4-H 156 The History of 4-H in Nebraska

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1 University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Nebraska 4-H Clubs: Historical Materials and Publications 4-H Youth Development H 156 The History of 4-H in Nebraska John D. Orr Follow this and additional works at: Orr, John D., "4-H 156 The History of 4-H in Nebraska" (1985). Nebraska 4-H Clubs: Historical Materials and Publications This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the 4-H Youth Development at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Nebraska 4-H Clubs: Historical Materials and Publications by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln.

2 j ll I I I I ' I. RD Nebraska Cooperative Extension Service 4 H 156 The His tory of 4-H 1n A s ~ Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, ~U. S. Department of Agriculture. Leo E. Lucas, Direct1 Institute of Agricult1 The Cooperative Extension Service provides information an d educational p University of Nebraska lincoln libraries I F-:021 ::::516431

3 _j ~~ ~~ ( ~ Written By John D. Orr 4-H Specialist Edited By Karen Johnson Extension Administrative Assistant Artwork By Daniel Westra ~~ ~~ Cover photo: 4-H'ers demonstrate serving a hot lunch at the Nuckolls County Fair,

4 E.C. Bishop At the close of the first day of school in 1893, E.C. Bishop, the young teacher at Middle Creek School, District 22 in Seward County, Nebraska, remained at hi s desk, pondering how best to bring a fuller life to his 40 students. Realizing that the most valuable resource he had was the children themselves, Bishop decided to ask their parents to visit school. The next morning little Hattie Leibrock shyly informed Mr. Bishop that her mother was too busy to visit the school, but would be glad to have the teacher come home with her at the close of the sc hool day. Bishop accepted the invitation and found the family busily engaged in butchering. As he watched the family work and asked questions, the idea dawned upon him that school work would be more challenging for the pupiles if their lessons were based on farm life and activities. Bishop was to ponder the problem for two years. In 1895, Bishop taught in German Town near Garland, Seward County and in 1898 he taught near Bradshaw, York County. These schools became the laboratory for Bishops quest for a way to make education more relevant to youth. In addition to a agriculture group and a home economics group, Bishop organized sports groups as well. Bishop called on his friends to help. W.C. Brokaw, a fellow Lincoln Normal classmate, assisted Bishop in conducting parliamentary procedure meetings for his gorups. Brokaw, who became Director of the Nebraska Extension Service from , later attributed the beginning of Boys' and Girls' Club Work to Bishop. By 1900, it was time to put an organizational structure behind Bishop's inspiration. Bishop be- E.C. Bishop- credited with conceiving the notion of Boys' and Girls' Clubs in Nebraska. Photo dated came the York County Superintendent of Sc hools. He gave hi s idea a name, Boys' and Girls' Clubwork. He used his office to give prestige to the idea. Boys' and Girls' Clubwork came alive and grew to several schools. In 1902, he visited with Brokaw about his progress with the clubs in the York County Schools. The two men discussed the idea of a corn growing competition for the clubs. Bishop collected ears of corn from cent;al Nebraska farmers and, in the fall of 1903, called in York, Fillmore, and Sewa rd county boys to get a free quart of corn and a lesson on how to grow it. They were instructed to plant their corn and bring back 10 ears of their 1904 crop to a State Corn Show. One of t he boys receiving a quart of corn was Val Kuska, who later became one of Neb raska's first 3

5 County Agents, and then an Agricu ltural Agent for Burlington Railroad. In 1905, Bishop was appointed to the Nebraska State Superintendent's office as Deputy State Superintendent in charge of promoting Boy's and Girls' Club w'ork. Throughout hi s career, Bi shop promoted the program w henever poss ible. In 1906 he wrote: "The greatest encouragement to our work must come from the home. Parents should encourage children to learn by experience and by studying the best possible way to care for plants and animal life and the best way to do the ordinary tasks around the home. Since the establishment of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1862, there has been a growing public demand for national and state action that would lead to the development of the agricultural interests of the country in a way that wou ld place agriculture on a basis harmonious with the advancement in other lines of activity. Agriculture, our country's greatest resource, must receive its share of attention and it is through the public schools that we can hope to reach the great mass of the people." In 1909, Bishop. ran for and won the position of State Superintendent of Schoo ls, se rving through In 1911 he moved to Iowa where he was to se rve as the State Leader for Junior Work throughout the Iowa Department of Ed ucation. His title was later changed to State Club Leader, a position he held from As W.H. Brokaw pointed out, E.C. Bishop can be credited with sta rting the 4-H program in Nebraska by planting seeds in schoolchildren's minds and by establishing Boys' and Girls' Clubs. Ruth McKenney of Merrick County recalls exhibiting at the County Corn Show around 1907, when she was in the 4th or 5th grade. Mrs. McKenney may be Nebraska's "Longest 4-H Alum". 4

6 Boys' and Girls' Club Work Members of a Gering Boys' and Girls' Calf Club in The accepted name for youth educational programs conducted by the Cooperative Extension Service from its beginning until the 1940's was Boys' and Girls' Club Work. In 1901 the Nebraska State Legislature passed a law stating that teachers applying for teaching certificates must pass an examination in the elements of agriculture. By 1902 Boys' and Girls' Club Work had expanded to several counties. State Fair provided space for exhibits, and the Farmers' I nstitute movement encouraged schools to establish clubs. A major milestone in the life of the Boys' and Girls' Club Work came in 1905, when over 500 youth attended the Nebraska Girls' Domestic Science Association and Nebraska Boys' Agricultural Association. Twelve years after E.C. Bishop first thought of incorporating education with actual situations of daily life, the clubs had become a major program in Nebraska. The four-day conclave in December, 1905, featured the adoption of a constitution, speakers, election of officers for both boys and girls, and judging of corn samples entered by the youth. The 'llebraska Farmer magazine devoted five full pages to the meetings. Margaret Whiteley, Lancaster County, was elected president of the Girls' Domestic Science Association and James Loomis from Valley County became president of the Nebraska Boys' Agricultural Association. Officers were elected each year through No records are available of statewide Boys' and Girls' Association past The first mention of three of the four H's IS m a phrase Bishop included in the 1905 Boys' and Girls' constitution: ".. and to the fu I lest self-development of head, hand, and heart." During this period Boys' and Girls' Club members were exhibiting at the State Fair. In 1906 the Nebraska Farmer reported "the educational exhibits at State Fair were by far the largest and best ever made. Premiums were offered at State Fair for vegetables raised... Pupils should keep an account of their experiences... date of planting, depth seed planted, condition of soil, care of plants and results." Bishop wrote an appeal to the readers of Nebraska Farmer in 1907: "Can we find a name or emblem that can be used to refer to both boys and girls?" The 4-H emblem was created in 1908 in Iowa, showing head, heart,... 5

