History Preservation Newsletter
July 2017


“Riding it Forward”

Joe Ostaszewski, Biggest Loser Finalist and Florida State footballer bicycled 2,972 miles to take the 4-H Health Pledge; a big boost for 4-H members!


A History Mystery Solved

Faced with only a photo, a History Team member uncovered a 4-H Stock Show romance and more from the 1929 International Livestock Exposition. Do you have a “History Mystery” photo you can research?


J. C Penney was a long-time enthusiast of the 4-H Program. As early as 1929 he purchased the Grand Campion Steer, owned by a 4-H’er at the International Livestock Exposition in Chicago.


95 Years Ago . . .

4-H awarded the nation’s Healthiest Boy and Healthiest Girl. Though those awards are no longer given, the diet and lifestyle of former winners are definitely worth replicating.


65 Years Ago . . .

The US Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp to recognize the 50th anniversary of the beginning of 4-H. The collector’s item honors a significant milestone in 4-H History.


Letters to the Editor

A new feature. A 1957 IFYE Alumna shares the inspiration she received from Kathleen Flom, long-time 4-H international staff member. We’d also love to hear from you!


We hope you enjoy this issue.


 

Please help us preserve 4-H History . . .



History Preservation Newsletter
May-June 2017


400,000 Website Visits!

After 10 years of the 4-H History Team existence, and six years of counting website visitors, your 4-H History website has received over 400,000 visits worldwide. Thanks for your support.



4-H WWI Support

As patriotism swept the country, 4-H members joined the war effort enthusiastically. With slogans like “Back up the Cannon with the Canner,” the government promoted conservation and food preservation.



Camp Vail Trained Youth for War Effort

In 1917, the Theodore N. Vail School of Agriculture started training non-farm youth to meet the critical farm labor shortage due to the war. Camp Vail, later a part of the Eastern States Exposition, was seen as “a means to show the public the value of club work.”


National 4-H Camp, Hits a Milestone

Ninety years ago this month the first 4-H Members pitched their tents on the Washington Mall to learn, share and make their presence known in the Nation’s Capital.

Delegates and chaperones meet National 4-H Staff as they arrive at one of the early National camps in Washington DC.



“Son of a Southern Chef” wins TV Cook-off to Gift 4-H

Lazarus Lynch, a multimedia personality and chef beat out 15 other celebrity chefs to win a substantial financial gift for 4-H. The TV cooking show “Chopped” sponsored the competition. Google his name!


First Lady Lou Hoover Addressed 4-H

In a 1929 radio broadcast during National 4-H Camp on the DC Mall, Mrs. Hoover asked 4-H clubs to “be of service to their communities.” Continuing her interest in gender equality, Mrs. Hoover stressed that boys had an equal responsibility in homemaking.



We Ask Your Help – Again

You are the most important resource in preserving 4-H History and we rely on your kind assistance to help accomplish our goals. This time, we’re looking for a copy of the 1953 national 4-H poster; the original was painted by W. C. Griffith who painted 18 4-H posters and 16 national 4-H calendars.



 

Please help us preserve 4-H History . . .



History Preservation Newsletter
April 2017

In 1969 National 4-H Week launched a year of Learning to Serve. Learning to Serve through 4-H is older than the pledge itself. This month our newsletter explores 4-H Service at several junctures in 4-H History. If you’re interested in seeing other vintage 4-H Posters you can view them at: https://www.nal.usda.gov/exhibits/speccoll/exhibits/show/poster-collections/elsie-carper-collection-on-ext



4-H Service in World War I

Members and Leaders joined the national movement to support of the war effort: raising and preserving food, recycling clothing, raising money for special support projects.


National 4-H Day of Service

April 2017 has been dedicated as a month to celebrate community service and service-learning throughout 4-H. The month of celebration will culminate with a National 4-H Day of Service on Saturday, April 29. 4-H’ers will undertake club, community and state service projects as part of the “True Leaders in Service” initiative in honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Month.




Contemporary 4-H History: A Health Summit

250 4-H’ers recently met at the to analyze data about the health of their communities. The 4-H Geospatial Leadership Team helped others access the data and interpret the findings, comparing the health of their communities with that of others in the state, and pinpointing gaps in health care.


“4-H History 101” Aims to Launch this Fall

A new online course is being developed by the 4-H History Preservation Leadership Team to help orient new staff about the philosophical base of 4-H. It includes a working definition of the public/private partnership which undergird the program at local, state and national levels. If you’d like to help write or serve as a reviewer, write to info@4-HHistoryPreservation.com


]



How Old is the 4-H Flag?

We know the National 4-H Supply Service (4-H Mall) marketed 4-H flags in 1925, the year it started. Do you know of any 4-H flag older than that? Let us know.


