4-H Facts – History of 4-H

Brief 4-H History

Early school teachers O.H. Benson in Wright County and Jessie Field Shambaugh in Page County, taught farm topics in schools. Both became superintendents in their respective counties in 1906 and vigorously promoted "club" work.  County Superintendent Cap E. Miller in Keokuk County, Iowa was also a 4-H pioneer. In 1904 he urges his teachers to promote clubs and teach farm subjects. He sponsored a county organization of boys and girls with officers and educational programs. Miller's plans fostered many of the teaching tools of today's 4-H program, including life skills and learning-by-doing through projects, group meetings and exhibits. Community service projects also provide active learning interaction of youth and adults and encourage youth to set and accomplish goals.

The programs for boys were called "Boys' Agricultural Clubs."  They had exhibits of corn and garden products, and held livestock judging contests. The program for girls was called "Girls' Home Culture Clubs."  The girls had exhibits of sewing and cooking, and held contests in which they judged "articles of sewing, handwork, and cooking."

 

The emblem of the four-leaf clover started out in 1906 at a one-room country school near Clarion, Iowa.  O.H. Benson observed the 11 pupils looking for four-leaf clovers.  He used the four leaves to stand for the school's 4-Square Development of: Education, Physical, Moral, and Fellowship. The four-H clover did not become the official emblem until 1911. 

 

County Extension staffing patterns established between 1914 and 1919 increased the growth and effectiveness of volunteer leadership. The programs eventually became part of the Extension service and not the public school system.

For more on 4-H History.

Adapted from the Emmett County "Welcome to 4-H: New Family Guide" prepared by Lisa Berkland, 1995

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 Andrea Nelson 8/4/2004