7 - hands and health on each of the clover flower petals. This was to become the name and emblem of the nation's largest youth organizat ion. In 1908 there were over 8,000 boys and girls participating in county contests. The University of Nebraska Department of Farmers' Institutes published two bulletins to encourage Boys' and Girls' work. The Nebraska Farmer featured regular lessons for members of Boys' and Girls' Clubs. By 1910, more than 25,000 school youth were reported as members in school groups. However, by 1915 the movement was leaving the schools and numbers declined to 5,508. Th e State Boys' and Girls' convention ex isted from 1905 to But there was no convention in 1912 due to lack of funds to support the event, although other reasons may have caused the cance llation. However, county and state fair participation was growing. Club work was slowly moving out of the schools, and youth workers were being hired to work with volunteers. Mr. L.l. Frisbie, Boys' and Girls' Club Leader, wrote in the 1920 Cooperative Extension Service Annual Report: "Commencing in we will be giving more emphasis to the standard c lu b and also make the County Extension Agent more responsible for the activities carried on within the county." Possibly the reason clubwork left the school was the vast amount of work done by volunteers during the summer to prepare for and co nduct the county fair youth programs... t.,.... ~lf AW.A.RDED BY UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND ~ U.NinRSITY or NEBRA.:mA "S COLLEGE or AGRICULTURE 4. coopeaatjno t;o,~ --~--:-..2/~-~ -----fu-. ion ~ STAND..A:R.D 4-H CLUB and Ita ag~t to carryon demonatratlona in Aqrlculture and Home E.conomlcs In accordance with ~pprov~;~d plans for B~ ~d Girls' Club Work... 41)~- -~\ ~..: " :H1o1or. CIN IAoolor Boys' and Girls' Club Charter signed by State Club Leader L.l. Frisbie and Nebraska Governor Arthur J. Weaver. Dated between

8 ... COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE A Commitment to People The Morrill Act in 1862 provided for at least one Land-Grant College in eac h state to " teach such branches of learning as related to agricu lture and the mechanic art." Establishm ent of Agricultural Experiment Stations was another milestone that ultimately led to Extension's emergence. Legis lation in 1887, termed t he Hatch Act after Miss ouri Representative William Hatch, provided for one experiment station in each state. The Morrill Act provided for the college trainin g. The Hatch Act provided for research into agricultural concerns. Th e way to deliver information directly to farm f amilies, including youth, was yet to be developed. It was natural that Farmers' In stitutes wou ld become popular in Nebraska and the m idwest in the 1890's. The Institutes provided a link between the Univers ity of Nebraska teaching faculty and the farmers t hrough ed ucational meetin gs. Professor F.W. Taylor was appointed Superintendent of Farmers' In stitutes by the University of Neb raska in The f irst leg islative appropriation of $3,000 for the biennium was made in The appropriations gradual ly increased in the next ten years until the 1907 Legislature appropriated $20,000 for the biennium. The Farmers' Institutes, from the beginning of the movement, supported t he education of youth. Gradually, county groups began to provide incentives to Boys' and Girls' Clubs. The 1904 report of the Pawnee County Farmers' Institute indicated that t he group offered $100 in prizes to boys and girls of the cou nty, under 21 years of age, who wou ld each take one peck of seed corn furn ished by the Institute and plant one acre. Youth brought back ears of corn of this planting to the nex t Farmers' Institute Annu al Meeting. As Extension-type work increased and f lourished, it became readily apparent that greater staff support was needed. In 1914 the Smith-Lever Act provided for mutual cooperation of the United States Department of Agriculture and the Land-Grant Co ll eges in conducting agricu ltural extension work. And Nebraska was ready! By 1913 youth workers were already in place in counties. Boys' and Girls' Club work had started to move out of sc hools into homes. Otto H. Lieber, youth worker, wrote for the 1913 Gage County Annual Report: "The boys' and girls' work has received a great deal of attention. Fifteen Boys' and Girls' Clubs were organized in Gage county last winter and 500 boys and girls were enrolled in contest work. Six boys' and girls' picnics were held last summer. At these picnics the boys and girls received instructions in stock judging, milk testing, etc. These organ izations and contests have stimulated many of the Gage Cou nty boys and girls to become more interested in better farming." Cooperative Extension work, from its beginning, saw youth as an exce llent audience for the dissemination of agri cultural and home economics information. The close re lationship between Nebraska youth and the Cooperative Extension Service continues today, with 4-H as the link. 7

9 I NEBRASKA STATE 4-H CONFERENCE The first mention of a state-wide gathering of teen-age youth was from the period of 1905 to 1911, referred to as meetings of Boys' and Girls' Clubs. During those seven years, officers were elected to one-year terms. The election of officers ceased after No record has been found of group meetings from 1912 to In 1916, the five-day junior Short Course was held. The state-wide event was known as Boys' and Girls' Club Week from 1922 to 1940; the 4-H Club Week from 1940 to 1977; and Nebraska State 4-H Conference from 1978 to the present. The event was not held in 1943 and 1945 due to war conditions. Significant activities during the five-day event include the KFAB Public Speaking contest, started in 1942, and the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Banquet, begun in College-age youth were asked to plan and conduct the event beginning in 1978 and they continue to do so today. The State 4-H Conference is held annually in June on the University of Nebraska's East Campus. The program is developed to inspire 4-H members to continue in 4-H and to introduce them to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Participants in the State Boys' and Girls' Club Week in The activities were held at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. 8