4-H in Space: Then and Now

An Indiana 4-H’er designed a scientific experiment with chicken embryos to be carried into space on the 1986 Challenger mission, but it was lost in the explosion. Redesigned, “Chix in Space” went up in 1989 and was the forerunner of continuing worldwide embryonic research in space by NASA. And this week, 4-H alumna Peggy Whitson sets new records as commander of the current NASA mission.



Here on Earth, enjoy the spring-time and this issue!


 

Please help us preserve 4-H History . . .



News Article Index Now Available

A complete listing of all articles on the 4-H History Preservation News site is now available. To view the index, look for the ‘Article Index’ link at the top of the page. It is the fourth link to the right…

     History Home      News Home     Newsletter     Article Index     Calendar     RSS      

You may also view the index using this link: http://News.4-HHistoryPreservation.com/Article-Index/


 

Please help us preserve 4-H History . . .



History Preservation Newsletter
March 2017


4-H Alumna & NASA Astronaut Speaks to 4‑H’ers from Space

Peggy Whitson, Commander of NASA’s Expedition 50/51, a 4-H alumna, answered 4‑H’ers’ questions via down-link from the International Space Station (ISS) to Johnson Space Center in Texas. While on the ISS, she will surpass the current record of 534 days in space.


Tompkins County, NY, Starts a 4-H Memory Wall

As a way to promote awareness of 4-H history, Tompkins County mobilized the theme “4‑H Memories Last a Lifetime” by collecting memorabilia (1932-2015) for a Memory Wall at the 4-H Fair. Members, leaders and parents contributed items and county staff cleaned out old files to populate the exhibit.


 

These are examples of National 4-H Charters that were cherished by many 4-H members and families for the things that were learned and projects completed by countless youth through loving guidance of dedicated adult volunteer leaders. Both charters were signed by the then-current Secretary of Agriculture and represent charters issued by USDA to clubs across the country at that time.

The Mavis 4-H Club (left) of Pennington County, Minnesota, received their charter in what appears to be 1944 and met charter requirements through 1978 (34 years), while the Ellis Hollow Homemakers (right) of Tompkins County, New York, received their charter in 1958 and continued to complete the year’s work through 1981 (23 years).

 


Who was Jessie Fields Shambaugh?

A film by an Iowa 4-H’er entered in the 2016 “FilmFest 4‑H” answers that question for you. Adam Clayton’s film took second place in the “Voices of 4‑H” category. This year’s “FilmFest 4-H” is July 23-27 in Kansas City.


Horse Racing’s Youngest Jockey Won the Triple Crown in 1978

Steve Cauthen, a 4-H’er from Kentucky, started racing in 1976; in this first race, he came in last; in his second race he came in first. In 1977 he led the nation in horserace wins with 487. The Triple Crown was not won again until 2015.



Tell us the Year this 4-H Calendar was Printed

In the 10 years the 4-H History Preservation Team has been working, we’ve collected 88 different 4-H calendars, printed calendar images and pieces of original artwork. Here’s one recently uncovered on which we have no information; we’re hoping your vivid 4-H memories can help us date it.


4-H History Preservation Team Celebrates 10th Anniversary!

The National 4-H History Preservation Program started in 2007 with a group of seven volunteers, mostly retired national level 4-H staff; we now number 12, including some current staff and some retired state staff, all still volunteers. The number of visitors to our website is rapidly nearing 200,000 globally and our Newsletter reaches some 5,900. We’re grateful for that generous response. We rely on your continued support; please email us.



Enjoy this Issue!

History Preservation Newsletter
January/February 2017


Maine offers “The 4-H Fix”

Incorporating 4-H history into state programs presents a creative opportunity. Maine 4-H offers regular written updates to local and county volunteers and staff to keep history front and center in programs.


Int’l Airport Renamed for 4-H Alum

Lt. Col. Ellison Onizuka, a Hawai’i alum and former NASA astronaut, is memorialized iin the renamed Kona, Hawai’i airport.



WW-I Centennial Recognizes 4-H

4-H membership and Extension Agent numbers surged as the nation supported overseas troops; food production and preservation, clothing conservation, good health and nutrition were emphases.


Historic 4-H Calendar Art Collection

The collection of originial art produced for the historic 4-H calendar program has grown to 40 pieces, with the addition of four pieces acquired in 2016. You may have an image of the 41st piece in your grandmother’s attic.



Enjoy the winter and this Issue!

History Preservation Newsletter
November/December 2016


4-H Alum in NASA Launch

In her third mission to the International Space Station she will surpass the current record of 534 days in space.


1924 4-H Congress Starts New Tradition>

Can you guess what it was? Did you know that National 4-H Congress was held in Chicago for more than 50 years?



Montana 4-H’er assists official lighting of US Capitol Christmas Tree in 2008




Each year, hundreds of students from the Capitol Christmas Tree’s home state enter the Capitol Christmas Tree drawing to receive a free trip to Washington, D.C. and help the Speaker of the House in lighting the tree. Chris Gabrielson from Havre, MT, was the lucky winner of the 2008 drawing.
(from the December, 2013 National 4-H History Newsletter)



4-H Enrollment Tops One Million in 1931

It’s now around seven million with a 2025 goal of ten million members.


