things were complicated. The world and our nation were just beginning to recover emotionally and economically from the Second World War. President Truman announced the Truman Doctrine, a key response to Russian expansion signaling the beginning of the Cold War. New advances were being made, too. Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier. Bell Laboratories invented the transistor. Polaroid was showing off the first instant camera.

Much has changed. Yet much remains the same. People then and now still value stable relationships, good health, personal satisfaction and the availability of services and products that meet their own, individual needs.

At Farm Bureau Health Plans we're proud of our heritage and present-day role of helping Tennesseans with their health care needs. It began in 1947, and it continues today.