10 NATIONAL 4-H CONFERENCE Two boys and two girls from each state were invited to the first National Camp in 1927, in Washington, D.C. The delegates were housed in tents near the Department of Agriculture and enjoyed tours, recreation and speakers. Nebraska continues to send delegates each year to what is now called National 4-H Conference. The 4-H pledge was officially adopted at the first National Camp. The familiar pledge was written by Otis Hall, State 4-H Leader in Kansas. It is: I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, and my country. Also in 1927 the club motto, originally proposed by Miss Carrie Harrison, botanist in the Bureau of Plant Industry, was adopted by the leaders. This was the now familiar: "To make the best better" In 1973, the 4-H Subcommittee of the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy added the words "and my world" to the 4-H pledge. The National 4-H Conference provides an opportunity for older 4-H members to be included in decisions regarding 4-H program development. Members also have the opportunity to meet 4-H'ers from across the country and share ideas. In 1949 State 4-H Director Ed Janike and 4-H Staff member Catherin Kirwan sponsored the delegation to the 19th Annual National 4-H Club Camp in Washington D.C. The four 4-H'ers representing Nebraska were Norman Jorgensen, Dodge County: Clayton Yeutter, Dawson County and presently the President's special international trade representative; Patricia Hanlon, Scotts Bluff County; and JoAnn Skucius, Thayer County. In 1939 Nebraska delegation to National 4-H Club Camp included Harold Stevens, left, Dawson County Extension Agent for many years, and State 4-H Leader L.l. Frisbie, third from left. 9

11 CAMPING The first organized Boys' and Girls' Camp was held in Seventy-five youth attended the three day camp at the State Fairgrounds. Each county was allowed to send two boys between the ages of 15 and 21. Aside from lectures, the boys met many times out in the open for livestock judging and other classwork. These camps were successfu l until World War I, when they were discontinued. In the 1920's, county camps or two or three counties camping together became popular. The first Conservation Camp was held in 1931 at the Seward Park and later moved to Chadron, then to the Nebraska State 4-H Camp at Halsey. The name was changed to the Leadership and Environment Camp and is currently known as the Natural Resources and Leadersh ip Camp. The "traveling camp crew" proved popular with agents and 4-H'ers alike from 1947 to The three "camp crew" members would load 400 canvas cots, paper plates, craft materials, re cord players, and persona l luggage onto a truck and travel to eight locations during june and July. Their duties were to help with ceremon ies, teach crafts, singing, and recreation. Nebraska's first campsite, the State 4-H Camp at Halsey, was dedicated in Friends of 4-H from every community in Nebraska contributed to the campaign for funds. The winterized faci lity, which can accommodate 150 campers at a time, has served youth from nearly every community in the state. The architect for the camp was Emil Christensen of Columbus, and the builder was Eugene Horst, Halsey. The key guiding Committee included chairperson john Orr, Walter Spilker, William D. Lutes, Ray Russell, Nebraska National Forest Supervisor Harry Gaylor, and State 4-H Leader Wes Antes. Mrs. Eugene (Eleanor) Horst has been instrumental in the management of camp activities at the location from 1956 to the present. On May 4, 1965, a major fire burned through the Nebraska State 4-H Camp, destroying the boy's bathhouse, six cabins, and many trees. Volunteers cleaned up the area and replanted trees. The cabins were rebuilt in the same year. South Central 4-H Center Overlooking the north shore of the Harlan County Reservoir is the South Central 4-H Center, located near Rep ubi ican City. The facility, built to accommodate 75 people, serves south central Nebraska. The district planning committee for this camp in cluded chairperson Louie Rudman, Barbara Nelson, Irene Ruzicka, Richard Adkins, Rundall Peterson, john Fox, and Harry Hecht. The facility was dedicated in Lodgepole Valley 4-H Youth Camp The Lodgepole Valley 4-H Youth Camp is located on the southeast edge of Sidney in the Sidney Park Complex in Nebraska's Panhandle. The winterized facility accommodates 100 persons. The planning committee for the camp, which was completed in 1976, included chairperson Marcele Barelman Skeleton, Ivan Liljegren, Don Siffring, Marge Borcher, Lucille Dorwart, Carl Kurz, and Hammond McNish. Eastern Nebraska 4-H Center The Eastern Nebraska 4-H Center is located on a bluff overlooking the South Platte River Valley six miles south of Interstate 80 on Highway 31. The first planning committee for the facility in 1968 was comprised of chairperson Elaine Skuc iu s; Gwen Cooper, Loyd Young, Allen Boettcher, Bob Woolman, Norm Tooker, Bob Voboril, and Bob Wilson. The winterized facility, which can accommodate 200, was dedicated on May 15, The center is open to any group. The Nebraska 4-H Camps are popular with club members. Activities at camp sites in 1985 include Biology Workshops, Natural Resource Leadership Camp, 4-H Computer Camp, 4-H Photography Camp, 4-H Leadership Camp, and Camp Counselor Training, as well as other spec ial activities. No tax funds have been used to build or maintain any of the facilities 10

12 Campers at the 2nd Annual 4-H Conservation Camp at Seward. The 4-day camp was attended by 100 leaders, home agents, county agents, and 4-H members. A 4-H Computer Camp at the State 4-H Camp at Halsey is just one of the variety of camps available to Nebraska 4-H'ers. 11