National 4-H Council Predecessor Born in 1921

Created as the National Committee for Boys’ and Girls’ Club Work, the private sector body began decades of 4-H program support.



How Are States Using 4-H History?

A new column starting this month will share ideas from clubs, counties and states on how staff incorporates 4-H history in daily work.


Enjoy the Holidays and this Issue!


 

Please help us preserve 4-H History . . .



History Preservation Newsletter
September/October 2016



4-H History Map Grows

At NAEA4-HA in New Orleans earlier this month, 4-H educators from 30 states explored “points of interest” (POIs) flagged on the National 4-H History Map.


Your Hall of Fame Laureates Were in the National 4-H News

Earlier this month during National 4-H Week, 16 new Laureates were inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame. Several fall issues of National 4-H News contain stories about future Laureates and their contributions to 4-H.



Harlan Sanders


What Led to 4-H Congress?

A 1919 tour of Armour Meat Packing Company is considered the spark that led to creation of National 4-H Congress, held annually in Chicago for over seven decades. Whose idea was it?



A Missing 4-H Calendar?

You may have the answer to identity of an undocumented piece of art at the National 4-H Center.


4-H is not new to Space

This year’s National 4-H Science Day picks up a favorite theme of 4-H: space and flight. The thematic partnership goes way back.


And then there’s NAE4-HA

If you missed our booth in New Orleans, we still want to hear from you about 4-H History activities in your area.


Enjoy the beautiful fall and this issue!

History Preservation Newsletter
August 2016


Centenarian 4-H Alumna Honored

National 4-H Council is highlighting 4-H alumni and sharing the impact 4-H has had on their lives; this month, they spotlight a very special 4-H alumna, Martha Ann Miller, who celebrated her 105th birthday on August 6.

Read More …


4-H’ers Praised in 1945 World Wide Broadcast

On August 30, 1945, 4-H Club work got the spotlight during the broadcast of the college All-Stars vs. Green Bay Packers’ annual football classic known as the College All-Star game.

Read More …



Labor Day Floats?

It seems that 4-H is always up for a parade. With Labor Day coming, how many 4-H History floats will we see in the country’s community parades?
Read More …

This 1968 National 4-H Calendar produced by Shaw Barton Calendar Company is an example of a 4-H float of yesteryear. What will we see on a 2016 4-H float?

This 1968 National 4-H Calendar produced by Shaw Barton Calendar Company is an example of a 4-H float of yesteryear. What will we see on a 2016 4-H float?




4-H History Map

How did Drum’s Valley Pennsylvania, which documented its 4-H club history in 1959, get on the National 4-H History Map? Has your club, county or state nominated historical sites?

Read More …


FilmFest 4-H’ers Learn and Earn

4-H’ers got state-of-the-art coaching as well as the chance to compete for awards in five categories. With the 2016 film festival over, it’s not too early to plan entries for July 2017.

Read More …



It’s Fair Season!

Let us know about the 4-H History exhibits you are presenting at County and State Fairs at info@4-HHistoryPreservation.com and send pictures.

Read More …


History Preservation Newsletter
July 2016

While the US plunges into the Presidential Election, 4-H’ers are plunging into preparations for their fairs.

That’s not to say that 4-H members are not involved in their citizenship responsibilities; just check with those who have been to Washington, DC, to experience Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF).



3 Hs came from France?

4-H started in the early 1900s in the US, but as early as 1893 the French Minister of Education was calling for an end to the 3 Rs and a new emphasis on the 3 Hs.


International Exchanges

July 8, which happens to be the Editor’s birthday, is the date recorded of International Farm Youth Exchange delegates going to Europe for the first time in 1948.



Show it off!

Exhibits are a long-held tradition in 4-H. Use them to highlight and publicize your 4-H History.


Speaking of Publicity…

See how many different types of 4-H publicity you can find in this month’s issue.


Sugarloaf 4-H Club is on the Map

More importantly, is your club, your fairground, your 4-H history on the Map?


CWF is going to give 4-H’ers a close look at the Presidential Inauguration in January.

A special edition of CWF to be held during the Inauguration will cap off 4-H summer activities and the presidential campaigns.

This summer, 4-H’ers will be actively involved in civic activities as well as preparations for the many fairs. Before you get too involved in either, sit back and enjoy this issue.



Pic_030[1]


Poster_1956_Leaders


The 4-H Member gate sign has become not only a way to identify where 4-H members live but an important icon of 4-H from the farms to suburbs and urban centers. Whether in a black and white photo or on the full color 1956 National 4-H Calendar produced by Brown and Bigelow Company of St. Paul, Minnesota; the sign speaks volumes more than the words it bears.

We hope you enjoy this issue.