Switzerland Farmers Demonstration, 1961 (b/w photo)

One of the most prominent participants at the farmers' rally in Bern on November 17, 1961 was the over 90-year-old Ernst Laur. Laur, the former secretary of the peasants, sat on the honorary tribune on the Bundesplatz. More than 30,000 farmers are taking part in the farmers' demonstration on the Bundesplatz in front of the Bundeshaus in Bern. Farmers demonstrate against falling prices for agricultural products and the milk price decision of the Federal Council. The initially peaceful "march on Bern" escalated when groups of demonstrators refused to leave the Bundesplatz after the rally and threw stones, tomatoes, eggs and vegetables at the small police force. The Bernese police and the military called in to help fought heavy street battles with the farmers using clubs and tear gas.