13 FAIRS AND SHOWS In 1869, the people of Nebraska established the Nebraska State Fair. Youth were involved as spectators from the beginning. In the 1890's, school youth were encouraged to exhibit articles at the fair. According to the State 4-H Department's Annual Report in 1921, "the Nebraska State Fair Board further recognized the importance of club activities in the state by turning over to the Extension Service a building 120 by 420 feet, which was completely filled. This was the first time that it was possible to make an exhibit of Extension work in a group. Heretofore it has been scattered over the entire grounds among the related activities." The two story Youth Complex Building and livestock arena were dedicated in The first floor -west end - served as a dairy barn until In 1981, a new 4-H Youth Complex Building at the Nebraska State Fairgrounds was completed. The complex includes demonstration rooms, adm inistration and press offices, concession plaza, and a new 4-H and livestock arena. The following 1926 newspaper article is an example of the esteem with which Nebraskans viewed the annual event: gates for the 1926 performance on September 5 and continues to September 10. For these six days, the Cornhusker State will be in the limelight and its prowess will be the subject of comment on every hand. " In 1929, the first music contest was held. This event grew to include approximately 1,500 participants in the late 1970's and continues to be a popular activity. Boys' and Girls' Clubs were soon invited to participate in other shows, such as the St. Joseph Interstate Baby Beef and Pig Club Show in The Fremont Fair bega n in 1922 and has been held continuously since that time involving youth from that area. The first Ak-Sar-Ben 4-H Club Fat Stock Show was in Elton Lux, Extension Ed itor, College of Agricu lture, wrote in 1929, "Although the Ak-Sar-Ben is but a two-yearold youngster, it is taking place among the big livestock shows in the country and 4-H club work constitutes approximately one-half of the show." Today the Ak-Sar-Ben 4-H Livestock Show is the largest in the world. Ak-Sar-Ben. continues to support 4-H, contributing to camp development, scholarships, and 4-H Leader Training as well as in a host of other ways. Nebraska county fair facilities are excellent. Ak Sar-Ben plaques recognizing their contributions can be found on many county fair buildings. "Quietly, but at the same time steadily and surely, the state is now being prepared for a great pageant in the state of Nebraska -a pageant so perfect in its make-up and so real in its characterization that every Nebraskan who sees it will throw out his chest a I ittle further and step a bit more proudly. We refer to the Nebraska State Fair which opens its The Douglas County Dairy Judging Team in 1920, composed of two boys and one girl, won the judging contest at the Nebraska State Fair. The team went on to place eighth at the National Dairy Show. 12

14 INTERNATIONAL FOUR-H Youth work modeled after 4-H has existed in many countries since the 1920' s, particularly in Eng land, Latvia and Canada where youth work had early beginnings. In the years immediately after World War II, European and Asian relief became a major activity of 4-H clubs in the United States. As the boxes and packages of supp lies were exported, so was the concept of 4-H. The growth of 4-H around the world was impressive, but few 4-H'ers in the United States were affected by the growth, or were even aware of it. The International 4-H Youth Exchange (I.F.Y.E.) increased the visibility of 4-H in other countries. The first Nebraska I.F.Y.E. delegate was Helen Oschner Stiling, Madison County, who lived and worked with a farm family in Sweden in Four-H travels around the world with people. Colonel Charles A. Anderson, of Beatrice, Nebraska, found himself in Korea following World War II and organized 4-H in that country. Anderson, the Military Governor of Kyonggi, and his civilian counterpart, Ja Ok Koo, held a referendum on the question, "Shou ld 4-H Clubs Be Organized in Kyonggi Province?" Nearly 100 percent of the eligible voters voted and a large majority marked their ballots favorable. With Anderson's help over the next two years, South Korean officials organized 4-H clubs, trained volunteer leaders, and establ ished county contests. By the end of 1959, Korea had 3,729 clubs, and 142,595 members served by 6,528 volunteer leaders along with professional help from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. More than 2,000 Nebraska families have opened their homes to youth from around the world through the I.F.Y.E. program. The largest I.F.Y. E. program has been the Nebraska 4-H/J apan-labo Exchange. More than 1,000 Japanese youth have lived and worked with Nebraska farm families since Over 500 Nebraska youth have lived and worked with families in 38 other nations since 1948 as International 4-H Youth Exchange participants. These I.F.Y.E. participants have given over 33,000 talks to a variety of audiences. The I.F.Y.E. Host Family Association was organized in 1962; the I.F.Y.E. Alumni Organization in The I.F.Y.E. program is continually growing and very much concerned with international understanding, world peace and the impact of development through 4-H. Dr. Glen Krohn, now South Carolina State 4-H Leader, left, and Roy Stohler, 4-H Extension Specialist, right, examine crafts completed by Japanese Youth at a Nebraska 4-H International Camp. 13

15 UNIVERSITY 4-H CLUB Th e Univers ity 4-H Club was founded by State 4-H Leader L.l. Fr isbie in Annual dues were set at 35 ce nts. A 1927 newspaper account told of the club's purpose: ''Th e club encourages former club members to become leaders of clubs and urges enrollment of 4-H club members in the University of Nebraska, that they may carry the spirit of the University back to their home communities. Scholarship is encouraged by annual award of meda ls to the high ranking 4-H club member in each class. " These objectives remain important to the UNL 4-H Club. The club continues to award scholarships annually to its outstanding members in the areas of leadership and sc holastic achievement. Community events occupy a large amount of club mem bers' time. Some of its activities in 1985 include an annu al blood drive, clea ning and making repairs at the Eastern Nebraska 4-H Camp at Gretna in preparation for the summer camping season, holding workshops for other 4-H organizations, and operating a food stand at the Nebraska State Fair. The club offers a " Host Sc hool W eekend" each year when juniors and seniors in high school are invited to spend a weekend with one UNL 4-H club member, whether in dorms, apartments or fraternities and sororities. This allows the high sc hool student a chance to become better acquainted with the University of Nebraska and more aware of the UNL 4-H Club and its activities. One activity which is as enjoyable for the participants as the audience is the vocal group Outreachers. Organized by Dorthea Ho lstein in 1968, this musical group performs at various gatherings throughout the year. At the height of their activity in 1968 the group traveled to Washington, D.C. to perform at the Kennedy Center for Perform in g Arts. They also recorded an album, ca lled "Pass It On." The University 4-H Club is an active, energetic group, filled with enthusiastic members who help with their home county fairs and activities, as w ell as promote 4-H across the state. Today, as always, the UNL 4-H ciub motto is "To Make the Best Better." Members of the Outreach group in

