History Preservation Newsletter
January 2018

It’s a New Year . . .

… and because history is made every day, it’s the start of another historical era for 4-H. How many of your New Year’s resolutions have to do with 4-H? Setting new individual and group goals? Starting or continuing efforts to preserve your 4-H History?


A few of the highlights from this issue:


4-H Ham and Eggs

Two Georgia counties started a swine and poultry exhibition in 1916 to encourage black farmers to grow other crops besides cotton, primarily food products to improve income and nutrition. The show grew from 21 hams and less than 100 visitors in 1916 to 1,813 hams and 2,000 visitors in 1945.


How to Start?

Most often asked questions at the 4-H History booth at 2017’s NAE4-HA meeting centered on how to get started saving local and state 4-H history. Minnesota’s Vintage 4-H Club of retired Extension staff presented several guidelines, now available by contacting that group’s History Committee.





A good way to start the new year is to go over the history of 4-H in the two main history books that exist. Both books can be read or researched in part at http//:www.4-HHistoryPreservtion.com. The first is The 4-H Story, A History of 4-H Club Work, by Franklin M. Reck, 1971 326p, the second is 4-H: An American Idea 1900-1980, A History of 4-H, by Thomas Wessel and Marilyn Wessel, 1982 353p.



What is 4-H?

Different sources have different definitions. But most of the broad definitions are based on individual experiences and stories. One Pennsylvania 4-H Club decided to spread their individual experiences through a club newsletter, and you can do the same. What is your definition of 4-H?


4-H History Map is Growing

Over 200 historical sites were added to the National 4-H History Map during last year’s NAE4-HA conference. Ohio Extension Educators are adding even more in their state, so you can visit some of the sites on your way to or from the 2018 NAE4-HA meeting in Columbus.


4-H Congress History, Continued

Pageantry and fun were always part of 4-H Congress held in Chicago, but there was also a heavy emphasis on educational opportunities for the gathered state winners. Especially when donor representatives met together with 4-H members, topics of mutual interest were sorted out in sometimes heated discussion.


Monitor Your 4-H Resolutions

Let us know throughout the year how you are doing at info@4-HHistoryPreservation.com. We predict you’ll make more progress with those than with your usual diet and exercise resolutions! But while you’re on the treadmill at the gym, enjoy this issue.


 

Please help us preserve 4-H History . . .



History Preservation Newsletter
October 2017

70 Years of Congress in Chicago

The premier 4-H program almost every fall since 1922 started in Chicago and stayed there for 70 years before moving south. Some will recall the glamour, mystique and exhilaration of those early years.


4-S Peace Corps 50-Year Reunion

Part two of this reunion story brings 4-H alum Joe Thigpen back to his Peace Corps family and 4-S clubs in Santa Catarina, Brazil. Connections are strong and memories are fondly rekindled.


So Goes Maine

Another in our series of how various states are using or celebrating 4-H History in their programs. Maine has initiated a blog highlighting various historic 4-H topics.




4-H in 2027

We celebrated the 4-H Centennial in 2002 and in 2027 4-H will be 125 years old. It’s not too early to start thinking about how we want to tell the 4-H story. Start making plans and share your ideas.


The Sound of 4-H Music

Songs have long been a tradition in 4-H and two of the most traditional songs were introduced at the 1927 National 4-H Camp (now Conference) on the Washington, DC Mall. Can you name them?






4-H Congress, Then and Now

State winners to National 4-H Congress pose in front of the 4-H Headquarters in Chicago in 1929. Youth and adult planning group for the 2016 4-H Congress in Atlanta.


Autumn Colors Paint the Countryside…

… And maybe you’re near a source of freshly-pressed apple cider. If so, grab a glass of the refreshing nectar and enjoy this issue.


 

Please help us preserve 4-H History . . .