16 STATE LEADERS This hi story is dedicated to all of the volunteer leaders, agents, specialists, and other staff who have contributed to the continuous growth of 4-H. Th is page shows a listing of the State 4-H Leaders, who directed th is growth with their experience, enthusiasm, skil l, and leaders hip E.C. Bishop 1916 L.T. Skinner Val Keyser C.W. Watson H u Id a Peterson (G iris) L.l. Frisb ie L.T. Ski nner (Boys) E.W. Janike Hu lda Peterson (Girls) W.M. Antes C.H. Besson (Boys) 1975-present Wm. E. Ca ldwell Celebrating National 4-H Week in the late 1970's are, from left: Dr. Leo E. Lucas, Dean and Director of the Nebraska Cooperative Extension Service; Governor Charles Thone; former State 4-H Leaders Wes Antes and Ed Janike; and current Assistant Director, 4-H Youth Development, Dr. William E. Caldwell. 15

17 NEW GENERATIONS NEW PROJECTS - In the 1906 Boys' and Girls' State-wide Contest, there were the following div isions: corn, w heat, sugar beets, potatoes, manual training, cooking, bread, preserving, needle work, an d house ornaments. At the 1985 State Fair, t here were 64 lots and 631 different classes. Today there is a free stru c ture that allows for se lf-determination in many of the subject matter areas. In Nebraska 4-H, one of t he tests for the development of a new project is the relationship of that project to research in a University of Nebraska department. Although 4-H has always bee n rooted in the idea of delivering the lates t sc ientific techniques in agriculture and home economics to farm families, the emphas is in the pas t was more on how to grow corn than how corn grew. Now projects are written to stimulate curiosity by asking why things occur rather than following steps. In 1964, 4-H entered the tele VIS IOn age w it h "the 4-H TV Sc ience Club." Later, more than 80,000 young people would learn about nutrition throu gh the "Mulligan Stew'; TV program. Nebraska contributed to the " Adventures in Conservation of Natural Resources" TV project in the late 1970's. Volunteers were recruited to teach specific "Special-Interest" projects late in the 1960's. Neb raska was one of the first states to offer "Computer Knowledge" as a special interest learn ing opportunity. Sc hoo l Enric hment programs were offered to sc hoo ls in the 1960's as well. Perhaps the most popul ar offering is the "E m bryology" spec ial interest project - ~ Nebraska that attracts nearly 10,000 sc hool youth each year. Fo ur-h has provided agri cu ltural information in the class room since its beginning. Because 4-H works, Congress turned to the Cooperative Extension Servi ce to provide nutrition informatio n to low in come fam ilies in c ities. Nebraska has cooperated w ith the "Expanded Food and Nut rition Program" since Four-H has responded to volunteer 4-H leaders' requests to make projects more relev ant. Staff, specialists, and alumni have occasio nally questioned the "new" projects; but Horse, Goat, Photography, Veterinary Sc ience, Know Your Heritage, Careers, and Lifetime Sports are now trad itio nal projects t hat attract and ho ld members. Volunteer leaders have a continuing ro le in t he development of new projects. Four-H is not t he same as it was 25, 15, or even 10 years ago. There is a new diversity of participation and activity t hat has come f rom Nebraska's 14,759 volunteer and teen leaders working with 63,365 yout h in an ever growing, ever expanding 4- H. Cooperative Extension Service so ~ 45 "' t -g "' 40 E ~ 3s c 0 Cll ~ 30 ::z::-..;. ts H and Youth Participation Program Jv 1\ v I \ v / I \ / I -- v ""' I I I-- I'-- I I I Years 1895 and 1900 enrollment figures are estimated. 16

18 NEBRASKA ASSOCIATION FOR 4-H DEVELOPMENT The Nebraska Associ ation for 4-H Development is noted for the excellent support it has been given by businesses and foundations, and for its dedicated service to youth. The cooperation of these organizations, the people of Nebraska, and Extension faculty have produced quality 4-H programs providing sound informal educational opportunities for youth. The Association philosophy has truly been one of developing youth as our most precious resource. Below are some of the milestones in the life of the Association for 4-H Development On April 24 the Nebraska Association for 4-H Development held its first formal organizational meeting at the University of Nebraska Student Union in Lincoln The Nebraska State 4-H Camp, located in the Nebraska National Forest near Halsey, was dedicated. The first major grant was obtained for programming enrichment A range fire burned 19,000 acres of forest and rangeland in the Nebraska National Forest, causing damage to the State 4-H Camp. The camp was rebuilt with insurance funds Several local citizens interested in youth programs saw a need for a camp in the Western Nebraska Panhandle area. The City of Sidney gave 7 1/2 acres of parkland, and located sewer, water and electrical lines to the area. With donations and pledges from private citizens, county organizations, youth organizations, Extension clubs and the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben, the Lodgepole Valley 4-H Youth Camp was started The first 4-H Friends Cookbook was printed The South Central 4-H Center at Republican City was dedicated The lodge at Lodgepole 4-H Camp was completed Energy grants from the Department of Energy and the State Energy Departments/Offices were received to develop a 4-H energy curriculum. The energy materials included 4-H project manuals, a 4-H energy television series called "The Energy Cha llenge," and special 4-H energy activities A mem<;>rial account to honor 4-H relatives and friends was established. Since the principal amount remains untouched, the memorials provide an opportunity for a lasting contribution, growing year by year to serve as a living tribute to those in whose memory contributions are made The Thompson 4-H Arena, located at Fonner Park in Grand Island, was dedicated. The arena was made possible by funds from Mr. and Mrs. B.L. Thompson, longtime residents of Grand Island, and the Hall County Agricultural Association (Fonner Park) The Nebraska/Washington Alumni Endowment Fund was established to build an ongoing financial base for the support of delegates to the National 4-H Conerence The Eastern Nebraska 4-H Center near Gretna was dedicated The 4-H Youth Complex at the Nebraska State Fair was completed just in time for the 1981 State Fair. Several county groups, 4-H clubs, individuals, businesses and community organizations donated trees and shrubs to landscape the mall area. 17

19 Great Moments in 4-H History In 1944 Elaine Skucius represented Nebraska 4-H Clubs at the christening of the United States Ship "E.A. Burnett." Elaine was a state 4-H staff member from 1952 to 1979 and presently resides in Lincoln. Maurine Steyer of Fillmore County was invited to meet and visit with President Harry Truman in Maurine and State 4-H Leader L. E. Frisbie met Truman at the White House during National Club Camp. At left is Rep. Carl Curtis, a former 4-H'er from Kearney County. 18

20 4-H IS PEOPLE "People who need people are the luckiest people in the world." The following is only a fraction of the people who are or have been involved with 4-H. Please add to our list by sending ideas to: 4-H History, 4-H and Youth Development 114 Ag Hall, East Campus UNL Lincoln, Nebraska OLDEST LIVING ALUMNI NAME RESIDENCE YEAR JOINED 4-H 4-H COUNTY Ruth McKenney Palmer 1906 Merrick Ruth Card Beaver Crossing 1910 Seward James C. Voboril 1914 Butler Leland Hunter Alaska 1915 Thurston Viola Baumbach Schuknecht 1916 Seward Clara Carstens Bierman Battle Creek 1916 Madison Joe Demuth Hastings 1917 Adams Senator Carl T. Curtis Minden 1917 Kearney Bernice Knecht Winnebago 1917 Thurston Lela Brandt Speth Palmyra 1918 Otoe e Dorothy Lucas Palmer Unadilla 1918 Otoe Inez Teachman Tecker Parks 1918 Lancaster Maude Hanson Red Cloud 1918 Webster E I izabeth Skinner Lang Uehling 1918 Burt E I izabeth Lang Uehling 1918 Dodge Frances Royal Kempke Bennet 1918 Otoe Margaret Royal Scott Lincoln 1918 Otoe Gertrude Royal Vanmeter Denver 1918 Otoe Louise Royal Finn Kansas 1918 Otoe Nellie Lucas Quinn Lincoln 1918 Otoe Jennie Lucas Headrick Grand Island 1918 Otoe Francis Vandewalle Cedar Rapids 1918 Boone Arthur Primrose Cedar Rapids 1919 Boone Clinton Stahly Milford 1919 Seward Alvin Schumacher Nebraska City 1919 Otoe Ruth Davis Hill Sun City, AZ 1919 Otoe Jesse Antes Grand J unc. CO 1919 Otoe Lillian Howe Linquist Hampton, VA 1919 Otoe Helen Davis Schovlund Lincoln 1919 Otoe Ruth Copenhaver Albers Long Beach, CA 1919 Otoe John Rhodes Beatrice 1920 Gage Eldon Lewis Kenesaw 1920 Webster Helen Shepardson Mason City, la 1920 Custer Della Florence Mason City, la 1920 Custer Helen Mares Cerny Rogers 1920 Colfax 19

21 NAME RESIDENCE YEAR JOINED 4-H 4-H COUNTY Genevieve Thayer Kohl Hardy 1920 Nuckolls Dorothy Thayer Corman Superior 1920 Nuckolls Art Eberspacher Seward 1920 Seward Milton Johnston Lexington 1920 Dawson joe Dunn Ft. Collins, CO 1920 Dawson I ~ Russell Batie Lincoln 1920 Dawson Harold White Lexington 1920 Dawson Clyde Wallace Lexington 1920 Dawson Ted Wilson Lexington 1920 Dawson Ester Dittenber Stuertz Lincoln 1920 Lancaster Mildred Beyer Millstadt, IL 1920 Saunders Ruth Johnston Bluel Eustis 1920 Dawson Eleanor Wieder Biettner Grand Island 1920 Dawson Hazel White Thurber Hickman 1920 Dawson Irene White Scranton Thedford 1920 Dawson Evalyn Christy Brock 1921 Nemaha Raphael Dobesh Staplehurst 1921 Seward VaVerne Fosler Bjorbeck Seward 1921 Seward George Deichman Leigh 1922 Colfax Marvin Weber Galt, CA 1922 Colfax Lester Daniels Denver, CO 1922 Colfax Rudolph W. Hobza Leigh 1922 Colfax Vern Green Danbury 1922 Red Willow Esther Malmberg Walthill 1922 Thurston True Howard Benkelman 1923 Dundy ~ Fred Lockwood Brock 1923 Nemaha Bert Woodley Miami, Ml 1924 Greeley Hans Deichmann Milan 1924 Colfax Velma Newill Rosalie 1924 Thurston Edna Ramspott Pender 1924 Thurston Gerald Applebee Scottsbluff 1924 Scotts Bluff Stanley Danekas Thedford 1924 Seward Lois Hohnbaum Seward 1925 Seward Martin Neuhart Hebron 1925 Thayer Murt Mark Greeley 1925 Greeley Don Hookstra Spalding 1925 Greeley Dean Hookstra Omaha 1925 Greeley J.H. Bernard Holmesville 1925 Gage Kenneth Whitaker Beatrice 1925 Gage Lester Reiff Beatrice Beatrice 1925 Gage Louis Haggerty Omaha 1926 Greeley Roger Albin Hastings 1926 Webster Orval Keyes Springfield 1926 Sarpy Charley Romine Palisade 1926 Hitchcock Neil Gatch Scottsbluff 1926 Scotts Bluff 20

22 - OLDEST LIVING ALUMNI NAME RESIDENCE YEAR JOINED 4-H 4-H COUNTY Alta Krasser Seward 1926 Seward Walt Bohling Auburn 1927 Nemaha Joe Haggerty Lincoln 1927 Greeley Mildred Mark Greeley 1927 Greeley Earl Ahrens West Point 1929 Cuming Harold Stevens Lexington 1930 Perkins Velma Chambers McDonald Lynch 1932 Boyd Marcia Schroeder Bloomfield 1937 Knox Lloyd Hammer Bloomfield 1937 Knox Arnold Koertje Bloomfield 1937 Knox LaVeve Andersen Bouvesen Verdigre 1937 Knox Dorothy Adams Walton Verdigre 1937 Knox Lorraine Adams Busenkamp Bloomfield 1937 Knox Harley Anderson Bloomfield 1937 Knox Wilbur Hansen Bloomfield 1937 Knox Perry W. Adams Verdigre 1937 Knox MULTI GENERATION 4-H FAMILIES BANNER 1st Geneva Westerhoff, joined around nd Kay Soule's mother and 2 aunts (name not given) 3rd Kay Soule currently active on 4-H Council 4th Bobbie Soule currently an active member BOONE Francis and Ethel VanDeWalle, 3 generations BOYD Velma Chambers McDonald, 3 generations BURT Mrs. Nell Hightree, 3 generations 1st Elizabeth Skinner Lang 2nd Joan Lang Price 3rd Nancy Price Harney 4th Sarah Harney BUTLER Jame Voboril, 3 generations CLAY Mr. and Mrs. Dale Olson, 3 generations lone Lipovsky, 3 generations Mr. and Mrs. Carl Hansen Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Yost COLFAX Helen Mares, 3 generations Joe Sobota, 3 generations George Reininger, 3 generations Herbert Grotelueschen Donald Botsch Harold Sucha Rudolph W. Hobza Emil J. Sobota Milo Brichacek Donald Croghan Gonion Fuhr 1st Mrs. Otto (Mary) Hradec, leader ( ) 2nd Mrs. Lambert (Evelyn Hradec) Lodl 3rd Kathleen Lodl, Mrs. Raymond (Lynn Lodl) Harms 4th Becki Harms CUMING Eldon Lofgren, 3 generations DAWSON 1st Clifford White 2nd Harold White 3rd Keith White 4th Gary and Larry White 5th Kellie and Becky White GAGE Ernest Dell, 3 generations Willard Waldo, 3 generations Clarence Boesiger, 3 generations Lynn McKinsie, 3 generations Margaret Bence, 3 generations Franklin Spilker, 3 generations HAYES Lawrence and Laura Walker, 3 generations HITCHCOCK John F. Coyle, 3 generations, Frontier-Nuckolls Charley Romine, 3 generations KEARNEY Clinton Peterson, 3 generations Rueben and Gwen Abrahamson Herbert Swanson, 3 generations 1st Bill Jorgensen 2nd Bill Jorgensen 3rd Bill, Mike, Pam (Donley), Doug, Deb (Pesek) Jorgensen 4th Libby Jorgensen, Jayson jorgensen, Jeremiah Jorgensen, and Sam Donley 21

23 KNOX Perry Adams, 3 generations Alton Anderson, 3 generations MADISON Clara Carstens Bierman, 3 generations 1st john C. Volk Sr leader 2nd jim, john Jr., Helen Grant, Bob Volk, Betty Bierman and 3rd 4th Kenneth Volk Meredith, Van, Tim, john Ill, and Diane Volk; Richard Grant and Brenda Bierman; Jimmy, Tom, Jan, and Sue Volk; Jay and Clark Volk, Max, Rex and Vera Volk; Rita Clark; Inez Runnels; Lyndon, Brian, and joel Bierman; and Jayne Decker too numerous to list NEMAHA 1st Evalyn Gilbert Christy, member Chan Christy, leader 2nd Margaret Christy Piper, Marion Piper 3rd Susan Piper Remmers, Gary Piper, Dale Piper, Dave Piper, Phil Piper, Christy Piper Riggins, jennifer Piper 4th Teri Remmers, (daughter of Susan) Fred Lockwood, 3 generations NUCKOLLS Vernon Corman OTOE Rosa (Helm) Calloway, 3 generations PIERCE Keith Huwaldt, 3 generations Clifford Voss, 3 generations PLATTE 1st Pau I Gertsch 2nd Melvin Gertsch 3rd Boyd Gertsch 4th joshua Gertsch Jim Mueller, 3 generations RED WILLOW W.O. Grafton - Merwin Grafton- Linda Grafton, 3 generations Don Thompson- )erda Garey - Scott Garey, 3 generations Mrs. Johnson - Elda Shields- Eldon Shields, 3 generations Ira Neel - Dick Neel - Jenny Neel, 3 generations SARPY Vi Rothermund, 3 generations Betty Nelson, 3 generations Mary Welshinger, 3 generations Harold Keefer, 3 generations Delores Kreifels, Harland Krambeck, Sr., 3 generations Lorraine Krapp, 3 generations Orval Keyes, 3 generations Velma Trumble, 3 generations SAUNDERS Clarence Hanke, 3 generations SCOTTSBLUFF Gerald Applebee, 3 generations Mrs. E.B. Stamen, 3 generations Neal Gatch, 3 generations SEWARD Ruth Card, 1910, 3 generations Ted Aegerter, 3 generations 1st Mrs. George Bauer 2nd Marian Bauer Leff 3rd Darcy Leff Lingwall 4th Tracy Lingwall THAYER Lois Ream, 3 generations THURSTON Velma Newill, 3 generations Esther Malmberg, 3 generations Francis Fuller, 3 generations 1st Bernice Knecht 2nd Vernon Knecht 3rd Kim Knecht 4th Jus tin Knecht WEBSTER 1st Eldon Lewis 2nd Bonnie (Lewis) Duval 3rd Jim Duval and Shirley Vance 4th Chad and Amy Duval, Brian Vance.. 4-H CLUBS: YEARS OF EXISTENCE CLUB NAME NO. OF YEARS COUNTY CLUB NAME NO. OF YEARS COUNTY Alban 4-H Club 67 Nuckolls Allen Eastern 45 Pierce Driftwood Feeders 64 Red Willow Coleridge 4-H Livestock 44 Cedar Staplehurst Livestock 61 Seward Flying Needles 44 Burt North Palmyra 60 Otoe West Star 44 Cedar Golden Rod 60 Cuming Happy Go Lucky 44 Lancaster Frenchman Valley 59 Hitchcock Hillside Sparkplugs 44 Dawson Four Leaf Clover 56 Cuming Beaver Crossing Livestock 43 Seward Blue Banner 56 Colfax Keep 'E m Growing 43 Fillmore Pleasant Dale 54 Cedar Alfalfa Center 4-H Club 43 Dawson Riverview Jr. Stockman 53 Gage Keep It Going 43 Dodge r Simeon 50 Cherry Dawson Livestock 4-H Club 41 Dawson Code Valley Pig 49 Scotts Bluff Plum Creek Livestock 41 Boone Community Feeders 47 Colfax Diamond Willow 40 Buffalo Pearl Creek 47 Cedar Minute Milkers 40 Clay Douglas County 4-H Band 46 Douglas Junior Livestock 40 Burt Chester Livestock 46 Thayer 4-B's 40 Webster Riverview Livestock 46 Boyd Filley Topnotchers 40 Gage Platte Valley Beef 45 Douglas 22

24 e Neat CLUB NAME NO. OF YEARS COUNTY CLUB NAME NO. OF YEARS COUNTY Sumner Livestock 4-H Club 40 Dawson Blue River Champs 36 Madison as a Pin 40 Seward Jo lly )ills 35 Colfax Bunker Hill 40 Platte Ft. Kearney 4-H' ers 35 Kearney junior Homemakers 39 Cedar Eastside Livestock 35 Clay jolly Stock 38 Gage Saronville Stockmen 35 Clay Cornhusker Livestock 38 Platte Douglas Go Getters 35+ Otoe Champion 37 Gage Happy Homemakers 35+ Otoe Boys Town Aggies 37 Douglas OSAger 35+ Otoe Happy Hour Community Club 37 Hayes Silver Creek 35+ Otoe Lawrence S.O.S. 36 Nuckolls Wilson Creek Feeders 35+ Otoe Model Misses 36 Gage. Wyom ing Feeders 35+ Otoe Midland Feeders 36 Colfax Sparta Sparklers 35 Knox Corny Cattle Club 36 Clay Red Willow Boosters 35 Red Willow Happy Mixer 36 Boone Liberty Livestock 33 Gage AK-SAR-BEN Ramblers 36 Douglas Hill Bil l Baby Beef 31 Buffalo VOLUNTEER LEADERS: YEARS OF SERVICE NAME YEARS OF SERVICE COUNTY NAME YEARS OF SERVICE COUNTY Alta Krasser 47 Seward Art McDowell 35 Clay Dorothy Nicholson 47 Red Willow Esther Malmberg 35 Thurston Gladys Gibson 46 Dodge Vera Mae Schacher 35 Platte Bess Johnson 45 Douglas Gordon Deichmann 35 Merrick Pau l Monson 45 Polk Dorothy Wiechert 35 Lancaster Robert Anthony 44 Dawson C.E. Cooper 35 Garden Bill Kloepping 44 Dawson Mrs. Emory Bergh 35 Antelope Mrs. William Longe 44 Dakota Don Finch 33 Gage Mrs. Verona Schlueter 44 Cuming Mrs. John Votroubek 33 Gage Raphael Dobesh 42 Seward Mrs. Delmar Gansebom 32 Pierce Henry Rickertson 41 Dawson Mrs. Adolf Egr 31 Butler Sarah Hammond 41 Kimball Katie Sm ith 31 Kearney Francis Beattie 40 Dawson Anna Wilkinson 31 Kearney Sophia Power 40 Otoe Mrs. Ernest Osdiek 31 Nuckolls Dale Bolz 40 Otoe Mrs. Vincent Anderson 31 Cedar Chalmer Wilkerson 40 Cedar Mrs. Marie (Alfred) Fugate 30 Dundy Mrs. Arthur Arbuthnot 39 Boone Gera ld Applebee 28 Scotts Bluff Mrs. Elmer Pau lson 39 Cuming Mary Dickenson 28 Scotts Bluff Gladys Evans 39 Nemaha Raymond Heinrich 27 Adams Evalyn Christy 39 Nemaha Yvonne Haskett 27 Douglas f: James Fleischman 38 Burt Marvine Dvorak 27 Sarpy Mrs. Francis (Ethel) VanDeWalle 38 Burt Francis VanDeWalle 26 Boone Mrs. Gerald Kroft 38 Butler Lois Mussel 26 Douglas Bernice Bryant 38 Douglas Marian Paasch 25 Douglas joan Price 37 Burt Mrs. Joy Howell 25 Boyd e E I don Lofgren 37 Cuming Harlan Siebrass 25 Webster Mrs. Esther Thomas 37 Dawson joel Samuelson 24 Adams Joann L. Sauberzweig 37 Otoe Russell Priefert 23 Thayer Reinert Reinertson 37 Sherman Laura Wa lker 37 Hayes 23